ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT EAST JAPAN EARTHQUAKE
March 9, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012, will mark the one-year anniversary of The Great East Japan Earthquake, which struck the coast of northern Japan’s Tohoku region at 2:46 p.m. (Japan time) on March 11, 2011. The magnitude 9.0 earthquake and resultant tsunami were the largest ever recorded in Japan, claiming nearly 20,000 lives.
Consul General Kuninori Matsuda offers his heartfelt prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
As news of the disasters spread, the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit was inundated by correspondence from concerned residents from its jurisdiction states of Michigan and Ohio. Within hours of the earthquake, many visited the consulate to sign a book of condolence and personally convey their sympathies.
Numerous local organizations in both states raised millions of dollars for a variety of relief agencies.
In addition, the consulate received 208 donations, amounting to over $268,000.
Consul General Matsuda once again wishes to offer his deepest gratitude to the individuals, schools, churches, non-profits, corporations, and local governments who gave generously and expressed close solidarity with the Japanese people.
In the past year, Japan’s recovery and reconstruction efforts have progressed steadily. Japan seeks to accelerate its “open reconstruction” and strive for a nationwide economic recovery, beginning with the disaster-affected areas. Japan views the challenge of reconstruction as an opportunity for complete revitalization. Japan continues to be a safe, attractive, and welcoming destination to visit and do business, and thus welcomes foreign investment, tourists, and students from overseas.
Japan considers the kind support received from the international community as a gift stemming from kizuna (or, “the bond of friendship”). It will reciprocate this gift by way of “substantial diplomacy” and global engagement, including continued Official Development Assistance (ODA) contributions and other outreaches, so to contribute to the security and well-being of humankind.
In this spirit, Japan will share with the international community lessons learned through the earthquake and its aftermath, and will eagerly support any country which might face similar crises in the future.
Japan will continue to promptly present accurate, scientific data as to the nation’s current conditions and the safety of its products. Regarding the accident at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station, the plant was brought to a state of cold shutdown last December and is on schedule for decommissioning. Japan considers it a high responsibility to share with the international community the experiences and lessons learned from the accident, with the goal of improved international nuclear safety.
Currently, Japan is in the midst of a comprehensive review of its energy policy?to be completed this summer?in order to reach an optimally balanced, safe, cost-effective, and sustainable supply of energy. Japan seeks to augment its energy and environmental technologies in hopes of becoming a cutting-edge model for energy creation, storage, and stewardship. Japan will contribute to “green growth” in the global community and will promote a low-carbon society through international frameworks and ODA.