Japanese Memorial Service for Victims of Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan

On Tuesday 29th March, 2011, a Japanese Memorial Service was held at Mani Room, Nairobi Serena Hotel, to pay a tribute to the victims of the massive Earthquake and Tsunami which devastated the Tohoku (North Eastern) region of Japan on 11th March, 2011. The Memorial Service was organized by the Kenya Red Cross and Mani Room was packed with more than 200 people, who were wearing T shirts prepared by the Red Cross with the insignia ”Pamoja”, meaning ”together in Kiswahili”.

Mr. Abbas Gullet, Kenya Red Cross Secretary General, Ambassador Dennis Awori, Former Ambassador of Kenya to Japan, Hon.Joseph Nyagah, Minister of Cooperatives and others took the Podium one after another and echoed their voices for condolence along with moral support and sympathy, stressing that Kenya always stands together in time of dire need, not leaving Japan alone. In response, Mr. Toshihisa Takata, Ambassador of Japan to Kenya thanked the people and the government of Kenya including the Kenya Red Cross for the strong support and sympathy, while mentioning that Japan, despite these adversities, will not abandon her continued support for the economic development in Kenya.

After the 2 minute moment of silence coinciding with 2.46p.m. when Earthquake and Tsunami struck Japan on 11th March, the pupils at the Japanese school in Nairobi solemnly sang Kimigayo (Japanese national anthem) and the Kenya Boys Choir sang their national anthem.

Finally, Kenyatta University Japanese Language Students sang a Japanese song of the worldwide fame ” Ueomuite Aruko “(Lets walk, putting your heads up) and Wapi Wapi Dancers performed Yosakoi, gesturing wave by the movement of hands.