On March 11 this year, we had a solemn opportunity once again to pay tribute to the countless victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011.

During the last six years, much of the infrastructure in the Tohoku area was rebuilt and the evacuation areas have been greatly reduced, but there are still 120,000 people who have not been able to return to their homes and continue to experience much difficulty in their lives. Efforts are ongoing to dismantle the nuclear reactors in Fukushima Prefecture.

Despite the critical challenges that remain on the horizon, we are committed to building upon the progress already made, forging ahead with our knowledge, technology and passion toward full recovery.

I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to the people of Hawaii for extending their generous support, over the years, to Japan and to the victims of the tragic disaster. So many Hawaii residents continue to do their part in remembering the victims.

For example, the Fukushima-Kenjin Kai (Prefectural Association) and the Soto Mission of Hawaii organized a special memorial service again this year.

Many of my Hawaii friends have made return visits to the Tohoku area to support and encourage the residents there. A plan is also underway to bring a photo exhibition illustrating the history of Japanese immigrants in Hawaii to Fukushima City this summer.

It is my sincere hope that the friendship and partnership between Hawaii and Japan, which has been further strengthened over the last six years, will continue to bear fruit in the coming decades.

Regarding the current situation in the Tohoku area, I am happy to report that the air radiation dose rate in Fukushima has been at a level as low as in other parts of the world. All agricultural products in Fukushima Prefecture are subject to the strictest of inspections in any place in the world and have been deemed absolutely safe for consumption.

The Pacific Ocean is also clear of radioactive contamination and is not being contaminated by leaking water or treated water discharged from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The latest monitoring was conducted during a controlled discharge on Feb. 6. The results showed that nuclides detected in quantities less than what is dictated in the guidelines for drinking water, as defined by the World Health Organization, even at sites near the discharge point.

An assessment by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about Japan’s February report (pages 31 and 32) states:

Pertaining to sea area monitoring results: “Based on the information provided by Japan, no significant changes were observed in the monitoring results for seawater, sediment and marine biota during the period covered by this report. The levels measured by Japan in the marine environment are low and relatively stable.”

On food products: “There have been no significant changes since the previous report. Based on the information provided by the Japanese authorities, the situation with regard to the safety of food, fishery and agricultural production continues to remain stable.”

Measurements of cesium radionuclide levels in foodstuffs, together with appropriate regulatory action and public communication, including the publication of monitoring results, are helping to maintain confidence in the safety of the food supply.

Food restrictions continue to be revised and updated as necessary in line with the results of food sampling and monitoring.

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I humbly ask the people of Hawaii to support the Tohoku area by visiting and experiencing firsthand the beautiful sights, and enjoying the delicious cuisine of the region. Mahalo nui loa!

Yasushi Misawa is consul general of Japan in Honolulu.