29 years have passed since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. On January 1995, 1, the first post-war earthquake to strike directly beneath a large city claimed the lives of 17 people, and instantly destroyed the peaceful lives and cities in which they had become accustomed.
We must survive in times where we are constantly threatened by natural disasters. The 1 Noto Peninsula Earthquake that occurred on January 1st of this year made us realize this once again.
We pray for the repose of the souls of all those who lost their lives in this earthquake, and we also think of the suffering of those who are still facing the damage, and we hope that our university will cooperate and support the earliest possible recovery. .
The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake also occurred in the bitter cold, and in addition to the earthquake and fire, those affected suffered great physical and mental hardships from living in evacuation centers for long periods with their lifelines cut off. The victims of the Noto Peninsula earthquake are desperately trying to overcome the same hardships that the victims of this area suffered 29 years ago. Our university would like to do whatever we can to support the affected areas.
It is certain that the next huge Nankai Trough earthquake will occur in the near future, and the risk is said to be increasing. As our university is located in the area affected by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, we are focusing on disaster prevention education, making it possible for all faculties to obtain a certification as a disaster prevention certified student, and producing the largest number of student disaster prevention certified students at any university in the Kansai region. We will continue to draw on the lessons learned from the Great Earthquake and focus our efforts on developing human resources who can bravely overcome the threats posed by natural disasters.
The founding spirit of our university, ``Iaieien,'' also means being considerate and accepting of others, that is, being sensitive to the pain and joy of others and being able to put that feeling into action. Through our university's education and practice, which aims to create a "safe and secure" society and environment, we renew our determination to work together with you to realize a society that cares about others and values connections between people. I think that I want to do it.
Finally, I would like to once again pray for the repose of the souls of all those who lost their lives in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.
2024 January 1
President Atsushi Hamana
