The disaster claimed many lives and many people are still missing. I would like to express my sincere condolences to the victims of the disaster. Moreover, many continue to face severe hardship, and I would like to offer my heartfelt sympathy to all of those who are suffering.
Even in Kanagawa Prefecture, many people have been affected by the disaster, due, for example, to rolling blackouts. I appreciate being given this opportunity to speak and to exchange views with government and business leaders in the prefecture, despite these difficult times.