"A new, humane wind" and an "okiagari-koboshi doll"
I have now returned to Japan, having attended the Commemoration Ceremony of the 50th Anniversary of the OECD in Paris, the G8 Summit and summit meetings with participating national leaders in Deauville (France), and the Japan-EU Summit Meeting in Brussels (Belgium).
This was the second G8 Summit that I have attended as the Prime Minister, following last year's Muskoka Summit (Canada). All of the participating leaders were the same as last year, and with the Chair, President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, addressing each of us on a first name basis, I was able to engage in the summit in a relaxed manner too.
Yet at the same time, there was also a tension in the air that was different from last year. That was the emphasis placed on Japan. This year's summit became a crucial forum for conveying directly to
the international community the situations regarding the earthquake disaster and the nuclear accident - even at the lunch meeting on the first day, President Sarkozy asked me to give the lead-off remarks, saying, "Let's start with Naoto."
Each leader expressed his or her sympathy to Japan, and they all spoke of their feelings of respect for the Japanese people for raising themselves up with courage in a level-headed manner. This was truly encouraging. I am taking this opportunity to report this to you, as this was a message to the Japanese people as a whole, and above all to the disaster victims.
In addition, heartfelt remarks extended towards the disaster areas were made at the joint press conference with the leaders of the EU, which wrapped up the diplomatic events during this trip. As he finished his remarks, Mr. Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, also presented in English a haiku poem that he had written the night before.
"The three disasters Storms turn into a soft wind: A new, humane wind."
Hearing this poem for the first time there at the podium, I jotted down the simultaneous interpretation there on the spot, and as I concluded my own remarks, with feelings of appreciation I read out the poem again, this time in Japanese. But as I finished the second line, I found myself choked up for a moment, filled with emotion.
President Van Rompuy is a great fan of haiku poetry, having even published a collection of the poems that he has written, entitled Haiku. When I met him last year, he graciously signed a copy of his anthology, which I had brought along. This year's summit, which was called the "Kizuna Summit" - or, the "Summit of the Bonds of Friendship" - also demonstrated a strong feeling of solidarity from the EU side towards Japan.
During this trip, I kept a small commemorative okiagari-koboshi doll in my suit jacket pocket. This is a kind of traditional folk art that I had purchased the other day when I visited a shop in Tokyo selling goods made in Fukushima. The spirit represented by this doll, which always rights itself after it is knocked down, imparted surefire strength to the message I sent to the leaders from around the world, that Japan will without a doubt become revived once again.
terça-feira, 31 de maio de 2011
quinta-feira, 26 de maio de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (May 25, 2011)
"No. 20 [Reconstruction Support] Reconstruction Action! A visit to a shop selling Fukushima products!"
Standing near the front of the shop, the Prime Minister points at a flag
Prime Minister: Can you see that over there? It's for Reconstruction Action. There are many ways to support the disaster-affected region. I came to this store today to show my support by eating and drinking local products.
--- The Fukushima Prefecture Tourism Promotion Shop in Yaesu (Chuo Ward, Tokyo)
Shop staff tries to draw in customers
Staff: Good morning! Welcome, please come in! Thank you!
The crowded shop interior
Opened in 2009, the shop promotes tourism to Fukushima Prefecture and sells local goods. It also hosts sales events organized by the Prefecture's cities, towns and villages.
The Prime Minister visited the store on May 8
The Prime Minister spoke to the media outside the store
Prime Minister: Nobuko (Mrs. Kan) came here a while ago and told me they had many interesting things. I've wanted to stop by ever since, and well, here I am.
Inside the shop
Shop Manager: Right now we're busy even during weekdays. Mrs. Kan came by during the Golden Week holiday period just at the beginning of May, and it was so crowded that I actually didn't notice her!
The store is so busy that even the Prime Minister's wife can come and go unnoticed. The number of people wanting to support Fukushima has increased dramatically since the earthquake, pushing sales 7-8 times higher than normal some days.
The Prime Minister speaks with shop customers
Prime Minister: Where are you from?
Child: Adachi Ward...
Prime Minister: Did you come to show your support for Fukushima?
Child: (Nods)
The Prime Minister received a taste test of shop products
Female clerk: This is tofu pickled in miso...
Prime Minister: Wow... (The Prime Minister smiles broadly)
Female clerk: It's so very rich in taste, right? (The Prime Minister nods) The soybeans are fermented that way...
Prime Minister: It's like a gourmet cheese.
Female clerk: It really is.
The tofu is made using soybeans cultivated in Fukushima.
It's pickled in miso for three months and then fermented at a low temperature.
Prime Minister: This is really good. Where's it from?
Female clerk: Minamisoma City.
