The economy significantly suffered from the multiple shocks of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plant accidents.2 During this time of hardship, we received much support and encouragement from the government and people of the United States.
Soon after the quake, the United States Armed Forces’ Operation Tomodachi, or “Friends” in English, provided assistance to Sendai Airport and restored its functionality about a month after the disaster (Chart 18). People in Japan really appreciate such support from the United States, from the bottom of their hearts.