I extend my heartfelt condolences to the many families who have lost loved ones in the sudden catastrophe that has struck the island of Japan.

I have many acquaintances in the Miyagi, Fukushima, and Iwate provinces, but have yet been able get in contact with most of them. I continue to pray that they are safe.

3 days have passed since the large quake, but as aftershocks still continue in Ibaraki as well as Tokyo, the tense situation continues for many. Fortunately, all of the staff at Yokomo and Yatabe Arena, as well as their families, are safe.