"The motto of the United Buddy Bears is 'We have to get to know each other better', and I would like to see that Japan and Germany also learn more about each other". With these words, Mr. Köhler (on the left) appreciated the international project that reaches beyond national boundaries in his speech at the opening.

Prime Minister Koizumi (on the right) was impressed by the bears' symbolism, standing together "hand in hand". "This emphasises the diversity of cultures and traditions in the global society. It is important to respect one another."