IPS Doc. #2637 IMPERIAL RESCRIPT On the occasion of the pious and reverent establishment of the State Foundation Shrine dedicated to the consolidation of the eternal basis of our State and to the growth of the ever-lasting principle of our State, we hereby order and exhort our subjects as follows: Ever since the founding of our State, its foundation has been getting more and more consolidated and its destiny has been growing more and more reassuring, with the result of a steady advancement day after day towards the reign of a majestic rule. Reflecting upon the source and considering the magnitude of the remarkable achievements, we cannot help feeling indebted to the Divine Blessing of Amaterasu-omikami and to the protective benevolence of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. Thereupon, we previously paid a visit in person to the Imperial Household of Japan, expressing our sincere thanks, and, feeling even more grateful, we granted the Imperial Rescript to our subjects, exhorting them of the profound meaning and aim of the righteous cause of common virtue and single-heartedness. Recently we visited Japan again to offer our respectful congratulations upon the Grand Celebration of the 2,600th