Dear All,

This month marks the 10th anniversary of the Great Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami.

It is impossible to forget the material and psychological damage that this enormous disaster had on all of us. There are still challenges that need to be addressed. This is the time even more than before to pass down the stories of what occurred that day in order to become a strong force and get back up on our feet again. We should look back and recall all the warm support that nearly every country gave Japan during that difficult moment ten years ago.

Japan has been, and continues to be in a state of emergency due to COVID-19 since the beginning of 2021. In order to reduce the number of infections to zero, to bring the number of deaths to zero, we must work together to find the light at the end of this long and dark tunnel. It goes without saying that support for those who have suffered losses must be compensated timely and smoothly, and vaccines must be distributed quickly. We must listen to the experts who say that it will take a number of years before we can go back to our pre-pandemic lives, and make sure of our domestic and international cooperation in order for the world to come together and manage this situation.

Although APIC has suspended its international exchanges for the moment, its interest in the island nations is unwavering. Instead of physical exchanges, APIC has turned its focus to immediate problems these areas face (such as lack of potable water, etc.) and is expanding its activities towards support into procuring supplies needed to deliver peace of mind and safety to the islanders.

We look forward to your continued support of APIC’s activities.