A "Hyogo Safety Day Gathering" was held in Kobe to commemorate the victims of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and pass on the lessons learned.
The event was held at "HAT Kobe" in Chuo-ku, Kobe, where reconstruction housing and disaster prevention related facilities are lined up, and about 400 people from local governments in the prefecture participated in the gathering hosted by Hyogo Prefecture.
Prioritizing measures against the infection of the new coronavirus, the bereaved families of the earthquake were not invited, and the participants also wore masks and attended the ceremony at intervals.
After the participants silently prayed with the sound of a bell at noon, Governor Ido of Hyogo Prefecture greeted us, "A new threat called the new coronavirus struck us. I have survived the earthquake 26 years ago. We should be able to overcome it. We will do our utmost to lead a safe and secure life and regain the vitality and vitality of the region. "
After this, local children announced their thoughts, "It is our mission to convey people's thoughts about the earthquake to the next generation."
Then, after the children sang the song "Let's carry happiness", which was made with the wish for reconstruction, the participants laid flowers on the memorial monument.
Takashi Onishi (71), a former employee of the prefecture who participated in the gathering, said, "At the time of the earthquake, I worked desperately for reconstruction. I will make use of my experience to become Hyogo prefecture where I can continue to live safely and happily. I want you to do it. "