Great East Japan Earthquake 5th Year Commemoration Ceremony at the Japanese Garden in Hasselt

On March 11, the Great East Japan Earthquake 5th Year Commemoration Ceremony was held by the city of Hasselt and the Belgium Japan Association and Chamber of Commerce (BJA), which Ambassador Ishii and Ms. Kurihara attended. The ceremony was held in front of the cherry tree which was planted during the first year commemoration of the earthquake disaster to pray for recovery. Mayor of Hasselt Ms. Claes, Ambassador Ishii and BJA President Mr. Declerck gave statements. Ambassador Ishii explained about the reconstruction achievements and also stressed the safety of the disaster stricken areas and the food products from those regions. Also, he spoke about the importance to support those areas by buying local products and to continue visiting the areas. After that, the sound of a bell was followed by a silent prayer to renew our thoughts going out to the victims. After this, the attendees could enjoy a musical performance by Yukine playing a wahenshō (Japanese carillon), as well as an exhibition “Invisible Needs of Life – Towards a New Reconstruction of Cultural Interventions” by SHSH Architecture + scenography. And of course a stroll through the Japanese garden.