On Friday 22 April, the House unanimously passed a resolution expressing gratitude for the international support after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

The House expresses its deepest gratitude for every sincere cordiality, support and encouragement extended from the friends around the world in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

On March 11th, an earthquake of an unprecedented scale in the Japanese history and gigantic tsunami that followed struck the Tohoku and the Kanto regions, painfully causing nearly 30,000 casualties and the missing. We are indeed greatly overwhelmed with immeasurable sorrow and pain. The earthquake and tsunami not only further destroyed many cities and towns but also brought about a serious nuclear disaster.

Since this great earthquake, the politics, the government and the private sector of Japan have devoted themselves entirely to relief efforts. We are now moving on from restoration to reconstruction phase, gradually but steadily.

During this period, more than 140 countries and regions, nearly 40 international organizations, a number of NGOs and many others around the world offered support to Japan. Many rescue teams sent from around the world have been engaged in emergency rescue operations in the affected areas.

In addition to the aforementioned reassuring support, numerous warm condolences and sympathies offered by the international community have encouraged the residents of the affected areas, who suffered from indescribable ravages, as well as the entire people of Japan. At the same time, the support has given strength to the people to recover from the disaster and to keep hope.

We, the Japanese people, wholeheartedly appreciate the friendship of the international community and will never forget this gratefulness. We pledge to move forward the road to reconstruction side by side with our friends of the international community. Furthermore, we express our determination to make continued efforts for the sake of the international community.

Resolved that the House hereby reiterates, on behalf of the Japanese people, its profound gratitude for all the people, countries, regions, international organizations and NGOs which have extended their supporting hands.