News & Events

One year since the Kumamoto Earthquake

Apr. 14, 2017

It has been one year since the occurrence of the major earthquake centered in Kumamoto Prefecture. The foreshock occurred at night on April 14, 2016, and the main earthquake, before dawn on April 16. These two big tremors and the aftershocks that came in their wake caused serious damage and repercussions. We at Meiji University mourn all those who lost their lives in the disaster and offer our heartfelt condolences to all who have been affected by it.

Meiji University has various organizations connected with Kumamoto Prefecture. These include the "Meiyukai", which has a membership of students from the prefecture, the "Kumamoto Prefecture Parent’s Association" for the parents, and the "Kumamoto chapter of the Alumni Association" for graduates from the prefecture. After the earthquake struck last June, the President of Meiji University attended a meeting of the Kumamoto Prefecture Parent’s Association to express his condolences. Additionally, the Support Center for Earthquake Reconstruction has been engaged in a variety of activities, such as holding photo exhibitions across all four campuses, providing support for activities primarily led by the Meiyukai, and assisting events held by the Kumamoto chapter of the Alumni Association.

In spite of the passage of one year, many difficulties have not been resolved. There are numerous people who continue to live as evacuees due to the loss of their homes, are compelled to endure hardship because of severed roads etc., or bear deep mental or emotional scars from the disaster. We as Meiji University pray for the steady progress of recovery efforts, and shall continue to provide assistance for them.

At the same time, the short space of one year can feel long, and our memories of the disaster are gradually fading. On top of furnishing the affected people and districts with support for recovery, it is also vital to prevent the disaster from fading from memory in this way. While calling to mind April 2016, we have consequently decided to fly the school flag at half-staff as a token of our condolences and wishes for recovery.

April 14, 2017
Meiji University