On March 11, 2026, Ambassador of Viet Nam to Japan Pham Quang Hieu attended the memorial and prayer ceremony for recovery following the Great East Japan Earthquake, at the invitation of the Fukushima Prefectural Government.

The ceremony was attended by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, along with several members of the Cabinet including the Minister for Reconstruction, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Minister for Economic Security, and the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps, leaders of local governments, and families of the victims. During the ceremony, Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu and all participants observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims, expressing deep condolences for the immense losses suffered by the people of northeastern Japan.

In her remarks at the ceremony, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae expressed profound condolences for the victims of the disaster and highlighted the significant achievements made over the past 15 years in recovery and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas, noting that much of the essential infrastructure has largely been restored. She affirmed that the Japanese government will continue to make every effort to promote recovery and sustainable development in the affected regions, while also placing emphasis on medium- and long-term support measures, particularly psychological care for residents affected by the disaster.

Prime Minister Takaichi also noted that measures such as decontamination and the gradual lifting of evacuation orders in areas surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant are progressing steadily, creating conditions for residents to return home. During the Third Phase of Reconstruction and Revitalization, beginning in fiscal year 2026, the government will accelerate programs to support residents returning to their communities and promote industrial development in the affected areas, while continuing to oversee the decommissioning of reactors at the Fukushima plant with the consent of local communities and under the leadership and responsibility of the national government.

The Governor of Fukushima Prefecture also emphasized that although many challenges remain in the recovery and reconstruction process, the prefecture has made significant progress in restoring socio-economic life and gradually rebuilding public confidence. The governor expressed determination to continue advancing recovery efforts and called for continued support and cooperation from the central government, local authorities, and the international community to ensure sustainable reconstruction and development in Fukushima Prefecture in the coming years.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that struck on March 11, 2011, causing severe human and material losses in northeastern Japan, particularly in the prefectures of Fukushima, Miyagi, and Iwate. Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu’s participation in the ceremony reflects Viet Nam’s solidarity and sympathy with the people of Japan in the face of the devastating disaster, while also contributing to further strengthening friendship and promoting exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.