2011 Sendai Senbazuru

In 2011, students from all over Tasmania folded paper cranes, wrote a message, and contributed $1 to help victims of the devastating tsunami that hit the Touhoku region of Japan.

Thanks to the kindness of the ABC, these cranes were assembled in the foyer of their office in Hobart and a one hour live broadcast conducted on Channel 936.The event was supported by Taiko Drum, sushi master Masaaki Koyama, and a number of students, teachers, and parents.The money raised, messages, and some representative cranes were delivered to Sendai City Hall in January 2011 by Akihirou Suzuki, a former Japanese Assistant Teacher who had been in Tasmania, and who also was instrumental in galvanizing fundraising amongst the students of Nagoya University.

Aki was unable to see the mayor, who remains heavily committed to reconstruction efforts, so he delivered the money and messages/cranes to the international affairs section, Mr Shusaku Takahashi.

Our messages of condolence and encouragement joined those from many other nations, states, and cities.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your extension of generous support through sending monetary donation and heartfelt messages following the East Japan Great Earthquake.

As you have likely heard on the news, Sendai was seriously damaged by the earthquake and tsunami.

With kind support from home and abroad, the citizens of Sendai are trying hard to get our lives back on track.

We will effectively use the money that you donated to the City of Sendai for the reconstruction of the city. We will display the messages you have sent to us on the first floor of Sendai City Hall so that many citizens can see them. Your kind support and warm consideration will be a great comfort to all of those adversely affected by the disaster. Although Sendai City suffered from an unprecedented natural disaster, we are grateful to know that we are not alone, and that not just the people of Japan support us, but that people around the world like you are supporting us as well.

We have a long road ahead of us in reconstructing our City. However, we would like to ask you to keep us in your hearts.

Sincerely,

Shusaku Takahashi

Director

International Relations & City Marketing Section

City of Sendai