2011.5.24

Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake

Kenichi Iga
President and Head of the Task Force
for the Great East Japan Earthquake
Tokyo Institute of Technology

Nearly two and a half months have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake of 11 March 2011. The death toll surpassed 15,000 and more than 9,000 people are still unaccounted for in this tragic disaster. A countless number of afflicted people are experiencing great hardships owing to the natural disasters and the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, including the numerous evacuees. Once again to those who were affected, my thoughts are with you.

Tokyo Institute of Technology’s facilities sustained minor damages from the earthquake; however, this did not impair normal University operations. We have successfully verified the safety and well-being of all of our 10,232 students. Although there were no deceased or injured students, families of 10 students were victims of the disaster and more than a dozen students are facing financial difficulties as a result. We are doing our utmost to provide mental and physical support to our students so as they can earnestly continue their studies despite the unfortunate circumstances.

While our students were safe, I am greatly saddened to say that the University was impacted directly as Professor Emeritus Tsuneo Kanno’s life was tragically taken by the tsunami. I would like to extend my deep heartfelt condolences to his family.

In response to the disaster, Tokyo Institute of Technology established a “Disaster Countermeasures Office” directly after the earthquake, and later a “Task Force for the Great East Japan Earthquake” with the aim of the maintaining sound University operations. Furthermore, concerning the fears of the spread of radiation related to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, we established a “Radiation Countermeasures Office” and held lectures on radiation for the members of the University and community.

As a result and in appreciation for the cooperation of the Tokyo Institute of Technology community, the University is on the whole operating normally though students, faculty and staff have to deal with energy saving measures, including changes to the class schedules. As the electricity supply and demand problem is expected to be prolonged and the Government will be financially strapped due to restoration measures, Japan will need to devise various new ideas to tackle complex problems. Each of us at Tokyo Institute of Technology must continuously overcome difficulties as a team.

These past two months following the Great East Japan Earthquake have called us to action to review our former crisis management policies. The University will focus on bettering its preparedness for disasters by thoroughly revising existing plans as necessary.

In retrospect, 88 years ago in 1923, Tokyo Institute of Technology fell victim to the Great Kanto Earthquake at its original location in Kuramae, and was consequently moved to Ookayama the following year. Although enormous damage was caused in the Tokyo metropolitan area because of that earthquake, it is easy to imagine that many engineers educated at Tokyo Institute of Technology played a central role in the restoration efforts. Following the Great East Japan Earthquake in March as well, many of our alumni are actively engaging in recovery efforts in disaster-stricken areas. Our faculty members, staff and students will also play a significant role in the future efforts.

Coupled with our endeavors to support afflicted people and save energy, Tokyo Institute of Technology continues to contribute to Japan’s recovery efforts by making the most of our strength as a leading university in the field of science and technology.

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2011.3.29

On March 11, we experienced one of the biggest earthquake disasters on record in Japan. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the many people who lost their lives in the earthquakes and tsunami. A great many people are still seeking refuge and are experiencing devastating hardships. To those who were afflicted, my thoughts are with you.

We have reached the difficult decision of calling off the AY2010 Graduation Ceremony and the AY2011 Entrance Ceremony, and postponing the 130th Anniversary Ceremony of the University scheduled for May 28. This decision is based on the judgement that, for the moment, we should refrain from holding events at which many people gather, due to problems arising from the current situation such as concern over aftershocks, disrupted transportation and cooperative efforts to save electricity. I appreciate your kindness in understanding our decision.

At Tokyo Institute of Technology, each Campus will implement procedures to deliver substantial electricity savings. The new school year will start shortly, and we will continue with these efforts so that students will be able to focus on their studies even under these circumstances.

In terms of the earthquake disaster and its aftermath, the “Task Force for the Tohoku Earthquake” was implemented at the University, and full time staff are stationed for a one-stop response. In addition, we have started implementing support projects for disaster-stricken areas.

Things are changing every day. Despite the number of challenges, we intend to carry on activities calmly, including education, research and contribution to society. Keeping our eyes on the situation, we would like to act together, thinking over the ways in which we can help as members of Tokyo Institute of Technology.

Kenichi Iga
President,
Tokyo Institute of Technology