TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japanese students held an event in Tamsui on Sunday afternoon (March 6) to thank Taiwan for its help after the Tohoku earthquake in 2011.

To commemorate the 11th anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck Japan on March 11, 2011, the "'Thank you Taiwan’ event planning committee," composed of Japanese students studying in Taiwan, held an event on Tamsui Old Street featuring photo-ops in traditional Japanese garb, origami, and Japanese painting, dancing, and singing activities.

In a speech, Yamauchi Wakana expressed gratitude to Taiwan for its aid in the aftermath of the 311 earthquake. She said that the event also serves to promote the advancement of Taiwan-Japan relations and to educate the younger Japanese generation about the tragic natural disaster so it will never be forgotten.

Murashima Yuyo, head of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association’s culture section, pointed out that the fact this disaster is still commemorated represents "Japan's commitment to Taiwan."

Murashima said she believes Japan has a friend in Taiwan, which makes Japanese feel happy and warm, especially following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. She expressed hope that the friendship between the two countries will continue to deepen.

Director of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Mikio Numata pointed out that the first country to provide support to Japan following the earthquake was Taiwan. Japan will never forget this warmth, he stated.