On March 11, 2011, three years ago today, Japan was devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent Triple Disaster.  The years since this horrific disaster have brought out stories of both tragedy and of resilience, and the anniversary is a time for contemplation and reflection. We mourn those of all nationalities who were lost in the disaster, and our thoughts are with those who are still working to rebuild their lives and  the Tohoku region.
The disasters highlighted the strength of relations at all levels of society between the peoples of the United States and Japan. Last year, the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE) released a report revealing that U.S. giving for the Japan disaster exceeded $710 million and is one of the largest responses in history.   We at U.S. CULCON will continue to promote public/private partnerships to sustain the U.S.-Japan relationship and we look forward to working in partnership with the people of Japan in their rebuilding efforts.