From Ambassador (Presentation ceremony of the new mast for a former coast guard vessel “Óðinn”)
2022/6/16
You might have read my essay concerning the Icelandic Coast Guard as well as its, now retired, main offshore patrol vessel, “Óðinn”. Today, I want to write about the vessel’s other story, as promised.
The Great East Japan Earthquake that struck Japan in March 2011 took many people’s lives and deprived many others of their livelihood. I was posted to a Japanese embassy in another country at the time, and still remember being quite shocked by the news footage broadcasted by Japanese media.
Various domestic assistance and support for post-disaster relief and recovery efforts were provided. And, thankfully, many people from all over the world have also extended helping hands.
I believe it is important for us, living in the international community, to remember such goodwill and to maintain a sense of gratitude.
Although Iceland is far away from Japan, many Icelandic people cared about those who lost everything and were forced to live inconveniently in evacuation centers in the northern part of Japan, where it was still very cold at this time of the year. They offered their support by knitting sweaters, hats, gloves and sending them all the way to Japan at the Icelandic post office’s own cost.
Some people actually visited the area to offer their support.
Mr. Egill Þórðarson, now retired from the Coast Guard, and his wife Yoko-san were among those who couldn’t help from doing something when they heard the news. They visited Japan in June, shortly after the disaster, and volunteered in Kesen-numa city, which was severely damaged by the tsunami.
The once thriving shipbuilding facilities in Kesen-numa city were devastated by the tsunami following the earthquake. However, after a great deal of hard work, the industry was restored, and several companies merged to form a new company, Mirai Ships Inc., making a fresh start.
Mr. Kidoura, CEO of Mirai Ships Inc. met the couple immediately after the earthquake and they have continued their friendship ever since. Forever grateful for the warm support of the Icelandic people, when Egill san told him that a new signal mast, which was like a tower at the bow of the ship, would be needed to restore “Óðinn”, Mr. Kidoura offered to manufacture and donate it, saying that while they couldn’t knit woolen sweaters, but they could make new masts.
The awarding ceremony of the signal mast, a symbol of this friendship and goodwill, was finally held in the presence of the President of Iceland. Mr. Kidoura and others also visited Iceland during this period to attend the ceremony.
Long story short, I am very happy and proud to be able to attend such a memorable occasion as the Ambassador of Japan and celebrate with them.
The Great East Japan Earthquake that struck Japan in March 2011 took many people’s lives and deprived many others of their livelihood. I was posted to a Japanese embassy in another country at the time, and still remember being quite shocked by the news footage broadcasted by Japanese media.
Various domestic assistance and support for post-disaster relief and recovery efforts were provided. And, thankfully, many people from all over the world have also extended helping hands.
I believe it is important for us, living in the international community, to remember such goodwill and to maintain a sense of gratitude.
Although Iceland is far away from Japan, many Icelandic people cared about those who lost everything and were forced to live inconveniently in evacuation centers in the northern part of Japan, where it was still very cold at this time of the year. They offered their support by knitting sweaters, hats, gloves and sending them all the way to Japan at the Icelandic post office’s own cost.
Some people actually visited the area to offer their support.
Mr. Egill Þórðarson, now retired from the Coast Guard, and his wife Yoko-san were among those who couldn’t help from doing something when they heard the news. They visited Japan in June, shortly after the disaster, and volunteered in Kesen-numa city, which was severely damaged by the tsunami.
The once thriving shipbuilding facilities in Kesen-numa city were devastated by the tsunami following the earthquake. However, after a great deal of hard work, the industry was restored, and several companies merged to form a new company, Mirai Ships Inc., making a fresh start.
Mr. Kidoura, CEO of Mirai Ships Inc. met the couple immediately after the earthquake and they have continued their friendship ever since. Forever grateful for the warm support of the Icelandic people, when Egill san told him that a new signal mast, which was like a tower at the bow of the ship, would be needed to restore “Óðinn”, Mr. Kidoura offered to manufacture and donate it, saying that while they couldn’t knit woolen sweaters, but they could make new masts.
The awarding ceremony of the signal mast, a symbol of this friendship and goodwill, was finally held in the presence of the President of Iceland. Mr. Kidoura and others also visited Iceland during this period to attend the ceremony.
Long story short, I am very happy and proud to be able to attend such a memorable occasion as the Ambassador of Japan and celebrate with them.