Shop Manager: They had to stop making it for about two weeks after the earthquake.
A shop clerk pours the Prime Minister a glass of sake
Prime Minister: Thank you. (The Prime Minister drinks the sake) It's so smooth, isn't it?
Female clerk: Yes, it's a daiginjo sake (a very special brew). It's won gold prizes at the National New Sake Awards (ten times in total).
Man: The sake you had from Aizu a moment ago, as well as our sake from Fukushima Prefecture, just won't sell. It's because of the rumors about radiation. I want the Government to do something about this - on the television or something like that.
On the other hand, there are also sakes not affected by harmful rumors...
Prime Minister : I've heard you have a sake from Iitate Village?
Shop Manager: Well, yesterday...
Prime Minister: Is it sold out?
Shop manager: We sold out on Friday and Saturday.
Prime Minister: It's sold out?
Shop Manager: We sold 800 bottles in two days.
Sake made in Iitate - the first village to evacuate. With harvest restrictions placed on rice this year, the sake brewers in the village won't be able to obtain the ingredients they need...
Shop Manager: People are calling it a 'phantom sake,' since it has become so rare. So many people were lined up to purchase a bottle on Friday and Saturday that we sold out.
All six of the Prime Minister's plates and glasses are empty...
Prime Minister's Office Staff: People don't usually eat everything during a taste test.
Prime Minister: (Blushing) Well, it's just about lunchtime...
Female clerk: I'm so glad you liked it.
Prime Minister: Thank you, really. It was delicious.
The Prime Minister heads to the register to purchase his selections
Female clerk 2: Your total comes to 7,843 yen.
Prime Minister: What's this?
Female clerk 3: That's an okiagari-koboshi doll. Every time it falls over it stands right back up. Everyone is struggling so much right now. I want people to look at this doll and think "We can do this" or "It's going to be okay." I want everyone to realize there's still hope.
After finishing his shopping, the Prime Minister greets the press outside
Prime Minister: We need to compensate the disaster-affected region for the issues we have responsibility for, including reputational damage. Before that compensation begins to be paid out, I hope we can do away with harmful rumors by having everyone come and purchase goods from Fukushima. The products here are absolutely safe.
With reporting complete, the Prime Minister looks around at each reporter
Prime Minister's Office Staff: Okay, thank you everyone.
Prime Minister: I hope each one of you will also buy at least one thing before you go. Don't just report and leave, I want everyone to buy something.
The Prime Minister begins to leave
Shop staff: Thank you!
Prime Minister: I really wish you all the best. Good-bye!
Child: Bye bye!
A message to the entire nation
Shop Manager: In terms of tourism, Fukushima Prefecture is really going through hard times right now. I think the most helpful thing that anyone can do is to visit Fukushima and
Standing near the front of the shop, the Prime Minister points at a flag
Prime Minister: Can you see that over there? It's for Reconstruction Action. There are many ways to support the disaster-affected region. I came to this store today to show my support by eating and drinking local products.
--- The Fukushima Prefecture Tourism Promotion Shop in Yaesu (Chuo Ward, Tokyo)
Shop staff tries to draw in customers
Staff: Good morning! Welcome, please come in! Thank you!
The crowded shop interior
Opened in 2009, the shop promotes tourism to Fukushima Prefecture and sells local goods. It also hosts sales events organized by the Prefecture's cities, towns and villages.
The Prime Minister visited the store on May 8
The Prime Minister spoke to the media outside the store
Prime Minister: Nobuko (Mrs. Kan) came here a while ago and told me they had many interesting things. I've wanted to stop by ever since, and well, here I am.
Inside the shop
Shop Manager: Right now we're busy even during weekdays. Mrs. Kan came by during the Golden Week holiday period just at the beginning of May, and it was so crowded that I actually didn't notice her!
The store is so busy that even the Prime Minister's wife can come and go unnoticed. The number of people wanting to support Fukushima has increased dramatically since the earthquake, pushing sales 7-8 times higher than normal some days.
The Prime Minister speaks with shop customers
Prime Minister: Where are you from?
Child: Adachi Ward...
Prime Minister: Did you come to show your support for Fukushima?
Child: (Nods)
The Prime Minister received a taste test of shop products
Female clerk: This is tofu pickled in miso...
Prime Minister: Wow... (The Prime Minister smiles broadly)
Female clerk: It's so very rich in taste, right? (The Prime Minister nods) The soybeans are fermented that way...
Prime Minister: It's like a gourmet cheese.
Female clerk: It really is.
The tofu is made using soybeans cultivated in Fukushima.
It's pickled in miso for three months and then fermented at a low temperature.
Prime Minister: This is really good. Where's it from?
Female clerk: Minamisoma City.
