Never Forget 23/10/2004
Posted 23 Oct 2009 - 16:31 by Mark Gardner
Five years ago today, at 5.56pm, you are probably aware that an earthquake of 6.9 on the Richter Scale devastated the area of Yamakoshi.
Some pictures from the memorial ceremony that took place in Yamakoshi.
The ceremony started with the ringing of the Bell of Hope at exactly 5.56.
Thereafter Hirohiko Izumida, Governor of Niigata Prefecture writing a message on the stage, what will happen with this thereafter I'm unsure. There are similar messages written on the wooden walkways at Yamakoshi bullring.
The omnipresent Nagashima-san signing as well.
Children from the Yamakoshi schools singing.
Kosuke and Kensuke Saito amongst them.
A display of lit candles.
A number of white ballons were distributed amongst attendees and released into the sky.
After a short break a number of buddist priests performed a religious ceremony.
As always a moving experience.
