With a magnitude of 9.0 and the highest waves over 20 meters high, Japan was struck by an earthquake and tsunami that devastated the Pacific coast and inland areas of the north east. Almost 16,000 died and there are over 3000 people still missing. After the disaster, we received support from all over the world, especially from the United States military who responded rapidly, bringing supplies and manpower to the massive rescue efforts.
One year has now passed since that tragic event. It is difficult to express how far this response by the United States went in lifting the spirits of all of the people in Japan. This spirit of hope and determination became the engine that has powered our recover as we work day by day to rebuild our lives.

An important part of the healing for the people of Japan is to be able to express the appreciation and gratitude the Japanese people feel for the assistance they have received. We are aware of the role that Colorado’s Peterson Air Force Base and the US military servicemen and women based there played in the rescue efforts, and it is an honor to have a chance to speak through this message directly to you.

Sometime last August, I received a call from The Matsukawa Kyougaku Taiko Drummers President; Mr. Chino from Nagano Prefecture, a region that is very near the areas damaged in the disaster. Mr. Chino talked to me about expressing the core of the Japanese spirit through wadaiko (or Japanese drumming). He talked about using the drum to not only show appreciation for all of the assistance we have received but to kindle and share the spirit that will help us all survive this tragedy.

I told my friend Mr. Chino, “Many parts of my hometown of Fukushima were completely destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami. Many died and even more were evacuated. Families were split up and relocated all over the country; we still cannot find some that were lost. I do not see how we can play our drums. Anyway, everyone is too busy trying to rebuild their lives to play drums right now”.

Mr. Chino reminded me that this was exactly the time to bring forth the energy and the spirit of wadaiko to further kindle our recovery. The Japanese drum has always been a symbol of motivation for the Japanese people and now would be a good chance to introduce this part of the Japanese spirit to the world. I agreed that we must do this together.

I told my friend Mr. Chino, “Fukushima has not only suffered some of the worst damage, it also has also received the most incredible support, yet the drummers of Fukushima have been scattered and our drums damaged or destroyed. There is no time or resources to assemble a drumming team under these conditions. The Matsukawa Kyougaku Taiko Drummers however can take our place. You have the experience and have played around the world. You can express the heart of the people of Fukushima through your drums. You can express our thanks to the American people for their support. You must go and speak for the Japanese people with your drums”.

The Kyougaku Taiko drummers have regular jobs or go to school during the daytime; the youngest member of the group being in Middle School! Every evening at 7:00 pm for the last 8 months, these drummers have met and practiced for this concert performance today. I sincerely appreciate all of the tremendous efforts that my friend, Kyougaku Taiko Leader Eitaro Chino and his drummers have put forth to perform for you today.

I hope and pray that the future will bring our countries of the United States and Japan even closer together.

Domo Arigatou Gozaimashita Thank you very much