The Great Eastern Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011 not only took the lives of many, but also caused unprecedented levels of damage spreading from the Tohoku region to the Kanto region. We extend our deepest condolences to those whose lives were affected by this disaster, and to those whose lives were lost because of it.
The tsunamis following the earthquake swallowed possessions, lives, livelihoods, jobs, and communities, and the reconstruction and recovery from this damage is no easy task. The road to recovery will be paved through decades of effort.
Needless to say, economic, community, and psychological recovery will take enormous effort, but we truly believe that the cornerstone of recovery will be the work and support of the children growing up today. We believe that growing up without abandoning their dreams and wishes will be the basis for the recovery that will save the Tohoku region. The Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 demonstrates the important role of community effort in recovery: though buildings and streets can be rebuilt, a region’s true recovery is a distant goal without the participation of the residents and families in that region. We must remember this vital role that community plays. In this most recent disaster, as well, many children have lost one or both parents. They are often forced to prematurely abandon their dreams, and in increasing numbers, their hometowns, due to economic circumstances. It is our belief that allowing these children the freedom to pursue their dreams is an essential part of recovery.
Based on this belief, we plan to provide long- and medium-term support to children in the Tohoku region who have lost one or both parents. In particular, we would like to contribute in the area of providing support for higher education, such as college education and professional training, which is the area with still very few support today. We believe such assistance will help develop human resources who will play key roles in the recovery of Tohoku and Japan. In cultivating our human resources in this way, we believe we can bring recovery to the Tohoku region and, by extension, to Japan as a whole.
Additionally, another important significance of this fund is that its establishment is the product of a shared effort between three private companies. Up to now, the social actions taken by private companies have hinged on quarterly financial performance, and most companies have had little success in taking any social action beyond the short term. However, spurred on by this unprecedented disaster, companies have begun to re-evaluate their social responsibilities, and have determined that in business, it is our mission as corporations to provide mid- to long-term services to society. Together with likeminded people, we have resolved to create this fund to provide aid for recovery in Tohoku, and throughout Japan.
We look forward to the participation and assistance of those who share our mission, and look forward to working together toward our goal. We are indeed grateful for your understanding and enthusiastic support.
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