The Japanese Consulate in Detroit is marking the anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake with a solemn ceremony in the Rotunda of the Michigan State Capitol Building.
Kuninori Matsuda, consul general of Japan in Detroit, which looks after an extensive Japanese community in Michigan and Ohio, will host the Remembrance Ceremony to express gratitude for the support of Japan's community of friends across Michigan in the aftermath of the last year's devastating earthquake and tsunami, Japanese officials said.
The Remembrance Ceremony, which is set for noon today , is being held to acknowledge the many organizations, schools, sister cities, businesses, local and state officials, and individuals in Michigan who have responded to Japan's relief efforts after the earthquake that struck in March, 2011, said Rhea Young, spokeswoman for the Japanese Consulate in Detroit.
The ceremony will also serve as an opportunity to showcase the recovery of the affected areas and the revival of Japan, while also reaffirming the importance of international cooperation, she added.
Matsuda will begin the ceremony by giving remarks expressing his appreciation to the people of Michigan for their support. Following Matsuda's remarks, Gov. Rick Snyder is scheduled to speak.
Personal accounts of the disaster and relief efforts will be given by Mary Fales, whose son, Paul, was teaching English in Kesennuma, Japan during the tsunami. She will share her son's story, as well as his personal accounts of the rebuilding of Kesennuma following the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Kyoko Kashiwaga, violinist for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, will play a requiem by Gabriel Faure entitled Elegie while professor Jeffrey Angles of Western Michigan University will read his own original poem, as well as his translations of several famous poems written in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami. Angles is the recipient of the prestigious Landon Translation Award from the American Academy of Poets.
In addition, an exhibit featuring photos of Japan's recovery and paintings by elementary school students in the Tohoku area will also be on display.
Contact Joseph Szczesny at 248-745-4650, email joe.szczesny@oakpress.com or follow him on Twitter at @opjoesez.
