Happy New Year

Happy New Year. I hope you have a wonderful year.

For the first time in five years, I watched the first sunrise of the year in Obama, Tomioka Town, my hometown. During the hour and a half journey from Koriyama, memories of the time before and after the earthquake flashed like a slideshow. For some reason, I only have good memories of the time before the disaster. After the disaster, I remember gritting my teeth, and the support and inspiration I received from so many people. I believe that my experiences since the disaster have become a great asset. The past five years may have been a period of intensive recovery in my hometown. This year marks the true beginning of reconstruction. We need to take action without regrets, for the sake of future generations.

After the first sunrise of the year, Dai Fujita, a native of Tomioka, brought us a warm pork soup. It was delicious, and it was a moment when I was reminded of how wonderful my hometown is. I will always be grateful to so many people and do my best.