Memorial Service marking the 6th Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake
2017/3/17
Saturday the 11th of March marked the 6th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and a memorial service was held to remember the victims and to show support for those recovering from the disaster. Held every year, the memorial service is co-organised by the Canberra Japan Club, Australia-Japan Society (ACT Inc.) and the JET Alumni Association of Canberra., and held in Canberra Nara Pace Park.
This year’s memorial service was held in Canberra Nara Peace Park and was attended by approximately 100 people from Canberra, including those who have connections with Japan. Ambassador Kusaka and representatives of Canberra-based Japan friendship groups were also in attendance. Attendees observed a minute’s silence at AEDT 4:46 PM (2:26 PM Japan time), which was followed by a Gagaku performance (ceremonial court music) on the hichiriki flute by Dr. Yukihiro Doi.
In his speech, Ambassador Kusaka expressed his heartfelt condolences for the people who lost their lives in the tragedy and spoke of his visit to the disaster-stricken area. He expressed his sincerest gratitude to the people of Australia as well as the Australian government for their tremendous support. The Ambassador commented on the disaster-recovery efforts of the government of Japan and various humanitarian organisations. With 130,000 displaced persons, Ambassador Kusaka stated there is still much more to be done assist those still affected by the disaster.
Along with the Ambassador, representatives from the Canberra Japan Club, Australia-Japan Society (ACT Inc.), JETAA Canberra and the ANU Za Kabuki Club gave speeches that reflected their connections to the disaster. The memorial ceremony was concluded with a solo performance of the song, Hana Wa Saku (Flowers Will Bloom) by Ms. Misako Piper.
This year’s memorial service was held in Canberra Nara Peace Park and was attended by approximately 100 people from Canberra, including those who have connections with Japan. Ambassador Kusaka and representatives of Canberra-based Japan friendship groups were also in attendance. Attendees observed a minute’s silence at AEDT 4:46 PM (2:26 PM Japan time), which was followed by a Gagaku performance (ceremonial court music) on the hichiriki flute by Dr. Yukihiro Doi.
In his speech, Ambassador Kusaka expressed his heartfelt condolences for the people who lost their lives in the tragedy and spoke of his visit to the disaster-stricken area. He expressed his sincerest gratitude to the people of Australia as well as the Australian government for their tremendous support. The Ambassador commented on the disaster-recovery efforts of the government of Japan and various humanitarian organisations. With 130,000 displaced persons, Ambassador Kusaka stated there is still much more to be done assist those still affected by the disaster.
Along with the Ambassador, representatives from the Canberra Japan Club, Australia-Japan Society (ACT Inc.), JETAA Canberra and the ANU Za Kabuki Club gave speeches that reflected their connections to the disaster. The memorial ceremony was concluded with a solo performance of the song, Hana Wa Saku (Flowers Will Bloom) by Ms. Misako Piper.
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