Ireland a true friend to Japan

AT 14.46 on March 11, Japan was hit by one of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history. We are now making all-out efforts to restore livelihoods and recover from the series of tragedies that followed the Great East Japan Earthquake.

The disaster left more than 28,000 people dead or missing, including foreign citizens. Since March 11, Japan has been strongly supported by the international community and our friends around the world. On behalf of the Japanese people, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the outpouring of support and solidarity we have received from over 130 countries, nearly 40 international organisations, numerous NGOs, and countless individuals from all parts of the world. The Japanese people deeply appreciate the Kizuna (a Japanese word for “bonds of friendship”) that has been shown to us by friends around the world. Through this hardship, we have also come to truly understand the meaning of “a friend in need is a friend indeed”.

The response of the Irish people has been overwhelmingly sympathetic and generous. In addition to support through the EU, the government of Ireland decided, less than a week after the disaster, to provide relief funds of €1m to the people in the affected areas. Support has come from not only the Government, but also friendship organisations, NGOs and countless individuals, in various forms of humanitarian assistance such as charity events, fund-raising and heartfelt messages. So many Japanese citizens, including myself, have been enormously encouraged by the warmth that the Irish people have shown towards us. I wish to express our sincere thanks to Irish people for all your sympathy and assistance.

We, the Japanese people, rose from the ashes of the Second World War, using our fundamental strength to secure a remarkable recovery and the country’s present prosperity. I have not a single doubt that Japan will overcome this crisis, recover from the aftermath of the disaster, emerge stronger than ever, and establish a more vibrant and better Japan for future generations.

I believe that the best way for Japan to reciprocate the strong Kizuna and cordial friendship extended to us by the international community is to continue our contribution to the development of the international community. To that end, I will work to the best of my ability to realise a “forward-looking” reconstruction that gives people bright hopes for the future. I would wholeheartedly appreciate your continued support and cooperation.

Naoto Kan

Prime Minister of Japan

Tokyo, Japan