Consulate-General of Japan in Houston

　Thank you Mayor Parker and Judge Emmett, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my great honor to be here with you this evening.

　On Friday, March 11 at 2:46 PM an enormously powerful earthquake of magnitude 8.9 struck, centered off the Sanriku Coast.

　As this news spread, our Consulate received and continues to receive numerous phone calls, letters - including one from Mayor Parker - and e-mails expressing shock, sadness, and heartfelt desire to assist the victims in Japan. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my profound gratitude to all Houstonians for their sympathies and support during this difficult time.

　Japanese PM Naoto Kan has called this the worst crisis after the World War II. The number of victims is still increasing. So far 10,000 people have been found dead, 15,000 are still missing and 300,000 people have evacuated. As horrible as these numbers are, there is some positive news. With assistance from U.S. military 26,000 people have been rescued. Many countries are joining the rescue effort. 130 countries 33 international organization have pledged support.

　Since Houston has a sister city relationship with Chiba City, we have all been concerned for their safety as well. Luckily, the damage was relatively minor and limited to the coasts.

　Ensuring the security of the Fukushima nuclear plant is one of the most important issues for us. The Japanese Government is working hard to manage the difficult situation with close cooperation with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. While slow and difficult, efforts to cool the fuel rods at the plant are working. So far, teams have lowered the temperature and radiation levels. External power has been connected to the plant. I hope these efforts will keep making positive steps. People who have concern for the food contamination please visit the site of World Health Organization.

　As horrendous as the damage is, it is inspiring to see how the world has come together in aid of Japan. Our office has received countless offers of assistance: offers of food, shelter, and support in other ways. We deeply appreciate the goodwill; however at this time the logistics of the situation leave us unable to accept food, clothing, even medical supplies.
With supply lines stretched so thin, the best support is fiscal donations which support the infrastructure.

　Within hours of the Touhoku earthquake, organizations all over the Houston have united for the cause, working to raise funds for the victims. For example all Japan-related organizations have come together and formed a coalition (Japanese Community Coalition of Houston) and are working tirelessly to raise money for the cause.

　I thank all of you for your contributions and on behalf of Japanese Government and Japanese people I thank you for your generosity. This moment presents a tremendous challenge, but Japan will prevail. Thank all of you for your solidarity in this most trying time.