First of all, I would like to offer my heartfelt hope for the safety of all people in Japan, and my condolences to the families and friends of the victims of this terrible tragedy. 

I wish to assure you that all Japanese governmental organizations are extending their best efforts towards the search and rescue of victims as well as the recovery of lifelines such as roads, electricity, gas, and water, all of which have sustained significant damage.  Regarding the nuclear power plant in Fukushima, the government and related private companies are doing their best to resolve this issue.

As news of last Friday’s earthquake and tsunami spread, the Japanese Government received many condolences and expressions of solidarity from governments, organizations, and individuals.  Here in Los Angeles, the Consulate General of Japan has and continues to receive numerous letters, phone calls – including one from Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa – and emails, expressing shock and sadness, and offering assistance in any way possible.  Organizations such as the Japan America Society of Southern California and U.S. - Japan Council have updated their websites to provide information about and support for the earthquake and tsunami.  We have been doing our best to report all messages to Japan and conveying our thanks to the senders.  On behalf of the Japanese Government, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to each and every person, group, and organization that has voiced their concern for and willingness to help the people of Japan.

Of course, among the calls we received were many from people concerned about relatives and friends in Japan, particularly in the Tohoku Region.  We have updated our website with information provided by Japan’s telecommunications companies, as well as Google’s Person Finder, set up in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami.  The JET Program is working with local governments in Japan to account for all JET Program participants; Americans can contact the Japan Local Government Center in New York City to further inquire about JETs.  The U.S. State Department also has information about U.S. citizens in Japan.  The Consulate established an emergency operations room on March 12, and we are working hard to assist with inquiries about loved ones and friends.  Our phone and email lines are open; we ask for your patience as we answer as many calls and emails as quickly as possible. 

The situation is developing and changing as you read this message, and we are doing our best to keep up to date on current happenings and posting information and links on our Top Page.  The Ministry of Foreign Affair’s (MOFA) page contains much relevant information, as does the Prime Minister and Cabinet page.  Other important information is being provided by the Ministry of Economics, Trade, and Industry (METI), the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA), and other governmental organizations. 

In Southern California and Arizona, the outpouring of support reflects the longstanding excellent relationship between our countries.  The City of Riverside is in contact with its sister city, Sendai, and has been collecting funds for the relief effort.  Countless Southern Californians and Arizonans have sprung to action, including the Los Angeles County Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue Team, which is on the ground in Japan now.  Furthermore, many of the local ethnic communities have rallied to support earthquake and tsunami victims.  Our relationships here affect and reflect the relationships between Japan and those countries, and we greatly appreciate your compassion and generosity.  My staff and I are deeply touched by your concern and how quickly you have organized and mobilized.  We are trying to keep a record of the many local support events and rallies so that we can appropriately express our gratitude.

The Consulate has created a special account through which we can receive earthquake relief funds, which we are forwarding directly to the Japanese Red Cross; you can find more information by clicking here.  At this time, both the Japanese government and Japanese citizens must come together and persevere against this great difficulty.  I ask for your continued support and cooperation.  Thank you.