SAN FRANCISCO — Consul General Hiroshi Inomata issued the following statement to mark the second anniversary of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster that hit northwestern Japan:
“It has been two years since the Great East Japan Earthquake struck Japan on March 11, 2011. This is an appropriate time not only to remember and pray for the victims and all those who suffered but also to express our sincere gratitude for your support of the Japanese people during this most difficult time.
“Immediately after the catastrophic disaster, we received many encouraging messages as well as assistance from many individuals in Northern California and Nevada. The more than $2 million that our consulate general office had received was given to the Japanese Red Cross, which saw to it that the funds were directly distributed to the victims of the communities affected by the disaster.
“Thanks to the warm support and assistance from the United States and all over the world, Japan has been able to turn toward reconstruction and revitalization. Our country is willing to continue to share the lessons learned from the earthquake, build disaster-resistant societies, ensure nuclear safety, and promote human security and economic stability.
“As we look forward, Japan will endeavor to maintain its strong bonds, or kizuna, with the people of Northern California and Nevada, intensify our cooperation, and strive to deepen our relationships with the local regions and communities.”