
Rebuilding the country will inspire ways of living and production of innovative power, write Naoto Kan.
On March 11 at 14:46 local time, Japan was hit by one of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history. The disaster left more than 27,000 people dead or missing, including foreign nationals. Now Japan is making major efforts to restore the livelihoods of the people and to recover from a series of tragedies that follow large earthquakes East Japan.
"We have been strongly supported in this effort by the international community and our friends around the world. On behalf of the Japanese people, I want to show my most sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and solidarity that we have received from over 130 countries , nearly 40 international organizations, various Non-governance, and those countless from all parts of the world. "
"People deeply appreciate Kizuna Japan (a Japanese word for" the ties of friendship ") which has been shown to us by our friends abroad. Through these tests, we also become fully understand the meaning of the maxim 'a friend in need is a friend indeed '(best friend is a friend indeed available, when sorrows come), "wrote the Prime Minister of Japan Naoto Kan.
England certainly has shown himself to be a close friend. British government quickly offered to do everything it can to help, and deploy a rescue team with 63 men as well as 100 tons of drinking water and a large number of radiology equipment such as radiation survey meter and protective masks. Duke of Gloucester (on behalf of the Queen), David Cameron and William Hague, Secretary of State, all of them had signed book Condolences.
Moreover, we already have more than 2,000 phone calls and emails, including messages of sympathy and offers of help, there are at least 100 events in UK charities that we know. Many fund for donations has been designed to help those in disaster-affected areas, including one in our embassy that many people from England have contributed. On behalf of the Japanese people, I sincerely held out my thanks for your help.
One of the priorities in the near future following the earthquake and accident in the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is making back under control as quickly as possible. I've moved all resources available to combat the risks posed and our approach will be based on three principles: the first gives priority to the safety and health of all citizens, especially the residents who live nearby, secondly, implement a comprehensive risk management; and third , plans for all possible scenarios so that we can be fully prepared in the future. We continue to perform fully referenced radioactive water flow into the sea. In addition, the Government has taken every step possible to ensure the safety of all food products and others, my administration will re-doubling its efforts to maintain transparency and make everyone informed about our progress on the complex situation in the power plant.
"I swear that my administration will fully examine the causes of this incident, and share all information with the rest of the world in order to prevent similar accidents happening again. By doing so, we hope to contribute to a global debate to increase the safety of nuclear power generation."
"I would like, through the struggle of Japan, showed a clear view to the whole world - one that included aggressive promotion of clean energy - which may contribute to solve global problems of energy."
"Following the worst natural disaster that my country has faced since the end of World War II, the reconstruction of Tohoku region will not be easy. However, I believe that this difficult time will give us a valuable window of opportunity to ensure the 'rebirth of Japan'."
"The government has developed a sophisticated development plan for East Japan, based on three principles: first, the creation of a regional community that is highly resistant to natural disasters, secondly, establish a social system that allows people to live in harmony with the global environment; Third, build a society full of compassion who cares about people, especially people who are vulnerable. "
"We, the people of Japan, rose from the dust of World War II to earn a remarkable recovery and the welfare state. I do not have any doubt that we will overcome this crisis, rose more strongly than before, and ensuring Japan a more vibrant and more good for future generations. "
"I believe that the best way for Japan to reply Kizuna strong and intimate friendship that reaches us is to continue our contribution to the development of the international community. To that end, I will work out the best of my ability to realize a development that gives people the bright hope for the future. I wholeheartedly appreciate your support and cooperation. "