Japanese Consulate Opens Book of Condolence

Submitted by edg on Fri, 18 Mar '11 7.17am

A Book of Condolence, in commemoration of those who died in the 11 March earthquake and tsunami in Japan, was opened yesterday morning at the Japanese Consulate in Edinburgh.

The Book of Condolence "for the Tohoku district - off the Pacific Ocean Earthquake" is open for signing at the Japanese Consulate until Wednesday 23rd March (excluding the weekend) from 9.30am-12.30pm and 2.00pm-4.30pm.

External Affairs Minister Fiona Hyslop met with Consul General Masataka Tarahara yesterday morning to sign the Book of Condolence on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Hyslop said: "The death and devastation wrought by the earthquake and tsunami are truly terrible. Our thoughts are with the people of Japan, and with those in Scotland and around the world who are desperately concerned about loved ones caught up in this catastrophe."

On Wednesday, Mr Masataka Tarahara paid a visit to the City Chambers where he met with Edinburgh's Lord Provost George Grubb, Council Leader Jenny Dawe and Chief Executive Sue Bruce.

Lord Provost George Grubb said of the occasion: "We were grateful for the opportunity to meet the Japanese Consul General in person and to pass on our deepest sympathy and condolences on behalf of the City of Edinburgh following the terrible events in Japan. Mr Tarahara is working tirelessly to help the Japanese community here find out news of their friends and loved ones who have been caught up in the disaster. He thanked us for Edinburgh's support and told us that his nation was hugely appreciative of the international help they have been receiving."

At the meeting, Lord Provost George Grubb also presented Mr Tarahara with letters of support from the Council; one for the Consulate-General of Japan in Edinburgh and one to be relayed to the Governor of Kyoto Prefecture, to which Edinburgh is formally linked through a Friendship Agreement.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office currently recommends that any British Nationals within 80km of the Fukushima Nuclear plant leave the area.