January 17, 2025—Today marks 30 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. While the passage of time feels incredibly fast, the events of that day remain vivid in my memory. I wasn’t living in Kobe at the time, but I recall how even my hometown in Osaka shook considerably. As a child, seeing the devastation in nearby Kobe on television left me deeply shocked.

The path to recovery for Kobe was filled with immense challenges and tireless efforts. I often have the opportunity to speak with people from Kobe, and many of them, having lived through the earthquake, hold a strong sense of pride in and love for their city. It’s clear how much they cherish their local bonds, which were strengthened by overcoming such adversity. Their resilience and warmth continue to inspire me.

Japan is known as an earthquake-prone country, where we are always living alongside the risk of disasters. Even today, recovery efforts are ongoing in various regions affected by earthquakes. It reminds us of the importance of preparedness and the need to stay mindful of disaster awareness.

By remembering the experiences of those affected by the earthquake, we can deepen our disaster preparedness and extend kindness and support to those around us. Reflecting on the 30 years of Kobe’s recovery journey, I feel a strong determination to contribute to building disaster-resilient communities for the future.

Let us continue to value “disaster preparedness” and “connections” as we look to the future.