Shop Manager: They had to stop making it for about two weeks after the earthquake.
A shop clerk pours the Prime Minister a glass of sake
Prime Minister: Thank you. (The Prime Minister drinks the sake) It's so smooth, isn't it?
Female clerk: Yes, it's a daiginjo sake (a very special brew). It's won gold prizes at the National New Sake Awards (ten times in total).
Man: The sake you had from Aizu a moment ago, as well as our sake from Fukushima Prefecture, just won't sell. It's because of the rumors about radiation. I want the Government to do something about this - on the television or something like that.
On the other hand, there are also sakes not affected by harmful rumors...
Prime Minister : I've heard you have a sake from Iitate Village?
Shop Manager: Well, yesterday...
Prime Minister: Is it sold out?
Shop manager: We sold out on Friday and Saturday.
Prime Minister: It's sold out?
Shop Manager: We sold 800 bottles in two days.
Sake made in Iitate - the first village to evacuate. With harvest restrictions placed on rice this year, the sake brewers in the village won't be able to obtain the ingredients they need...
Shop Manager: People are calling it a 'phantom sake,' since it has become so rare. So many people were lined up to purchase a bottle on Friday and Saturday that we sold out.
All six of the Prime Minister's plates and glasses are empty...
Prime Minister's Office Staff: People don't usually eat everything during a taste test.
Prime Minister: (Blushing) Well, it's just about lunchtime...
Female clerk: I'm so glad you liked it.
Prime Minister: Thank you, really. It was delicious.
The Prime Minister heads to the register to purchase his selections
Female clerk 2: Your total comes to 7,843 yen.
Prime Minister: What's this?
Female clerk 3: That's an okiagari-koboshi doll. Every time it falls over it stands right back up. Everyone is struggling so much right now. I want people to look at this doll and think "We can do this" or "It's going to be okay." I want everyone to realize there's still hope.
After finishing his shopping, the Prime Minister greets the press outside
Prime Minister: We need to compensate the disaster-affected region for the issues we have responsibility for, including reputational damage. Before that compensation begins to be paid out, I hope we can do away with harmful rumors by having everyone come and purchase goods from Fukushima. The products here are absolutely safe.
With reporting complete, the Prime Minister looks around at each reporter
Prime Minister's Office Staff: Okay, thank you everyone.
Prime Minister: I hope each one of you will also buy at least one thing before you go. Don't just report and leave, I want everyone to buy something.
The Prime Minister begins to leave
Shop staff: Thank you!
Prime Minister: I really wish you all the best. Good-bye!
Child: Bye bye!
A message to the entire nation
Shop Manager: In terms of tourism, Fukushima Prefecture is really going through hard times right now. I think the most helpful thing that anyone can do is to visit Fukushima and
segunda-feira, 23 de maio de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (May 23, 2011)
"Meeting with Dr. Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum"
On May 17 (Tuesday), Dr. Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, an organization which hosts the annual Davos meetings, paid a visit to the Prime Minister's Office. I had an opportunity to talk with the Chairman during a luncheon. Chairman Schwab had invited me to the Annual Davos Meeting 2011 held in January this year, where I delivered a speech as Prime Minister of Japan. In that speech, I introduced "kizuna" (bonds of friendship) as a term that best captures the Japanese spirit, and the Chairman said he was deeply impressed with this word. The latest earthquake has renewed my sense of the value of "kizuna" among the friends and acquaintances around the world, including Chairman Schwab.
During the Davos Meeting in January, Chairman Schwab set up a venue for me to exchange views with world's most prominent thought leaders, including Dr. Joseph Stiglitz, 2001 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences Laureate, Dr. Lawrence Summers, former Director of the U.S. National Economic Council, and Dr. George Soros, investment fund manager. As a leader of a country, in addition to summit meetings, I think it is important to have such a network where I can directly hear insightful opinions of world experts.
Chairman Schwab has now proposed to establish something like a Council of Eminent Persons as a venue to hold video teleconferences several times a year for valuable exchanges of opinions with world experts. In order not to misguide Japan in the era in which everything is globalizing, I am eager to expand the global intellectual network and make the best use of it as leader of the country.
On May 17 (Tuesday), Dr. Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, an organization which hosts the annual Davos meetings, paid a visit to the Prime Minister's Office. I had an opportunity to talk with the Chairman during a luncheon. Chairman Schwab had invited me to the Annual Davos Meeting 2011 held in January this year, where I delivered a speech as Prime Minister of Japan. In that speech, I introduced "kizuna" (bonds of friendship) as a term that best captures the Japanese spirit, and the Chairman said he was deeply impressed with this word. The latest earthquake has renewed my sense of the value of "kizuna" among the friends and acquaintances around the world, including Chairman Schwab.
