Seismologists have warned that the frequent small earthquakes around Mt. Fuji, the symbol of our nation, may possibly indicate activity in the magma. We hope that this series of earthquakes on a worldwide scale will not lead to global disasters.
Japan is one of the countries most subject to earthquakes.
In the early morning of Jan.17th 1995, a severe earthquakes shook the Hanshin Awaji area and 6,432 people lost their lives while 250,000 houses were completely or partially destroyed. Six years later, even though the towns and the streets have been restored, the wounded hearts of the people who lost their loved ones are still unhealed. On Jan. 17th this year, several memorial services and meetings were held in various places to mourn the victims. We will never forget your warm support from all over the world at that time. We always try to keep in mind the need to act to relieve sufferings from both natural and man-made disasters.