Thank you message to the people and communities of Northern California from Consul General Yamada

I would like to thank the people and communities of Northern California for your kindness and generosity concerning the recent series of earthquakes in and around Kumamoto, Japan. As with the Great East Japan Earthquake five years ago, the outpouring of support and concern, as well as its swiftness and size, has been heartwarming and inspiring to the people of Japan in this hour of tragedy. Particularly in Northern California, these sentiments show the great long-standing bond of friendship that exists between our people.

A true friend is the first to extend his hand in times of trouble. I would like to express my gratitude to the people of Northern California for your continued commitment to strengthening the relationship between Japan and the United States, and for the warm friendship that you have shown to the people of Japan. I hope that you will keep thoughts of those affected in your hearts as they begin to rebuild their lives.

I would also like to extend my sincere condolences to the people of Ecuador as they recover from their own earthquake and its aftermath.

Jun Yamada
Consul General of Japan in San Francisco