During the Davos Meeting in January, Chairman Schwab set up a venue for me to exchange views with world's most prominent thought leaders, including Dr. Joseph Stiglitz, 2001 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences Laureate, Dr. Lawrence Summers, former Director of the U.S. National Economic Council, and Dr. George Soros, investment fund manager. As a leader of a country, in addition to summit meetings, I think it is important to have such a network where I can directly hear insightful opinions of world experts.
Chairman Schwab has now proposed to establish something like a Council of Eminent Persons as a venue to hold video teleconferences several times a year for valuable exchanges of opinions with world experts. In order not to misguide Japan in the era in which everything is globalizing, I am eager to expand the global intellectual network and make the best use of it as leader of the country.
terça-feira, 17 de maio de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (May 17, 2011)
"No. 19 [Visit] Evacuating the Town Near the Nuclear Power Station to Saitama Prefecture: Dialogue with Futaba Town Residents"
-Four hours behind schedule, Prime Minister Kan exited the evacuation center
Prime Minister: I was able to hear the stories of everyone in all the rooms.
--- Former Kisai High School in Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture
Before the dialogue with the Prime Minister, the mayor shows consideration for the townspeople
Mayor of Futaba Town: Everyone, stretch out your legs. Please allow us to do the same.
At the evacuation center housing about 1,200 people, the mayor led the Prime Minister around from start to finish
People sat down on the tatami, face-to-face with the Prime Minister
Man 1: Is there any prospect that we will be able to return to Futaba Town, Fukushima Prefecture?
Prime Minister: That is the number one question I've received from everyone. Eventually I should be able to clearly tell you which places you can return to and which places you cannot.
Man 2: About the temporary visits, I'm hoping to bring back my parents' memorial tablet.
Man 3: At least you get to bring back the memorial tablet. I have no house or anything, everything was washed away.
Woman 1: My house was on the shore and was washed away. Still, I would like to go back at least once.
Mayor of Futaba Town: I'm sure you feel the same as others. You will not be barred (from temporary entries) because your house is gone. I hope you do go (to where your house was).
Man 4: I don't need temporary housing. I don't have anywhere to go back to anyway. I hope Futaba Town is created anew.
Without sitting down, a woman holds back her anger to make a plea
Woman 2: Are the Diet members thinking about us? About all of these many people who have been evacuated? It's hard to tell.
Prime Minister: I myself truly feel a sense of responsibility.
A woman says her husband works for the Tokyo Electric Power Company>
Woman 3: Although we worry that our husbands may one day fall gravely ill (due to the effects of radiation exposure), all that the families can do is see them off with a smile and tell them "Take care." Everyone is putting their lives on the line.
Prime Minister: I am grateful that he is truly putting his life on the line and working hard to cope with the nuclear reactor incident. Although I imagine things are tough for you now, please support your husband and stay strong.
Once again, sitting down on the tatami, face-to-face with the Prime Minister>
Woman 4: For example, just because my friend had an Iwaki license plate, an ice cream was thrown at the car.
Prime Minister: On as many occasions as possible, I will urge people not to say things which may hurt the feelings of others.
Mayor of Futaba Town: If it becomes intolerable, please do not hesitate to come to me and tell me. I will do something about it.
Woman 5: Even if shower rooms are set up, I think there are too many of us.
Governor of Saitama Prefecture: By May 20, sewer pipes will be fully installed. At the same time, bath tubs will be made available. May I ask for your patience a little while longer?
Man 5: Please do not leave office until the situation is settled. If the Prime Minister changes, there will again be chaos.
Prime Minister: I will not abandon my responsibilities no matter what.
Man 6: I really feel sorry for the children. Honestly what can we do?
Woman 6: I have a child in high school, and everything she had envisioned from university enrollment to job-hunting is beginning to crumble. Because of this incident, we are going to have to give up so much. No matter how much I lament, I cannot lament it enough.
Prime Minister: The Government will stand with you, and here Saitama will stand with you. We promise to do everything possible to help.
The Prime Minister answers questions from reporters
Reporter: You just concluded a five-hour visit. What is your reaction?
Prime Minister: I came away again feeling that we must work hard so that everyone will be able to resume his or her normal life as much as possible. In particular, people asked me, "What should we do for the future of the children?" These stories broke my heart most of all.
-Four hours behind schedule, Prime Minister Kan exited the evacuation center
Prime Minister: I was able to hear the stories of everyone in all the rooms.
--- Former Kisai High School in Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture
Before the dialogue with the Prime Minister, the mayor shows consideration for the townspeople
Mayor of Futaba Town: Everyone, stretch out your legs. Please allow us to do the same.
