NEW YORK--New Yorkers gathered in Union Square on the evening of Dec. 2 to light candles and offer prayers and pledges for the reconstruction of Fukushima Prefecture.
NEW YORK--New Yorkers gathered in Union Square on the evening of Dec. 2 to light candles and offer prayers and pledges for the reconstruction of Fukushima Prefecture.
The candles used are a speciality of Fukushima.
Their sides are adorned with motifs as well as messages from elementary school children in Okuma who were forced to evacuate their homes due to the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
Some of the messages said, "I want to go home soon" and "We will never give up."
The aim of the event was to share emotions with New Yorkers who had to overcome the trauma of 9/11 as well as demonstrate to the world that Fukushima residents are also doing their best toward rebuilding their lives.
An official with a group from Fukushima said, "We want to do our best so that we can one day have all of you visit us in Fukushima."
Close to 100 New Yorkers took part in the event, during which the song "Sukiyaki" was played.