Rwandans joined members of the Japanese community living in Rwanda to mark the 15th anniversary of the victims of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The disaster killed more than 20,000 people. Many others were injured or went missing.
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The ceremony offered a moment to remember the victims and express solidarity with the people of Japan.
The Earthquake and Tsunami That Devastated Japan
On March 11, 2011, a powerful earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale struck Japan. The earthquake triggered a massive tsunami that destroyed large parts of the eastern coast.
The waves swept away homes, roads, and businesses. Thousands of people lost their lives and many communities were destroyed.
The disaster also caused explosions at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Authorities later evacuated residents living near the facility for safety reasons.
Memorial Ceremony Held in Kigali
The commemoration took place on March 11, 2026, in Kigali. The Embassy of Japan in Rwanda organized the event together with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japanese organization NPO TER (Think about Education in Rwanda).
NPO TER supports vulnerable communities in Rwanda, especially through education programs.
Participants began the event with a memorial Mass at the Jesuit Chapel of the Holy Trinity in Kimironko. They gathered to pray for the victims and their families.
Rwanda–Japan Friendship Highlighted
The head of NPO TER, Dr. Saidi Rumanzi, said the annual event reflects the strong friendship between Rwanda and Japan.
He said the commemoration goes beyond diplomatic relations. It also shows compassion and solidarity: “Gathering here to remember those who lost their lives in the disasters that struck Japan is a strong sign of love and solidarity,”
Dr. Rumanzi also welcomed the participation of many young people. Students from primary and secondary schools attended the ceremony.
Japan Appreciates Rwanda’s Solidarity
Minako Shiotsuka, Chief Representative of JICA in Rwanda, said the support from Rwanda means a lot to the Japanese people.
She noted that Rwanda continues to remember the victims even though the two countries are far apart: “It is valuable to see people in Rwanda take time to pray for those who lost their lives in the 2011 earthquake. We deeply appreciate this support,”
Moriguchi Yuta, Secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Rwanda, also thanked Rwanda for standing with Japan during that difficult time.
He said: “When the earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, Rwanda was among the first countries to show solidarity. The Japanese people will never forget this support,”