At the evacuation center housing about 1,200 people, the mayor led the Prime Minister around from start to finish
People sat down on the tatami, face-to-face with the Prime Minister
Man 1: Is there any prospect that we will be able to return to Futaba Town, Fukushima Prefecture?
Prime Minister: That is the number one question I've received from everyone. Eventually I should be able to clearly tell you which places you can return to and which places you cannot.
Man 2: About the temporary visits, I'm hoping to bring back my parents' memorial tablet.
Man 3: At least you get to bring back the memorial tablet. I have no house or anything, everything was washed away.
Woman 1: My house was on the shore and was washed away. Still, I would like to go back at least once.
Mayor of Futaba Town: I'm sure you feel the same as others. You will not be barred (from temporary entries) because your house is gone. I hope you do go (to where your house was).
Man 4: I don't need temporary housing. I don't have anywhere to go back to anyway. I hope Futaba Town is created anew.
Without sitting down, a woman holds back her anger to make a plea
Woman 2: Are the Diet members thinking about us? About all of these many people who have been evacuated? It's hard to tell.
Prime Minister: I myself truly feel a sense of responsibility.
A woman says her husband works for the Tokyo Electric Power Company>
Woman 3: Although we worry that our husbands may one day fall gravely ill (due to the effects of radiation exposure), all that the families can do is see them off with a smile and tell them "Take care." Everyone is putting their lives on the line.
Prime Minister: I am grateful that he is truly putting his life on the line and working hard to cope with the nuclear reactor incident. Although I imagine things are tough for you now, please support your husband and stay strong.
Once again, sitting down on the tatami, face-to-face with the Prime Minister>
Woman 4: For example, just because my friend had an Iwaki license plate, an ice cream was thrown at the car.
Prime Minister: On as many occasions as possible, I will urge people not to say things which may hurt the feelings of others.
Mayor of Futaba Town: If it becomes intolerable, please do not hesitate to come to me and tell me. I will do something about it.
Woman 5: Even if shower rooms are set up, I think there are too many of us.
Governor of Saitama Prefecture: By May 20, sewer pipes will be fully installed. At the same time, bath tubs will be made available. May I ask for your patience a little while longer?
Man 5: Please do not leave office until the situation is settled. If the Prime Minister changes, there will again be chaos.
Prime Minister: I will not abandon my responsibilities no matter what.
Man 6: I really feel sorry for the children. Honestly what can we do?
Woman 6: I have a child in high school, and everything she had envisioned from university enrollment to job-hunting is beginning to crumble. Because of this incident, we are going to have to give up so much. No matter how much I lament, I cannot lament it enough.
Prime Minister: The Government will stand with you, and here Saitama will stand with you. We promise to do everything possible to help.
The Prime Minister answers questions from reporters
Reporter: You just concluded a five-hour visit. What is your reaction?
Prime Minister: I came away again feeling that we must work hard so that everyone will be able to resume his or her normal life as much as possible. In particular, people asked me, "What should we do for the future of the children?" These stories broke my heart most of all.
segunda-feira, 9 de maio de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (May 9, 2011)
"No. 18 [Visit] Fukushima Evacuation Centers, 41 Days After the Incident at the Nuclear Power Station"
--- Tamura City Gymnasium, Fukushima
A man confronts the Prime Minister to make a loud request
Man: I understand well that you are working hard, but you need to do more! Please work harder to bring the situation at the nuclear power station under stable control. Please!
The Prime Minister explains the no-entry zone to a woman kneeling formally alone in her room made out of cardboard
Prime Minister: While the Government draws up its plans, the police are working hard to stop burglars from entering the area and to keep a good watch on each neighborhood. We are currently making plans so that not too long from now, residents will be able to take turns making home visits.
Woman: I am grateful to hear it. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Prime Minister: No, it is I who should be thanking you.
A couple makes an appeal to the Prime Minister. At the back, their daughter holds her baby in her arms.
Woman: Please do something quickly. This isn't for us - we don't have very much longer to live. But the children still have their futures ahead of them. I'm sure your work is very difficult and you are working hard, but please do something to contain the situation at the nuclear power station.
Prime Minister: I can only imagine how difficult it must be to live in an evacuation center for so long. For the children as well I promise to do everything I can.
Man: Please do.
--- Big Palette Fukushima, Koriyama City, Fukushima (The next destination was a large facility housing about 1,500 people.)
One after another, people shout out requests and shake hands with the Prime Minister
Man: Please do something soon about the nuclear power station.
Prime Minister: I will work hard to bring the situation under stable control.
Woman: Please, let me visit my home.
Prime Minister: We are now drawing up plans for temporary visits.
Woman: Please let us go back home soon.
