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It's good to see all of your faces again. Thanks for letting me be here with you today on the one year anniversary of the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake. I want to let each of you personally know that since I left here last year you have been in my thoughts and prayers each day.
I know it may seem easy to come here on an anniversary, but I know that the real difficulties are on the days in between. Each day, every day...on your trips to work, your interactions with customers, and your time each evening with family.
Please understand that this daily pain is not lost on me. Nor will I let it be lost on others at our firm.
Last June, I spoke at our annual shareholders meeting about Aozora's experiences following the March 11th earthquake and related disasters. I shared my observations about Japan, about our company…and about you.
I told our shareholders that beyond the TV scenes shown around the globe of unimaginable destruction, the disaster revealed something else about Japan to the rest of the world –
The character of the Japanese people;
Poise under extreme circumstances;
Support of the community;
An unrelenting work ethic and exceptional personal commitment.
I said I saw all of this first hand when I visited Aozora's Sendai branch when I visited you.
I told our shareholders that the one thing I'll always remember was the strength of our employees in Sendai and the sense of community that existed throughout our bank during a difficult time; that I saw greatness in us as an organization.
And, as we look forward, we need to remember that potential - not only of Aozora, but also of our people.
I ended my remarks by saying that what I saw here were also the defining qualities of society in Japan that would fuel a successful rebuilding process. It would not happen overnight and it would not be easy, but I was very confident that it would happen.
That's what I said back in June, and I feel the same way today.
Last March, I recall wondering if things could ever return to normal.

Yesterday's memorial service at the Miyagi prefectural offices and my visit to Arahama had a deep impact and served as a vivid reminder that we still have a long way to go. However, ever so gradually, with the passage of time, people are adjusting and things are moving forward. But I know for many of you it will never feel normal.
Although we at Aozora need to move forward, we should also never forget.
No matter how long you live, no matter where else you may work – you'll always remember the teammates who were with you – in Sendai and elsewhere - on March 11th.
You'll always share a common bond, forged by the intensity of that experience. And while that memory may be difficult, it can also serve as a source of strength for each of you.
A reminder of the inner courage that each of you have to face the challenges that life throws your way.
Your colleagues in the bank haven't forgotten either.
As you may know, we recently announced a one year extension to Aozora's leave program to support employee volunteer activities in the Tohoku Region.
In addition, we extended by 6 months the duration of our employee contribution program through the Japan Red Cross.
And I won't forget either. As a reminder of the special connection that I feel with you, I'm in the process of having the Aozora "Ganbarimasu Sendai" flag that each of you signed last year framed so that it can be hung in my office. I'll see it every day, a reminder of the "kizuna" (special heartfelt bond) between us.
Thank you for being such a wonderful example of the strength and courage that is Aozora Bank today. Thank you for the contributions you're making to the rebuilding of the Tohoku Region. Your commitment gives me energy and a strong sense of optimism about our future.

Arigato gozaimashita.