KOBE -- Areas in Hyogo Prefecture that experienced the Great Hanshin Earthquake were filled with the silent prayers of bereaved families, victims and others in memorial services on Thursday, the 24th anniversary of the disaster that ultimately claimed 6,434 lives.
In this final year of the Heisei era (1989-) -- a period that witnessed a string of disasters in the country -- participants in the services renewed their vow to remember the disaster and pass down the lessons learned to future generations.
A memorial service called "1.17 no Tsudoi" (Gathering on Jan. 17) was held at Kobe East Park in Chuo Ward, Kobe. About 5,500 people (as of 7 a.m. Thursday) joined the event organized by the executive committee that comprises the Kobe city government and other entities.
Attendees lit about 5,000 bamboo lanterns to reveal the hiragana characters for "Tsunagu" (connect) -- expressing their determination to hand memories and lessons to future generations -- as well as "1995" and "1.17." They offered a silent prayer at 5:46 a.m., the time the earthquake occurred.
The number of memorial services in January 2019 stood at 53, less than half of the peak figure. Though the Hanshin earthquake is said to have kick-started the rise of earnest volunteer activities in disaster areas in Japan -- with 1995 known as the "first year of volunteerism" -- how to continue volunteer efforts remains a challenge today.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