The Prime Minister speaks with a couple kneeling down formally
Prime Minister: I know things are very difficult right now.
Woman: Thank you for your concern. I'm glad.
Prime Minister: The Government and the country will do everything we can for you.
(Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Tetsuro Fukuyama: Please take care of yourself.)
A woman makes a crying plea to the Prime Minister
Woman: I want to go back home.
Man: We all want to go back home.
Prime Minister: It will take a little more time, but the Government is doing all that it can. I understand that things must be truly difficult right now.
A series of handshakes
There was one thing that the Prime Minister felt more strongly than anything else as each person approached to give him words of encouragement and shake his hand...
The Prime Minister answers questions from reporters at the evacuation center
Prime Minister: After going to the evacuation centers and listening to their stories, I asked myself whether I genuinely understood the feelings of everyone there. And I realized that we need to think about each issue more from the standpoint of the disaster victims. I strongly felt this yet again during this visit.
The Prime Minister speaks to an elderly man who gets up from his bed in tears
Prime Minister: No need to get up, you are fine where you are. Please take care of yourself.
Man: Thank you.
Prime Minister: It's truly tough right now, but please take care of yourself.
Young man next to the elderly man: We're counting on you.
Prime Minister: I'll do my best.
A man whose house is 65km from the evacuation center
Man: Mr. Prime Minister, please make Tomioka Town become as close as possible. Right now, my house is now farther away to me than the United States. If I wanted to go to the United States, I could fly there...
The following day's press conference at the Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister: "I can visit the United States in a little over 10 hours, but I may not be able to visit my own house in weeks, maybe even months. I want to go back home soon. Please help me." ...The Government must do everything in its power to help those who had to leave their homes... I felt this yet again very strongly during my trip.
--- Tamura City Gymnasium, Fukushima
A man confronts the Prime Minister to make a loud request
Man: I understand well that you are working hard, but you need to do more! Please work harder to bring the situation at the nuclear power station under stable control. Please!
The Prime Minister explains the no-entry zone to a woman kneeling formally alone in her room made out of cardboard
Prime Minister: While the Government draws up its plans, the police are working hard to stop burglars from entering the area and to keep a good watch on each neighborhood. We are currently making plans so that not too long from now, residents will be able to take turns making home visits.
Woman: I am grateful to hear it. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Prime Minister: No, it is I who should be thanking you.
A couple makes an appeal to the Prime Minister. At the back, their daughter holds her baby in her arms.
Woman: Please do something quickly. This isn't for us - we don't have very much longer to live. But the children still have their futures ahead of them. I'm sure your work is very difficult and you are working hard, but please do something to contain the situation at the nuclear power station.
Prime Minister: I can only imagine how difficult it must be to live in an evacuation center for so long. For the children as well I promise to do everything I can.
Man: Please do.
--- Big Palette Fukushima, Koriyama City, Fukushima (The next destination was a large facility housing about 1,500 people.)
One after another, people shout out requests and shake hands with the Prime Minister
Man: Please do something soon about the nuclear power station.
Prime Minister: I will work hard to bring the situation under stable control.
Woman: Please, let me visit my home.
Prime Minister: We are now drawing up plans for temporary visits.
Woman: Please let us go back home soon.
The Prime Minister speaks with a couple kneeling down formally
Prime Minister: I know things are very difficult right now.
Woman: Thank you for your concern. I'm glad.
Prime Minister: The Government and the country will do everything we can for you.
(Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Tetsuro Fukuyama: Please take care of yourself.)
A woman makes a crying plea to the Prime Minister
Woman: I want to go back home.
Man: We all want to go back home.
Prime Minister: It will take a little more time, but the Government is doing all that it can. I understand that things must be truly difficult right now.
A series of handshakes
There was one thing that the Prime Minister felt more strongly than anything else as each person approached to give him words of encouragement and shake his hand...
The Prime Minister answers questions from reporters at the evacuation center
Prime Minister: After going to the evacuation centers and listening to their stories, I asked myself whether I genuinely understood the feelings of everyone there. And I realized that we need to think about each issue more from the standpoint of the disaster victims. I strongly felt this yet again during this visit.
The Prime Minister speaks to an elderly man who gets up from his bed in tears
Prime Minister: No need to get up, you are fine where you are. Please take care of yourself.
Man: Thank you.
Prime Minister: It's truly tough right now, but please take care of yourself.
Young man next to the elderly man: We're counting on you.
Prime Minister: I'll do my best.
A man whose house is 65km from the evacuation center
Man: Mr. Prime Minister, please make Tomioka Town become as close as possible. Right now, my house is now farther away to me than the United States. If I wanted to go to the United States, I could fly there...
