It has been 26 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, which killed 6,434 people, 17 days ago.

The new coronavirus has also affected memorial events, and it will be a day to connect the memories and lessons of the earthquake while thoroughly implementing infection prevention measures.

In the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that occurred on January 17, 1995, 26 years ago, buildings collapsed and fires occurred one after another, and 6,434 people died, including the subsequent "disaster-related deaths."



At the park "Higashi Yuenchi" in Chuo-ku, Kobe, lanterns in memory of the victims are lined up in the shape of "1.17" and "Ganbaro".



Twenty-six years ago, the word "Let's do our best", which was the driving force behind the reconstruction, was the message that many people are spending their time with anxiety due to the influence of the new corona. It is included.



As a measure to prevent infection of the new corona, the lanterns are lit from the evening of the 16th, half a day earlier than usual, to avoid congestion.



During the production process, the number of bamboo lanterns, which tend to be dense, has decreased from last year, and instead paper lanterns with messages from citizens and children have been added.



Memorial events will be held in various places on the 17th, but according to a questionnaire conducted by a citizen group in Hyogo prefecture, 42 memorial events will be held around January 17, which is 18 less than last year due to the influence of the new corona. The number of schools and kindergartens that conduct silent and evacuation drills has decreased by nearly 300, partly because it is Sunday.



While the state of emergency is being declared, the 17th will be a day to connect the memories and lessons of the earthquake while thoroughly implementing infection prevention measures.