Fukushima Daiichi NPS Prompt Report 2016

In a speech at Fukushima Daiichi, President Hirose recalls resolve of workers in March 2011 and pledges its continuation "in fulfilling our responsibility to Fukushima to the very end."

FUKUSHIMA, Japan, March 11 - TEPCO President Naomi Hirose vividly recalled the resolve of the TEPCO workers who risked their lives in the fight to save the plant in March 11, and at the same time pledged a continuing commitment to the people of Fukushima, in remarks delivered at Fukushima Daiichi NPS to mark the fifth anniversary of the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accident known in Japan as 3-11.

At the same time, he acknowledged that TEPCO had been unable to prevent the severe accident, and said, "I would once again like to extend my heartfelt apology for the tremendous inconvenience" of the current roughly 100,000 people who were forced to evacuate. "For those of us who work at TEPCO, no matter which office we are in, no matter what work we are doing, no matter how much time has passed," he said, the event "will remain deeply etched in our minds and we will never forget to think of the people of Fukushima. I want us to do whatever we possibly can so that everyone in Fukushima can live a life of hope."

Looking Back

Hirose asked the workers to think back to the day of the earthquake and recall the feeling to the unforgettable scenes. He praised the workers for working to restore generation and distribution facilities "regardless of the danger," and recalled their resolve: "We still hear the voices of our colleagues, who risked their lives to bring that extraordinary emergency under control on that fateful day, as they called to one another 'never ever give up.'"

But, he acknowledged, even these efforts "were not able to arrest the chain reaction" that followed. And in reflection, all TEPCO employees need to face the reality that many lives were changed forever, and TEPCO must fulfill its responsibility to the very end.

President Hirose promised that the passage of time and the eventual fading of those vivid memories will not diminish TEPCO's efforts. "Even on-site where the decommissioning work that will restore Fukushima is being carried out, steady efforts to reliably advance the long process are being earnestly put forth every day, and great strides have been made over these five years."

In separate remarks marking the anniversary, President Hirose extended his and TEPCO's appreciation to the United States and other countries and organizations that have provided technical assistance and encouragement over the five years since 3-11. "We are most grateful for our friends who stood with us at a difficult time," he said, "and who continue to stand with us as we work together toward a brighter future."

Photos and video of silent prayer and executive speeches at Main Anti-Earthquake Building
http://photo.tepco.co.jp/en/date/2016/201603-e/160311-01e.html

About TEPCO
Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc. (TEPCO) is Japan's largest power company, supplying energy to the greater Kanto area, including Japan's two most populous cities, Tokyo and Yokohama. Its 34,000 employees are committed to providing safe, reliable power to its 29.0 million customers, diversifying energy resources to ensure sustainability, and contributing to economic growth while fully meeting its responsibilities after the Fukushima Daiichi accident.
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