Earthquake & Tsunami Updates

The Great East Japan Earthquake – two years on

As we approach the second year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, the Government of Japan would like to share this report with you. The update is on the current state of the country, including the progress made towards reconstruction, economic revitalization and crisis management.

The Great East Japan Earthquake – two years on

Japan’s top priority is accelerating the ”revitalization process”. The government will focus on policies that benefit economic revival, reconstruction and crisis management – the three main ‘pillars’ for enacting meaningful change.

Three Pillars

  1. Economic Revival:  For Japan, the most urgent issue is revitalizing the nation’s economy to ensure stability and future prosperity. 
    • Proof point:  More than 10 trillion yen (USD $106 billion approximately) will be set aside to stimulate the economy through job creation, enhancing innovation, reconstruction efforts, strengthening domestic demand and creating global opportunities.
  2. Reconstruction:  Japan will accelerate the reconstruction of disaster-affected areas and make concerted efforts to create a newly revitalized Tohoku Region.
    • Proof point:  The budgetary framework for reconstruction has been expanded from 19 trillion yen to 25 trillion for FY2011-2015 (USD $202 billion to approx. USD $266 billion). As a result, further funding for the reconstruction has been secured in the FY2012 supplementary budget and the FY2013 budget.
  3. Crisis Management:  In an effort to ensure readiness for any future crises or disasters, Japan plans to prioritize strengthening infrastructure and public facilities throughout the country.
    • Proof point:  Japan is making a major investment of 2.2 trillion yen (USD $23.4 billion dollars approx.) to restore and fortify social infrastructures such as schools, highways and bridges.

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Photo Exhibit Commemorates One Year of Tragedy, Friendship and Recovery

A photo exhibit showing both the devastation resulting from the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011 and the subsequent recovery efforts, which has been remarkable in its speed and efficiency, will be on display in the Consulate-General of Japan’s Sakura Room Feb. 7 to 16.

The Great East Japan Earthquake, which hit on March 11, 2011, was a disaster of unprecedented scale for Japan. Casualties include over 15,700 dead, 4500 missing and 5700 injured. Economic damage to the region by the earthquake has been estimated at 16.9 trillion yen.

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Miyagi/Sendai JET Micro Grant Program

The Great East Japan Earthquake was an unprecedented disaster from which it will take the Japanese people decades to fully recover. Among the many victims of this disaster was JET Programme participant Taylor Anderson. Taylor’s tragic death shook the JET community and the lives of the many people she had come to know in Ishinomaki.

However, not wanting to let the bond between Taylor and Ishinomaki fade away, Taylor’s family have taken it upon themselves to directly assist with Ishinomaki’s recovery in a variety of ways, including raising funds for the benefit of the community.

Since beginning this fundraising, Andy Anderson, Taylor’s father, has consistently looked for new, creative ways to make significant differences at the grassroots level. Andy contacted the Miyagi Association of JET (MAJET) to discuss how JET participants could assist in this recovery effort, and how they could be empowered to do so. Through this discussion, MAJET and Andy Anderson have established the “Miyagi-Sendai JET Micro Grant Program”.

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JET Documentary Fundraising Campaign: Brighter Than Tomorrow

Fishing village hit by tsunami

Brighter Than Tomorrow is a fundraising campaign launched by documentary maker Estelle Hebert in partnership with Chizu Ishikawa, in response to her several visits to Miyagi Prefecture following the Great Eastern Japan earthquake. Estelle Hebert is a Toronto JET currently in Japan.

The campaign aims to support the local community of Funakoshi, a fishing village that was completely washed away by the tsunami last March 11th, by assisting to provide the local fishermen with much-needed fishing gear/equipment including storage space (refrigerators) and out boat motors.

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Letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to JETAA Toronto

Letter from Mr. Naoki Murata, Director-General, Public Diplomacy Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to JETAA Toronto

To : JETAA Toronto(JET Programme Toronto Alumni Association)

April 20,2011

More than one month has passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake has hit the nation. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to all the people who have suffered as a result of this disaster, both Japanese nationals and non-Japanese including JET Programme participants, and their families.

I understand that JETAA chapters across Canada are working for the earthquake relief efforts in Japan by means of a series events including the very successful JETAA Toronto JAPAN BENEFIT PARTY which was held on April 1. I extend my heartfelt thanks for such assistance from your organization. I am grateful for the fact that many JET alumni have prayed for Japan and extended support to us. I am deeply impressed by the warm encouragement.

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