3rd Message: March 25, 2011

[Message from the President]

 I would like to offer my deepest thanks to all of you who have supported and encouraged us following the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake. I would also like to offer my condolences to all of you who are suffering tremendous fatigue due to the hard day-to-day conditions.

 Two weeks have passed since we were hit by the earthquake, which was of a historically unprecedented scale. Gradually, Tohoku University is being restored, and is preparing to make great strides forward.

 Fortunately, we have ensured safety and have suffered no human losses on the Tohoku University campus. This disaster did not stop our university’s activities for society; immediately following the earthquake, the Tohoku University Hospital operated tirelessly to provide medical care and examinations in the affected areas, the Graduate School of Dentistry assisted in identification of individuals, and the Cyclotron and Radioisotope Center dedicated itself to monitoring radiation levels. I have also heard that our students have been active in volunteering, wanting to help those affected by the disaster in any way they can.

 At times like this, our sorrow should be transformed into hope. We at Tohoku University will exert our collective efforts to contribute to the regional society. At the same time we will bring together our wisdom for the restoration and revitalization of the region. Finally, we will strategically and systematically address research that will lead Japan into a new era, and disseminate and apply our research findings.

 While some of our university's facilities and equipment were damaged due to the earthquake, I believe we are now in a situation to further realize Tohoku University's functions and abilities. In addition to immediate and complete restoration of our research and educational infrastructure, we will move forward in order to realize even greater strides in our educational and research capabilities, and ability to contribute to society. Once again, I ask you all for your cooperation in this matter.

 

2nd Message: March 19, 2011

[Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake]

 My deepest concern goes out to all of you who were impacted by the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake.. I am praying that all those who were affected are able to return to their normal lives soon, and pledge that Tohoku University will do its utmost to assist with the restoration efforts and support the region.

 Immediately after the earthquake, the university created the Disaster Control Headquarters in order to first confirm the safety of the students and staff, and then to confirm and ensure the safety of the campus. In addition to working to maintain and rebuild the university's functions, we have been performing activities that contribute to the area. We have also decided to cancel the degree conferment and opening ceremonies, and cancel lectures until late April. We intend to be flexible with regards to students entering from April, and have changed the procedures for late stage examinations and extended the processing period for documents. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and ask for your kind understanding.

[To the students:]

 We are extremely worried about each of Tohoku University's students, and are working to confirm your safety. We ask that you be diligent in obtaining accurate information, and periodically check for updated information on the Tohoku University website; please be extremely careful in your activities. I hope that while the university is closed, you will have time to come to grips with this tragedy, and can take some time for self-study.

 Finally, please take care of your health as you embark on your student life hereafter.

[To the staff:]

 While it is important for our faculty members to continually focus on their research, I ask you to now make your top priorities guiding and supporting student activities, restoring our research and educational infrastructure, and meeting the needs of society during this disaster.

 I would like to express my deep thanks to the Tohoku University Hospital, Graduate School of Medicine, Graduate School of Dentistry, and other departments for selflessly providing medical care and identification of individuals in response to the earthquake, tsunami, and situation at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

 I ask all the staff to carry out their priority emergency duties (work related to the disaster, as well as highest-priority normal work) with due diligence.

 This is an unprecedented disaster, and requires that we act and respond proactively as members of Tohoku University, while taking care to ensure personal safety.

 

1st Message: March 15, 2011

 My deepest condolences go out to those who were affected by the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake of Friday March 11, 2011. Moreover, I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to all those who have been providing us with both material and moral support.

 

 Currently, we are putting all of our efforts into confirming and ensuring that our students and staff are safe. In addition, we are assessing damage to university buildings, and the entire university is working together to restore Tohoku University's functionality. It is our intention to use our university's functions to the fullest in order to contribute to rescue and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas.

 

 I respectfully request everyone's continued support and cooperation in helping us restore Tohoku University and this devastated region.

  

 

Akihisa Inoue
President, Tohoku University