量子科学技術研究開発機構　理事長　平野俊夫
HIRANO Toshio, President, National Institutes For Quantum Science And Technology (QST)

I was deeply saddened by the obituary of Chairman Dr. Bernard Bigot. As the director of the ITER, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership toward the realization of fusion power generation, which is the dream of humankind. Human beings are now facing various urgent issues related to the survival of humankind, including environmental problems, energy problems, food and water problems, infectious diseases such as COVID-19, and various conflicts such as the Ukrainian War. There are various serious problems to be solved. The ITER project is a very important international collaborative project that opens up the future of humankind and is driven by the seven poles of the world overcoming the barriers of diversity, which is created by differences of languages, people, culture, religion, politics etc. We have the great ideal of overcoming the barriers of diversity, creating harmony, and achieving a peaceful and prosperous human society. On the one hand, we also face various challenges to overcome the barriers of diversity. Bernard has overcome the barriers of diversity and demonstrated tremendous leadership in realizing human ideals. His obituary will hurt mankind, but we must take over his will and open up the future of mankind. I pray from the bottom of my heart for Bernard's soul.

量子エネルギー部門　部門長　池田佳隆
IKEDA Yoshitaka, Managing Director, Fusion Energy Directorate, QST

I am very sorry to hear the passing, Bernard Bigot. He was a truly great global leader and we at QST Fusion energy directorate know that he remarkably progressed the ITER project in these seven years as Director General. Up to now, we can see the setting the first sub-section into Tokamak assembly pit. I personally remember that he showed his leadership, passion, decision on the TBM-SC when I was working in this committee. He indicated us the way to guide the international project towards the goal.
I would like to express my thanks for all his contributions to the whole fusion community, and to pray that he rests in peace.

那珂研究所 副所長　鎌田裕
KAMADA Yutaka, Deputy Director General, Naka Fusion Institute, QST

I respect DG Bernard Bigot from the bottom of my heart. His energetic and warm leadership covered the whole ITER activities and the fusion society in the world. I will also never forget about DG Bigot's warm encouragements to the JT-60SA project.

ITER 日本国内機関長　杉本誠
On behalf of all staff of ITER Japan Domestic Agency,
SUGIMOTO Makoto, Head, Japan Domestic Agency, QST

Bernard,
I was shocked to hear the news of your passing.
First, I can’t thank you enough for the countless times you have helped ITER Japan. Through your strong leadership abilities, you showed wisdom, kindness, and courage. I really felt and will continue to draw on those wonderful qualities. I remember as if it were only yesterday when you came all the way to Japan after the first ITER-TF coil had been completed. Your undeniable commitment to the ITER project shined through and your words of encouragement to those in Japanese industry and the members of JADA won the respect of many and still resonate to this day.
Second, it was truly an honor to be able to participate in the ceremonies at the ITER site in France for the start of ITER assembly in July 2020. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to witness such a historical milestone. It was truly a privilege.
Finally, all members of ITER Japan will carry on your legacy by continuing to work together as one ITER team to contribute to the success of the ITER project to the best of our abilities. May you rest in peace.

2020年1月30日、TFコイル初号機完成披露式典にて（写真：三菱重工提供）
At the ceremony of the first ITER TF coil fabrication completion at Kobe, Japan, on Jan.2020

2020年7月31日、ITER組立開始式典にて（写真：ITER機構提供）
At the ceremony of the start of ITER assembly on Jul. 2020 at St. Paul-lez-Durance

2020年1月31日、那珂研をご視察された際、ビゴ機構長はITERブランケット遠隔装置のロボットアームを操縦され、最初のオペレーターとして正式に認定されました。
With a prototype of the ITER Blanket Remote Handling System (BRHS) at QST Naka. DG Bigot was officially certified as the very first operator of the ITER-BRHS.

ITERプロジェクト部　部長　井上多加志
INOUE Takashi, Director, Department of ITER Project, QST

Dear DG Bigot,
I am so sad hearing you passed away.
I still remember your visit to Nara and Kyoto in 2016 for STAC. It was so exciting time for me and I really enjoyed talking with you there. I learned quite a lot how the project leader should be, how to manage the project and team. Since then, I tried to follow you as much as possible for the procurement of various components JADA is responsible for including the Blanket Remote Handling System.
The ITER is still in the middle of the project, and stepping into an important phase of the machine assembly. We will surely succeed your strong will to complete the assembly and to realize the fusion energy on Earth, maintaining the momentum of the ITER project you provided.
I pray for your peaceful sleep forever.
Best wishes,

世界中のビゴ博士の同僚・友人たちが同時に黙祷 5月16日19時
Dr. Bigo's colleagues and friends around the world prayed in silence at 19:00 JST (12:00 France time) on May 16.

ITERプロジェクト部　次長　中平昌隆
NAKAHIRA Masataka, Deputy Director, Department of ITER Project, QST

I would like to offer my condolences for the loss of Dr. Bigot.
I remember I saw you in the ITER building 5F at around 7 o'clock at night, just before announcement of your selection to DG of ITER, when I visited IO as a TRO of TF coil structure.
At that time, I did not know who you were, but it was quite impressive since I thought everybody at the floor went home already and did not expect to see anybody still work. I remember you walked corridor with smile and even with some kind of aura. I recognize you worked so hard even before official settlement to DG, and also enjoyed the work.
I also saw your proper decision makings without hesitation in the Superconducting Magnet Steering Board meeting and was impressed every time.
Everybody know you worked with quite strong concentration and more than 100% power. Thanks for your great effort and hope you to rest in peace.