Love Letter from Brussels

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Solidarity Again! (no. 34)

Consecutive Terrorist Attacks in Brussels

On the morning of March 22, a series of terrorist attacks occurred in Brussels. First, at around 07:58, 2 suicide bombings took place at the departure hall of Brussels Airport. About an hour later, at around 09:11, another suicide bombing took place in a metro train that had just departed from Maelbeek station of the Brussels city’s subway.

The number of casualties, when adding also those who lost their lives at the hospital, reached 32. As of March 29, more than 90 people were still in hospitals receiving treatment. There is no doubt that this was the most serious terrorist attack ever in Belgium.

Following the sad and deplorable terrorists attacks, many messages were sent from high-level Japanese government officials to the government of Belgium. Among these were messages from Prime Minister Abe to Prime Minister Michel, from Minister of Foreign Affairs Kishida to Minister of Foreign Affairs Reynders and from Speaker of the House of Representatives Oshima to President of the Chamber of Representatives Bracke. In addition, H.M. the Emperor of Japan as well expressed his condolences and solidarity to H.M. King Philippe of Belgium, which is not a common practice.
I too, went to write in the book of condolences at the Egmont Palace, where I was the first among the diplomatic corps to write a message. Once again, I would like to express here my heartfelt condolences and deep sympathy as well as my feelings of solidarity.

The New Normal and Solidarity

Because these terrorist attacks happened in easily accessible public places such as the airport and a metro station, sadly also Japanese people were not spared from harm. 1 Japanese person living in Belgium suffered light injuries and another Japanese expat sustained heavy injuries. The latter has regained consciousness and is stable, but is still in the hospital.

In this sense as well, this is not just “the problem of Belgium”, it is “OUR problem”. I believe that Japan, especially in these difficult times, should express its strong feelings of solidarity.

As of March 31, the terror threat level for the whole territory of Belgium was maintained at level 3, only one level lower than the maximum 4. This means there is still a terrorist threat. It has become clear through the series of investigations following the attacks that the terrorist network is not only active in Belgium and France but has also spread to other European countries such as the Netherlands and Italy. Unfortunately, I think it might be safer to acknowledge that this situation will continue for some time.

Particularly for this reason, we are obliged to be prepared to “continue to live our normal lives as usual while paying a minimum necessary level of caution”. It seems to me that more than 6000 Japanese people living in Belgium are living their daily lives in this precise mindset and my word of reminder above is not at all necessary. As a fellow Japanese, I feel very proud of them. I believe that maintaining this kind of attitude is the best way to show our solidarity towards Belgium.

Ghent Floralies

Even under the present circumstances, the events of 150 Year of Friendship between Japan and Belgium are being held one after the other. The next major event is Ghent Floralies. Ghent Floralies, which is held once every 5 years, started in 1808, before the independence of Belgium, and its history is more than half a century longer than that of the famous Chelsea Flower Show in England. This year will mark the 35th edition and in the context of 150 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium, Japan has been invited as the guest country. At one of the 4 venues, the focus of the exhibition will be on Ikebana and other Japanese garden art.

I think that it takes bravery and determination to realize this participation from Japan as planned, but this is exactly another proof of Japan’s solidarity towards Belgium. The Ghent Floralies will be open to the general public from April 22 until May 1. Everyone, be sure to visit! Ghent Floralies homepage: http://www.floralien.be/en

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