News

Five years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake caused unprecedented destruction and suffering on March 11, 2011.

Shortly after the disaster, Waseda University established the Office for Aiding Reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, which focuses its efforts on providing scholarships for students from affected areas, organizing volunteer and donation activities, and promoting research to support reconstruction efforts. Thanks to the Waseda Supporters Club, which donated approximately three hundred million yen (approximately 2.6 million USD) we have been able to carry out extensive support and reconstruction efforts. The Hirayama Ikuo Volunteer Center (WAVOC), which conducts volunteer activities for organizing events, providing temporary housing, and supporting tide and weathering prevention has received tremendous support and has sent 6,000 volunteers to the Tohoku region.

Today, a WAVOC student group is holding a memorial program called “Remembering, Revisiting Tohoku.” At 14:46, the same time the earthquake struck on 3/11, Waseda University will fly its flag at half-mast and ring the Okuma Auditorium’s bell to mourn the disaster’s victims and pray for reconstruction efforts.

“Remembering, Revisiting Tohoku”

• Organized by Hirayama Ikuo Volunteer Center (WAVOC)
• Date/Time: March 11, 14:00-16:00
• Venue: Okuma Auditorium
• http://www.waseda.jp/wavoc/event/20160311_memorial.html

Student volunteers visit temporary housing areas in Miyagi Prefecture

Members of Waseda’s gymnastics club visit Iwaki City in Fukushima Prefecture

Message from President Kamata

As five years pass since the Great East Japan Earthquake, I would like to take this opportunity to send my prayers and thoughts to all victims affected by the 3/11 disasters.

Waseda University has and continues to support affected areas by providing scholarship initiatives and promoting reconstruction related research. Going forward, I believe it is very important to continue building upon our efforts of the past five years. Some of our student volunteers were still in middle school when the disasters struck and now that they have become Waseda students tell us, “I was young at the time and couldn’t do anything. Now that I am older and a student at Waseda, I want to help.” I am incredibly happy that these students are using Waseda as a means to help those in need.

Waseda University will continue its support for reconstruction efforts and help pave the way to a bright future for Japan and the international community.