"14th Anniversary of Hanshin Earthquake Tragedy"

            Hanshin Earthquake disaster, which as many as 6,434 lives lost, reached the 14^th anniversary on January 17^th. Mourning ceremonies were held at many localities in Hyogo prefecture while requiems for victims were widely prayed. Participants also swore to take the memory of damage as the significant lesson for the next generation forever.

            Today, approximately 5,500 people participated in the mourning ceremony at the central Kobe amusement park. Candles put inside bamboos were aligned in rows seen as "1・17" (January 17) and lighted up. Participants had a moment of silence at the same time the earthquake occurred, 5:46 am.

            Tanaka Chiharu (53), who has lost his mother due to the earthquake, gave an interview that       "I can never forget the days when I could do nothing but sorry. However, by that time, I could also see people's kindness and helpfulness to one another." Thus, he mentioned that his dream was to be another person who peacefully link people together.

Comment: I am very sorry for victims' relatives. I almost forgot that it happened. Wish all the spirits rest in peace ever after.

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

Thailand

APS3, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University