To all of the Japanese nationals, Japanese-Americans and U.S. citizens in the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, my name is Ikuhiko Ono and I have assumed my post as the new Consul-General of Japan at Denver. For Japanese residents and travelers here I will do my best to set your hearts at ease by providing smooth and sensible consular services during your stay in the US, and I will also endeavor to further facilitate the strong relationship between Japan and this region.
On March 11th of this year, Japan suffered the horrible tragedy of the Great East Japan Earthquake. More than 15,000 people lost their lives to the earthquake and subsequent tsunami, and nearly 5,000 persons are still missing. At the accident-stricken nuclear power plant in Fukushima, efforts are still ongoing to ensure full safety. Faced with such unprecedented disaster, Japan has received a great amount of heartfelt support from the people in this region and the United States. For this, I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to all for their warm friendship, compassion, and encouragement. Japan is on a long road to recovery, but we will overcome this hardship. We are striding forward in rebuilding our nation, so as to be able to make an even greater contribution to the international community. |