The Government of Japan will hold the Ceremony to Commemorate the Tenth Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake from 2:30 PM on March 11 at the National Theatre.

It will soon be ten years since the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, bringing unprecedented damage to our nation, centered on the Tohoku region.

The earthquake deprived a great number of people of their precious lives. I am overwhelmed with grief even now when I reflect on the feelings of the bereaved who lost their beloved family members and friends because of this disaster.

Numerous challenges still face the people in the disaster-stricken areas, including the people affected by the nuclear accident. With this reality firmly etched into our minds, the Government will make every possible effort in working towards reconstruction. We will engage in disaster prevention, disaster mitigation, and building national resilience to make Japan a nation highly resistant to disasters, availing ourselves of the lessons learned through a series of natural disasters, without allowing the lessons gained through the tremendous sacrifices caused by the earthquake to fade away.

To express our mourning for all the victims of this disaster, we will offer a minute of silent prayer in the ceremony hall on March 11 at 2:46 PM and pray for the repose of their souls. I ask the public, in concert with this, wherever they may be, also to observe a moment of silence in memory of the souls of the victims, that they rest in peace.