(Video) We made Japanese aviation history!!

This is Shinji gave his speech in Japanese at Japan aviation association. it was DONE deal. you can read all translation below -

I visited Yasukuni Shrine yesterday to report on this award ceremony to the spirits of those who sacrificed their lives for the future of Japan.

Earthrounder, around-the-world mission flight conducted in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, surprised many in the European and American aviation community.

The US Federal Aviation Administration did not issue a permit to install any additional fuel tanks, which was absolutely necessary to ensure long distance flight safety. Furthermore, borders closed in various countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic countermeasures, and destinations had to be changed daily. As a result, we were constantly racing against the clock and I was forced to fly through every conceivable type of adverse weather, including thunder, icing, sandstorms, and cumulonimbus clouds.

In fact, there were seven instances that I exceeded the limits of my flying skills and thought I might not make it through. They were truly life threatening challenges that you would never encounter in regular flights.

As I calmly reflect on the success of this mission flight, I recall flying over the East China S

ea, where the battleship Yamato rests, and praying for the souls of her crews. I felt as if the heroic spirits of those who fought for their homeland, Japan, were telling me, "You must return alive to your family. Go fulfill your responsibility by spreading the importance of keeping hopes and dreams." This is the reason that I often visit Yasukuni Shrine and pray whenever I have chance.

In my college days in Japan, I was constantly told, "Never even think about being a pilot with one eye. People with disabilities cannot have a dream job or build your own family. Your life is over." Yet, I refused to surrender such discriminations and finally found my own path forward in the United States. As a result, I continue to take on the challenge of flying and building passenger aircraft at Boeing as aircraft manufacturer and flight engineer.

Today, I stand in front of you, representing as a Japanese aviator. More than just an honor, I am filled with gratitude for this award. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those involved, especially those who nominated me for this award.

I can confidently say that this award makes a historic moment for my supporters all over the world a lot more than you can imagine.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my family, friends, sponsors, and everyone I made connections through aviation for guiding me to this success. I also want to thank my late parents for watching me pursue my passion patiently.

I will continue to fulfill my mission to pay forward the opportunities that the United States provided me with gratitude for the sky.

I am proud of leaving my name on Japanese aviation history today, and I would like to conclude my remarks by expressing my gratitude to everyone.

Thank you very much.

Shinji Maeda