press release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Midori Takeuchi, Deputy Consul General
Consulate General of Japan in Detroit
400 Renaissance Center, 1600, Detroit, MI 48243
Phone: 313-567-0120 / pr@dt.mofa.go.jp

Two-year Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

Detroit, March 11, 2013 - A special message by the Honorable Kuninori Matsuda of the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit

“In the aftermath of the earthquake and resultant tsunami of March 11, 2011, the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit was inundated with an outpouring of sympathy, well-wishes, and generous donations from numerous individuals, and public and private sector organizations throughout its jurisdiction states of Michigan and Ohio.  As we mark the second anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, and on behalf of the Japanese people and the Government of Japan, I would like to again express my profound gratitude to all of those in Michigan and Ohio who have shown—and continue to show—us incredible friendship, kindness, and support.

Despite the loss of precious lives and property, and the ongoing challenges that lie ahead, overall reconstruction efforts continue to show steady progress.  Clearly, Japan is back on the right track as a strong, revitalized and prosperous ally and partner of the United States of America.  A silver lining of this tragedy is the fact that the strength and closeness of the
U.S.-Japan alliance was once again made evident—not only through the very successful “Operation Tomodachi (Friend)” between our nations’ governments and military personnel, but also in the new and revitalized grassroots exchanges I witnessed here between so many sister-city clubs, municipalities, schools, and everyday citizens in the great states of Michigan and Ohio, and their counterparts in Japan.”   

Fact Sheet:
As the second anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake approaches on March 11, 2013, the Government of Japan (GoJ) reports that reconstruction efforts continue to show steady progress:

  • Immediately following the disaster, 470,000 individuals were evacuated.  Public or temporary housing has been made available to all of the 320,000 who were ultimately displaced.
  •  Vital infrastructures, such as major roads and rail networks, as well as essential public services, were quickly re-established, including 165 of 184 hospitals (90%) resuming services, and 1,801 of 2,325 schools (77%) resuming classes.
  • Governmental initiatives for the establishment of disaster-resilient towns are underway, including the collective relocation of residential areas to safer, higher ground in 276 districts in 26 municipalities, and the readjustment and leveling of land for residential areas in 58 districts in 19 municipalities.
  • The disparity in industrial production between the affected (Tohoku region) and unaffected areas of Japan has been narrowing.  Severely impacted businesses, including those within the automotive sector, have regained their globally competitive status.
  •  Tourist numbers in Japan have rebounded. In 2012, Japan welcomed 8.37 million foreign visitors, representing a significant recovery (an increase of 6.22 million visitors compared to 2011) and a return to pre-earthquake levels of inbound tourism. Japan continues to welcome foreign visitors from around the world.

Future Vision & Policies:
Going forward, Japan seeks to leverage the reconstruction process in order to reaffirm the economic potential of the Tohoku region and spur economic revitalization throughout Japan.  This revitalization process is the top priority of the GoJ.  To that end, it will focus on policies which benefit the three main ‘pillars’ for enacting meaningful change - Economic Revival, Reconstruction, and Crisis Management.

  • Economic Revival
    • For Japan, the most urgent issue remains revitalizing the nation’s economy to ensure stability and future prosperity. 
    • More than 10 trillion yen (USD $106B approx.) has been set aside to stimulate the economy through job creation, enhancing innovation, reconstruction efforts, strengthening domestic demand and creating global opportunities.
  •  Reconstruction
    • Japan will accelerate reconstruction of disaster-affected areas and make concerted efforts to revitalize the Tohoku Region. 
    • The budgetary framework for reconstruction, based on additional needs in the affected areas, has been expanded from 19 trillion to 25 trillion yen for FY2011-2015 (USD $202B to USD $266B approx).  As a result, further funding for reconstruction has been secured in the FY2012 supplementary budget and the FY2013 budget.
  • Crisis Management
    • In an effort to ensure readiness for any future crises or disasters, Japan plans to prioritize strengthening infrastructure and public facilities throughout the country.
    • Japan is making a major investment of 2.2 trillion yen (USD $23.4B approx.) to restore and fortify social infrastructures such as schools, highways, and bridges.

For further details or inquiries, please email:  midori.takeuchi@mofa.go.jp

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