On 11th March 2016, a reception was co-organised with the Japanese Association, Singapore (JAS) and Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Singapore (JCCI) to mark the 5th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The reception was to show appreciation to the support provided by Singapore as well as disseminating information about the current situation of the affected areas. Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), which dispatched a rescue team after the disaster struck, the Singapore Red Cross which organised donations and mobilised emergency supplies as well as Mercy Relief were invited and a total of around 190 guests attended the reception.
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Guests observing silence prayer for the 3.11 victims
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H E Ambassador Haruhisa Takeuchi giving his speech |
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During the reception, the guests observed a silent prayer after an opening remark by Mr Ueda, Vice-President of JCCI and this was followed by speeches given by Ambassador Takeuchi and Ms Josephine Teo, Senior Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Transport. At the end of the reception, the Japanese Association Choir performed two songs ‘Hana wa saku’ and ‘Asu to iu hi ga’ after a closing remark given by Mr Takahashi, President of JAS.
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Guests were treated to Japanese sake from Iwate Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture and Fukushima Prefecture during the reception. Panels and videos explaining the reconstruction efforts of the disaster affected areas were also provided by Japanese government , Fukushima prefecture , the Singapore Red Cross and Mercy Relief. |
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Minister Josephine Teo giving her speech |
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Display Panels exhibiting the 3.11 Great East Japan
Earthquake
5th Year Anniversary by Singapore Red Cross Society |
Display Panels exhibiting the 3.11 Great East Japan
Earthquake
5th Year Anniversary by Mercy Relief
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