The following day's press conference at the Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister: "I can visit the United States in a little over 10 hours, but I may not be able to visit my own house in weeks, maybe even months. I want to go back home soon. Please help me." ...The Government must do everything in its power to help those who had to leave their homes... I felt this yet again very strongly during my trip.
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (May 6, 2011)
"Moving forward through all political parties acting in unity"
Today, the first supplementary budget for earthquake disaster recovery was passed. Although a range of views emerged from the various political parties, it was endorsed by all of them upon understanding the urgent need for it. From now, I will finally be dedicating my utmost efforts even further to the creation of a system for full-fledged reconstruction and to tackling the numerous issues related to the nuclear accident.
"With determination to move forward and a spirit of mourning"
The string of holidays known as Golden Week begins tomorrow. For those who are planning to use this opportunity to go to the areas stricken by the earthquake disaster for volunteer activities, I strongly encourage you to head to these areas after thoroughly conducting your preparations and collecting information.
The Reconstruction Action Campaign, to be unfurled nationally today, supports the disaster-stricken areas from Japan as a whole by calling on people to refrain from excessive self-restraint and to take other actions. The government is also among the supporters of these areas through this campaign and we will emphatically support these efforts. In addition, the Reconstruction Design Council is scheduled to hold its third meeting the day after tomorrow.
In this way, even as recovery and reconstruction are beginning to move forward step by step, what always resurface in my mind are the victims of that day and their families. I also think of the people who are desperately continuing their search for family members who remain unaccounted for even now. It is certain that there are a very substantial number of people who since March 11 cannot easily reach a state of mind whereby they can begin to move forward. I feel that very poignantly every time I visit the affected areas.
I understand that today, a great many temples all around the country rang "bells of prayers and hope" at 2:46 PM, the time at which the earthquake struck, as today is the 49th day since people fell victim to the disaster, an important memorial day for the deceased in Buddhism. In the office, I too closed my eyes in remembrance of those victims, with a spirit of determination towards reconstruction.
From tomorrow, I will be engaged in Diet deliberations on the draft of the first supplementary budget for reconstruction. I will devote my utmost efforts to bring about its enactment on May 2.
Today, the first supplementary budget for earthquake disaster recovery was passed. Although a range of views emerged from the various political parties, it was endorsed by all of them upon understanding the urgent need for it. From now, I will finally be dedicating my utmost efforts even further to the creation of a system for full-fledged reconstruction and to tackling the numerous issues related to the nuclear accident.
"With determination to move forward and a spirit of mourning"
The string of holidays known as Golden Week begins tomorrow. For those who are planning to use this opportunity to go to the areas stricken by the earthquake disaster for volunteer activities, I strongly encourage you to head to these areas after thoroughly conducting your preparations and collecting information.
The Reconstruction Action Campaign, to be unfurled nationally today, supports the disaster-stricken areas from Japan as a whole by calling on people to refrain from excessive self-restraint and to take other actions. The government is also among the supporters of these areas through this campaign and we will emphatically support these efforts. In addition, the Reconstruction Design Council is scheduled to hold its third meeting the day after tomorrow.
In this way, even as recovery and reconstruction are beginning to move forward step by step, what always resurface in my mind are the victims of that day and their families. I also think of the people who are desperately continuing their search for family members who remain unaccounted for even now. It is certain that there are a very substantial number of people who since March 11 cannot easily reach a state of mind whereby they can begin to move forward. I feel that very poignantly every time I visit the affected areas.
I understand that today, a great many temples all around the country rang "bells of prayers and hope" at 2:46 PM, the time at which the earthquake struck, as today is the 49th day since people fell victim to the disaster, an important memorial day for the deceased in Buddhism. In the office, I too closed my eyes in remembrance of those victims, with a spirit of determination towards reconstruction.
From tomorrow, I will be engaged in Diet deliberations on the draft of the first supplementary budget for reconstruction. I will devote my utmost efforts to bring about its enactment on May 2.
segunda-feira, 2 de maio de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (April 27, 2011)
"No. 17 [Visit] Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture: One Month After the Earthquake"
Woman: We are counting on you to help us.
Prime Minister: I will carry out measures resolutely.
Fisherman: I'm counting on you, Prime Minister.
Mr. Kameyama, Mayor of Ishinomaki City: I believe employment protection measures are what is most needed right now.
Mr. Abe, Mayor of Higashimatsushima City: Now's the time for the Government to step in. I hope you will lend us your support, as surely there will be no recovery and reconstruction without national-level efforts to get through this disaster.
Radio DJ: After this, Prime Minister Kan will visit places around the city and observe the situation of our towns.
