What's New
Speech by Consul General Kiyokazu OTA at the Occasion of the Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival (April.2, 2011)
Good afternoon seijinshiki ceremony participants and friends of Japan.
I. Earthquake and Tsunami Tragedies
Today, on behalf of the government and people of Japan, I would like to express condolences for the more than thirty thousand people who lost their lives or are missing, and also for their families and friends. Japan has not faced a natural disaster of this scale for over 1,000 years. There are no words in English or in Japanese to express our sorrow. We have received many messages of sympathy from the community. Your kindness is very touching and appreciated.
The United States jumped in to help Japan immediately after the disaster through on-site USAID relief teams as well as Nuclear Regulatory Commission experts to aid the Fukushima nuclear power stations, not to mention the US forces engaged in “Operation Tomodachi.” Donations are continuing to pour in from many individuals and businesses. Your help and encouragement is indispensible to us, and I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for this help from our Seattleite, Washingtonian and American friends.
Japanese are now more united than ever to maintain an orderly and disciplined society of people who help each other. Although it will take years and many challenges lie ahead, we are determined to overcome all obstacles and rebuild stronger than before.
II. Cherry Blossoms: Symbols of Hope for a New Life
In the tsunami-stricken region, 300 miles of coastline lie in ruins. Cities, towns and lives have been swept away, but amid the devastation, a spark of spirit remains; plum trees that successfully clung to the earth are now beginning to bloom, and warm the hearts of the survivors who have lost everything else. In a few weeks time, cherry blossoms, too, will open in all their ethereal beauty. These trees have had a special place in Japanese culture for about 1,000 years. Now the blossoms will give the displaced a glimmer of hope for a new life.
III. Seijinshiki: A New Status, A New Purpose
Today we celebrate seijinshiki, the coming of age ceremony. In Japan, young ladies and gentlemen at the age of 20 attend a ceremony in formal dress. It is a turning point for them. At this time they go from being dependants to being self-sufficient, from being cared for to being a responsible contributing member of society. They become aware of their need to make a place for themselves and bravely face challenges.
You young men and women here today: a new horizon stretches out before you. Set sail. The destination? Your life.
You may encounter difficulties, make mistakes or second-guess your decisions, but you are young. You have time and you have more energy and power than you yet realize. Remember this: ‘where there is life, there is hope.’ Even in your darkest hour, you are still alive and have a chance to change your situation. Find the embers in your soul and relight the fire of your life. Think of the cherry blossoms that steadfastly remind us each year that beauty and hope can be found anywhere!
IV. A Successful Community Festival
In closing, I wish success for the 36th Annual Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival. I would like to thank the Festival committee, organizers, sponsors, volunteers and participants. Thanks to your united efforts, this festival is a success once again!
We at the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle are co-sponsoring with the Japan Foundation the photography exhibit “Visions: Future of Our Cities, Struggling Cities: from Japanese Urban Projects in the 1960s.” We hope you visit Seattle Center Pavilion B and can enjoy it.
Seijinshiki omedeto-gozaimasu!
Congratulations on your coming of age and thank you for listening!