Kizuna
- The Bonds of Friendship -
April 11, 2011
One month has passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake, which caused over
13,000 people to lose their lives in the enormous earthquake and tsunamis that
struck. Even now, over 14,000 people remain unaccounted for, and about 150,000
people remain forced to take shelter as evacuees. I extend my heartfelt sympathy
to all the people who have suffered as a result of this disaster, both Japanese
nationals and non-Japanese, and to their families.
We are currently mobilizing all resources to bring the situation at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station under stable control and working to stabilize the situation there at the earliest possible time.
This one month since the great earthquake has been an extremely arduous time for
Japan. Yet at the same time, it has been a period during which Japan has once
again realized, and once again given thanks, that we stand together with the
world.
Thus far, over 130 nations and regions, nearly 40 international organizations, a
number of nongovernmental organizations and people from all around the globe
have extended their best wishes to us, and moreover they have expressed their
support and solidarity through donations and other means. Various countries and
regions rushed in rescue workers to swiftly conduct rescue operations in the
affected areas swiftly and delivered supplies such as food, medical supplies,
and blankets. This assistance also brought wholehearted encouragement to the
disaster victims. In addition, we have received thousands of origami paper
cranes intently folded by children in distant nations wishing for the
reconstruction of the disaster-stricken areas.
On behalf of the people of Japan, I extend my heartfelt thanks for such
assistance from all around the world.
There is no doubt that Japan will recover, become vibrant again, and become an
even more marvelous country. In living up to the cordial encouragement and
solidarity extended to us by the international community, I consider walking
down the road to such a rebirth to be incumbent upon us, and the best way for
Japan to reciprocate your kind concern. It is my firm conviction that through
the fundamental strengths inherent to the Japanese people and the cordial
cooperation of the international community, we can achieve this without fail.
I am also determined that Japan will certainly repay, through our contributions
to the international community, the cordial assistance we have received from
around the world.
To that end, I will work to the best of my ability to realize reconstruction of
Japan.
Naoto Kan
Prime Minister of Japan
A friend in need is a friend indeed