Prime Minister: Hello everyone in Ishinomaki. This is Naoto Kan, the Prime Minister. It is my earnest hope that you will make strides on the road to recovery. The Government will do everything in its power and stand with you as you take these steps.
Prime Minister: I can only imagine what you are going through...
House of Representatives member Jun Azumi: This is the main plant of Maruha Nichiro Foods, Inc. The inside is completely damaged.
Woman A: I hope you will do what you have to in order to achieve an early recovery.
Woman B: (Holding onto the Prime Minister's hand) Please make sure that someday everyone can become happy.
Prime Minister: The personnel at (SDF) Matsushima Air Base were saying it had no water service. How is the situation in the prefecture?
Mr. Murai, Governor of Miyagi Prefecture: Much of the lifeline services have been disrupted. Water service has stopped, and gas service has stopped.
Mr. Murai, Governor of Miyagi Prefecture: First, the Prime Minister's visit helps to reassure the people of this area. I also believe if the Prime Minister sees for himself the devastation that was brought about, the Government's response would be different. Thus, I am truly grateful that he came here.
Man: May I ask you to get off for a moment?
Prime Minister: Thanks for your hard work!
Residents: Oh! Mr. Kan!
SDF member: (Explaining the work) The SDF and police clear away the rubble like over there.
Prime Minister: I am truly proud that you members of the police and SDF are working so hard in response to disasters of this magnitude, without sparing yourselves. Hang in there. Your hard work is very much appreciated.
Police and others: Thank you.
Prime Minister: Thank YOU!
(no image/only subtitles) "I don't know how we will live from now on." -- A woman in her 80s tells the Prime Minister.
House of Representatives member Jun Azumi: The fishing boats in Miyagi Prefecture have been severely damaged...
Prime Minister: How are you getting through it? How are you really doing?
A member of the fishing industry: Cars as well as debris are scattered across the ocean. Instead of shifting the responsibility from one place to another, I hope work gets underway quickly to remove the debris from the fishing areas and sea routes.
Prime Minister and members of the fishing industry: (In unison) Ganbaro, Ishinomaki! (Let's do our best, Ishinomaki!) Ganbaro!
Woman: We are counting on you to help us.
Prime Minister: I will carry out measures resolutely.
Fisherman: I'm counting on you, Prime Minister.
Mr. Kameyama, Mayor of Ishinomaki City: I believe employment protection measures are what is most needed right now.
Mr. Abe, Mayor of Higashimatsushima City: Now's the time for the Government to step in. I hope you will lend us your support, as surely there will be no recovery and reconstruction without national-level efforts to get through this disaster.
Radio DJ: After this, Prime Minister Kan will visit places around the city and observe the situation of our towns.
Prime Minister: Hello everyone in Ishinomaki. This is Naoto Kan, the Prime Minister. It is my earnest hope that you will make strides on the road to recovery. The Government will do everything in its power and stand with you as you take these steps.
Prime Minister: I can only imagine what you are going through...
House of Representatives member Jun Azumi: This is the main plant of Maruha Nichiro Foods, Inc. The inside is completely damaged.
Woman A: I hope you will do what you have to in order to achieve an early recovery.
Woman B: (Holding onto the Prime Minister's hand) Please make sure that someday everyone can become happy.
Prime Minister: The personnel at (SDF) Matsushima Air Base were saying it had no water service. How is the situation in the prefecture?
Mr. Murai, Governor of Miyagi Prefecture: Much of the lifeline services have been disrupted. Water service has stopped, and gas service has stopped.
Mr. Murai, Governor of Miyagi Prefecture: First, the Prime Minister's visit helps to reassure the people of this area. I also believe if the Prime Minister sees for himself the devastation that was brought about, the Government's response would be different. Thus, I am truly grateful that he came here.
Man: May I ask you to get off for a moment?
Prime Minister: Thanks for your hard work!
Residents: Oh! Mr. Kan!
SDF member: (Explaining the work) The SDF and police clear away the rubble like over there.
Prime Minister: I am truly proud that you members of the police and SDF are working so hard in response to disasters of this magnitude, without sparing yourselves. Hang in there. Your hard work is very much appreciated.
Police and others: Thank you.
Prime Minister: Thank YOU!
House of Representatives member Jun Azumi: The fishing boats in Miyagi Prefecture have been severely damaged...
Prime Minister: How are you getting through it? How are you really doing?
A member of the fishing industry: Cars as well as debris are scattered across the ocean. Instead of shifting the responsibility from one place to another, I hope work gets underway quickly to remove the debris from the fishing areas and sea routes.
Prime Minister and members of the fishing industry: (In unison) Ganbaro, Ishinomaki! (Let's do our best, Ishinomaki!) Ganbaro!
Assinar:
Postagens (Atom)