[Machu Picchu Preservation Project: 11 Years of Reflections and Gratitude]

The seminar reporting on the results of the Machu Picchu preservation project was successfully held in Cusco, Peru.

At the opening ceremony, I had the invaluable opportunity to stand on stage with the Minister of Culture and the Minister of Trade and Tourism. I was a little nervous at the start, but I was able to share the results of the research and studies I had been working on for the past year and a half with many of the people involved.

The origins of this project can be traced back to the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent nuclear disaster in 2011.

After the earthquake, Otama Village in Fukushima Prefecture was quick to warmly welcome the residents of Tomioka Town who were forced to evacuate.

"I want to repay the kindness I've received from Otama Village someday."

That passion led to the Machu Picchu Preservation Project.

Otama Village is the birthplace of Yokichi Nouchi, the first mayor of Machu Picchu Village, and the two villages signed a friendship city agreement in 2015.

Mr. Yokichi Nouchi's daughters (eldest and second daughters) also attended the seminar throughout the day and listened attentively to our presentation. We were also able to take a commemorative photo together, making it an unforgettable moment for me.

It's been 11 years since the concept was first conceived.

Tomioka Town and Otama Village in Japan, far away from each other, and Machu Picchu in Peru.

The feelings of gratitude that arose in the wake of the earthquake transcended national borders, connected people, and developed into a major initiative to preserve World Heritage sites.

It took a long 11 years, but nothing would make me happier than if this achievement could be a small way of giving back to Otama Village.

And above all, we have come this far not solely through our own efforts.

Many related organizations in Japan and Peru, everyone at JICA, those who worked hard alongside us on the ground, and my colleagues who supported this challenge.

Thanks to the support and cooperation of so many people, we have been able to achieve such great results.

I express my sincere gratitude.