Miyagi official says thanks for letters of hope

A government official from Japan’s Miyagi Prefecture, the central part of Tohoku region and home to the city of Sendai where an earthquake and a subsequent tsunami struck in March, expressed his appreciation to CNMI students who have written letters of encouragement for the victims of the devastation.

“I would like to thank you for your kind messages to the people of Japan in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake,” International Affairs Division director Takamasa Chiba said in a letter addressed to executive secretary Vinycia M. Seman of the Saipan Mayor’s Office.

The students’ letters, forwarded to the Miyagi Prefectural Government, were part of the “Kibo No Tegami – Letters of Hope” campaign launched in public schools in April by the Saipan Mayor’s Office.

“Kibo No Tegami – Letters of Hope” had public elementary and high school students writing letters of support, encouragement, and hope to families in Japan that were affected by the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that hit the Miyagi Prefecture and caused a destructive tsunami.

Chiba said the March 11 tragedy, also known as The Great East Japan Earthquake or the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake, took many lives.

“More than six months have passed, and it [feels] as though things have started to settle down in the prefecture; however, we will continue to put all our strength and efforts in the restoration of our region as well as helping rebuild the lives of the victims,” he said.

“I am confident that your encouraging words will bring strength and hope to our people. In order to respond to your support, we will make every effort to rebuild this region without further delay,” added Chiba.

The 823 letters, which are now exhibited at the Miyagi Prefectural Government office building, were transmitted through the assistance of the Saipan Rotary Club and the Hasaki Rotary Club.

Seman acknowledged the two Rotary Clubs and all the students and teachers who sent their support and gave hope and strength to those affected by the devastation.

“It shows that although donating money to the various relief efforts is a great way to help, even a simple letter or card letting children, mothers, fathers, etc. of Japan know that the people in Saipan are thinking of them can make a difference in his/her life by shedding even a bit of hope,” added Seman.