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Speech to Honor the Life and Vision of Mr. Ken Nakano (May 15, 2011)
Good afternoon, Mrs. Nakano, ladies and gentlemen.
I. Condolences
I would like to extend my sincere condolences for the 25,000 individuals who perished or are missing since the March 11th earthquake and tsunami. I would also like to convey my sympathy for their families and friends in Japan as well as the United States. Although minds are unable to form words to adequately express our feelings, I believe our hearts can quietly communicate across any distance to share compassion and sorrow.
Today we are gathered to celebrate the life of Mr. Ken Nakano, who passed away in the tsunami near Sendai Airport. Looking out at all of you today, I can see the tip of the iceberg of the number of lives Ken touched. We are here not just because Ken was a great man, but also because he had a vision that spanned across countries and languages.
His dream for a business jet hub in Sendai served to satisfy his love of aviation, lift up the local economy and bring countries together through trade and investment. After the unbelievable destruction of the area, there is now an even greater need for Ken’s FBO Sendai to take to the skies. I would like to take a few minutes to explain why.
II. Sendai-Tohoku
The catastrophe of March 11th has given us a view of the role that the Sendai-Tohoku region is playing in the global economy.
The last two decades, is also known as the two “lost decades” of economic stagnation in Japan, but during that time, SMEs, or Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, made advances through bold new ventures specializing in sophisticated components for the high-tech, electronic, aviation and auto industries. In order to be the “only one in the world” offering their product and adopting “Just-in-Time” business strategies, the Sendai-Tohoku area built itself up as a vital supplier of reliable and quality products. These have become the lifeblood of global supply chains.
For example, 60% of the world’s supply of silicon wafers is made in Japan and in Tohoku in particular. Liquid crystal for displays is also manufactured there, in areas hard hit by the earthquake and tsunami. Companies in various countries have been concerned about the possibility of disruption.
In the United States, Apple’s iPhone and iPad2 products depend on supplies from Tohoku as do Motorola phones. General Motors in Indiana and New York receive engines parts from Tohoku. Samsung products from Korea, Nokia phones from Finland and Peugeot diesel engine parts in France also depend on Tohoku.
The world is now watching to see what the people of Sendai-Tohoku are going to do next.
III. Ken’s Perspective and Vision
What the world is beginning to see is what Ken saw in Sendai-Tohoku all along: business potential.
As many of you know, Ken lived in Seattle for over 10 years, working in the aviation industry. Pursuing his love of flight, he obtained every flight license he could and made a lot of friends here. Upon his return to Japan, he channeled this passion into his dream project to bring the business jet industry to Japan, specifically into Sendai.
Ken saw Sendai as ideal because of its strategic location on the trans-Pacific route between the US, China and other Asian countries, it is only a 90 minute Shinkansen ride to Tokyo, and the excellent facilities and service at the Sendai Airport. His idea won strong support from Sendai Airport Authorities as well as the Miyagi Prefectural Government.
The Sendai-Tohoku area has suffered a great setback, but is rebuilding to supply products necessary around the world. The SMEs need to strengthen their networks in the US, China and Europe. FBO Sendai’s jets are the key to furthering the business relationships vital in the reconstruction of the region to fit the needs of the future.
Ken’s plan to establish a business jet hub and unite Sendai-Tohoku with overseas enterprises is more necessary than ever after March 11th.
IV. A Dream Lives On
Ken had the vision and the initiative to bring business jets to Sendai. Although he was mortal, his idea lives on. Ken’s wife, Mayumi, with encouragement from many of Ken’s friends and supporters on both sides of the Pacific, is taking up the torch to make his dream a reality.
The reconstruction process will be difficult and challenging. Through the perseverance of the people there, however, everyone will soon see the results of Tohoku spirit as the region makes a comeback.
My wish is that FBO Sendai will take off and soar to new heights in the years to come, showing the world what one man’s dream as well as the Sendai-Tohoku area can do!
Thank you for listening.