A special message is being displayed on Tokyo Tower in memory of those lost during the March 11, 2011 earthquake and resulting tsunami, as well as to promote a sense of unity across the country.
This evening between 6:30pm and midnight, the message “kizuna tuyoku” will be displayed across one side of Tokyo Tower’s main viewing platform.
Translating literally as “bonds, strong”, the message is intended to remind Tokyoites of those in the northeast whose lives were, in many cases irreparably, altered on that fateful day, and urge them to continue to show support as we approach the disaster’s third anniversary tomorrow. (The phonetic character「つ」is sometimes written “tu” rather than “tsu” by older Japanese, though perhaps the former was chosen here for its shorter character length and visual balance.)
Almost 16,000 people lost their lives on March 11 2011, the vast majority killed by the tsunami that struck shortly after the earthquake. Tomorrow, memorial services will be held and many people will observe a moment’s silence at 14:46, the time the quake struck.
As sad a reminder as the display is, if you’re in the Tokyo area we urge you to head over and see it for yourselves.
Source: IT Media
Photo: Tokyo Tower homepage
In Memory of the Victims of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami
15 years after Tohoku tsunami, Japan’s free disaster phone message number is important to remember
Moving video commemorates anniversary of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan
Man reported missing after 2011 Tohoku earthquake found alive and well
Driving up the Miyagi coastline, four years after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Peanuts and Coke becomes a viral hit in Japan, but is it a trend worth joining?
Deer that appeared in downtown Osaka gets a new home, a new name, and a lot of snacks[Video]
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
McDonald’s Japan adds new Hello Kitty and Pompompurin drinks to the menu for a limited time
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Japanese potato chip Rubik’s Cubes coming soon
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Don’t forget: Yahoo! Japan to make disaster relief donation for every person who searches for “3.11” today
We visit a tsunami-ravaged region almost a decade after the Great East Japan Earthquake
If the 2011 tsunami hit Tokyo’s Shibuya Scramble Crossing, this is how high it would’ve been
Heartbreaking video game remembers the victims of the 2011 Tohoku tsunami, raises money for survivors
On the 7th anniversary of 3.11, Japanese netizens reflect on the story of the tsunami motorcycle
Annual Tokyo memorial for March 11 tsunami comes with a heartwarming musical surprise【Video】
Remembering the people of Tohoku three years on
NTT wants you to remember the Tohoku Earthquake by remembering the phone numbers of loved ones
U.S. lifts all agricultural import bans for Fukushima, Tohoku region of Japan
Chilling Tokyo skyscraper sign shows just how tall the 2011 Japanese tsunami was
Great East Japan Earthquake: Commemorate eight years and donate with a search on Yahoo! Japan
Visiting the hotel half-destroyed by the 3-11 tsunami is a powerful reminder of what was lost
Great East Japan Earthquake memorial service broadcast in Shinjuku after years-long absence
Tohoku tsunami survivor’s $12K camera: heart-felt gift or PR stunt?