Message from the President - To everyone affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake -
Mar. 22, 2011
This is the season when the cherry blossoms begin to bud. How will the cherry blossoms appear to everyone’s eyes this year? This past March 11, countless precious lives were lost by the forces of nature. However, the spring season that brings with it the blooming cherry blossoms bloom is also part of the same forces of nature. This terrible tragedy has given us an opportunity to once again think deeply about nature and life.
I would like, first of all, to express my sincere condolences to all the people who have lost their lives to the massive earthquake and subsequent secondary disaster that hit the Pacific coast of the Tohoku region, causing damage unprecedented in recorded history. I also wish to extend my deepest sympathies to those who have been affected by the disaster and continue to live in evacuation shelters. It is my sincere wish that the hopes and prayers of people around the world reach those whose safety has still yet to be confirmed.
Meiji University recently announced the cancellation of graduation ceremonies for the 2010 academic year. Sadly, among this year’s graduates, there was one student who fell victim to the disaster. Under normal circumstances, the graduation ceremony would have been an opportunity for his parents and family members to rejoice in seeing their child having grown up in to a fine young adult. The student no doubt had new dreams and aspirations for the future that he would have worked to fulfill. It is truly regrettable that his life was cut so short. As president of Meiji University, I wish to commend him from the bottom of my heart for his seriousness and diligence during his time at university. Congratulations on your graduation; my sincere condolences to you and your family.
Vigilance levels remain high in a wide area around Japan, requiring us to be constantly alert. Under these circumstances, I am made strongly aware of the fact that Japan is supported by various countries around the world. The thoughts of people all over the world are with us, united as one to encourage and empower us. I only wish that families can confirm the safety of their loved ones who are still missing, and that everyone, including the victims of disaster-ravaged areas, can return to some semblance of their normal lives as soon as possible. We at Meiji University hereby pledge to extend as much assistance as possible to those in need in a concrete and expeditious manner.
I would like, first of all, to express my sincere condolences to all the people who have lost their lives to the massive earthquake and subsequent secondary disaster that hit the Pacific coast of the Tohoku region, causing damage unprecedented in recorded history. I also wish to extend my deepest sympathies to those who have been affected by the disaster and continue to live in evacuation shelters. It is my sincere wish that the hopes and prayers of people around the world reach those whose safety has still yet to be confirmed.
Meiji University recently announced the cancellation of graduation ceremonies for the 2010 academic year. Sadly, among this year’s graduates, there was one student who fell victim to the disaster. Under normal circumstances, the graduation ceremony would have been an opportunity for his parents and family members to rejoice in seeing their child having grown up in to a fine young adult. The student no doubt had new dreams and aspirations for the future that he would have worked to fulfill. It is truly regrettable that his life was cut so short. As president of Meiji University, I wish to commend him from the bottom of my heart for his seriousness and diligence during his time at university. Congratulations on your graduation; my sincere condolences to you and your family.
Vigilance levels remain high in a wide area around Japan, requiring us to be constantly alert. Under these circumstances, I am made strongly aware of the fact that Japan is supported by various countries around the world. The thoughts of people all over the world are with us, united as one to encourage and empower us. I only wish that families can confirm the safety of their loved ones who are still missing, and that everyone, including the victims of disaster-ravaged areas, can return to some semblance of their normal lives as soon as possible. We at Meiji University hereby pledge to extend as much assistance as possible to those in need in a concrete and expeditious manner.
Hiromi Naya
President, Meiji University
President, Meiji University