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English Kabuki Performance at UH Manua Remarks

  By Yoshi Kamo, Consul General of Japan

April 8, 2011

Thank you, Virginia, for your kind words and thoughts. I appreciate all of you here to observe the moment of silence for the victims of the tsunami.

The Great East Japan Earthquake is the greatest disaster Japan faced after World War II. 27000 people have lost their lives or are unaccounted for. 165000 people remain evacuated. The nuclear power plant accident compounded the trouble even worse. We are having a trying time but are resolved to get over this national crisis.

More than 130 countries and 30 international organizations, 1500 NGOs have expressed their willingness to support the Japanese. Some in fact sent rescuers to Japan and provided relief assistance. Hawaii is no exception. Moreover, the people of Hawaii showed an overwhelming expression of sympathy and support to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. As the local representative of the Japanese government, I would like to thank you for your generous support and kind gesture in rallying to our side to encourage us to overcome the challenges we are facing. The loss we suffered is so enormous and the challenges we are facing are so gigantic. But we are determined to overcome this difficult time.

Chancellor contributed to the Star- Advertiser a heart warming story after she returned from Narita Airport, Japan, where she was struck by the earthquake. She experienced black out and camping out at the airport lobby along with her fellow travelers all over the world. She felt bonds among the stranded passengers as well as attentive cares by the Japanese airport staff, while orderliness permeated the scene. That’s a soothing piece that we enjoyed against the backdrop of the most horrific images of the tsunami devastation.

Well, I know that you cannot wait any longer for what we are having here tonight. I have never seen an English Kabuki performance before and never expected that I can enjoy one in Hawaii. I hope you have a good time. Thank you for your patience.