Japan's recovery from devastation on show @ Katara

Events Details

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari and Japanese Ambassador Kenjiro Monji viewing the photo exhibition of the Tsunami-hit Japan. salim matramkot

BY RAYNALD C RIVERA

One year after a twin disaster devastated the country, the Japanese Embassy showcases the magnitude of damage and the huge efforts of the government and its people with the help of other countries like Qatar to rebuild the areas and lives affected by the tsunami and earthquake in a photo exhibition which opened yesterday at Katara.

Titled ‘Recovery from the Great Japan East Earthquake - toward Open Reconstruction’, the expo which was organised by the Japanese Embassy in cooperation with Qatar Photographic Society, features 50 images of how the earthquake and tsunami ravaged Japan taking nearly 20,000 lives and how the affected areas have recovered in a year’s time in terms of infrastructure and economy.

Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Japanese Ambassador Kenjiro Monji said Japan has made steady progress towards reconstruction with companies having recovered fast and no obstacles to foreigners doing business, study or sightseeing in the country.

“Japanese people have demonstrated resilience in tackling this unprecedented challenge of reconstruction. With renewed self-confidence and pride on its own culture, tradition and capacity to adapt to new circumstances, Japan will continue to disseminate the full diversity of Japan’s attractions, promoting its own unique international contributions,” said Ambassador Monji, adding he hoped through the exhibition people will get “a concrete image of the strong recovery we have achieved.”

He said Japan will continue sharing the lessons learned to the international community from the nuclear accident and contributing to enhance international nuclear safety through hosting with the IAEA the Fukushima Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Safety in December.

The Ambassador also expressed deep appreciation of the help Qatar has extended in the wake of the disaster which amounted to $100m and a huge supply of LNG and LPG, which according to him was considered one of the largest.

“People in Japan will never forget the strong bond of friendship shown by Qatar, which both countries hope to further promote this year in 2012, the 40th anniversary of Japan-Qatar diplomatic relations. And Japan will continue to contribute to the development of Qatar, through cooperation in energy and infrastructure areas especially toward FIFA World Cup 2022,” said Ambassador Monji.

The exhibition also features 36 drawings by children in the disaster-stricken areas under the themes ‘Thanks to everyone in the world’, ‘My life in ten years’ and ‘What I want to do.’ It is open to public viewing until March 25 at the Qatar Photographic Society, Building 18 in Katara.

The Peninsula