Established 1961 5 Local Sunday, April 21, 2019 Japan’s post-disaster reconstruction symbol reopens with Kuwait’s help Japanese governor thanks Kuwait for reconstruction assistance Fukushima, JAPAN: Japan’s national soccer facilities considered as a symbol of reconstruction from the 2011 disaster fully reopened yesterday through a massive restoration project, in which Kuwait has made great contributions. With atten- dance of Japanese Princess Hisako, Reconstruction Minister Hiromichi Watanabe, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Hasan Mohammad Zaman and other dig- nitaries, a ceremony was held to celebrate the full resumption of J-Village, one of the country’s biggest soccer complexes in the northeastern region. The complex strad- dling towns of Naraha and Hirono was Fukushima, JAPAN: Japanese Princess Hisako, Reconstruction Minister Hiromichi forced to close in 2011 due to the magni- Watanabe, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Hasan Zaman and other officials attend Balloons released during a ceremony held to celebrate the reopening of the J-Village in tude 9 earthquake and tsunami that left the ceremony. —KUNA photos Fukushima, Japan. nearly 19,000 people dead or missing, as well as the ensuing nuclear meltdowns. Located just 20 km away from the crip- ($27 million) to construct a new eight-sto- 2011 disaster to the world. Pointing out to Japan, which was extended by an ini- pled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, the ry accommodation building and pursue that J-Village will be the starting point tiative of HH the Amir, has played a signif- facilities had served as an operational promotional activities for J-Village’s for the Japan leg of the Olympic torch icant role in realizing the reopening of J- base to battle the nuclear accident. As a reopening, including yesterday’s ceremo- relay, Uchibori said, “We will be happy to Village,” the ambassador said. “Today’s result, J-Village’s functions as a national ny. In the complex, a plaque engraving the send out a message at home and abroad event is an excellent opportunity and it is soccer-training center had been suspend- gratitude to Kuwait is displayed, which that any difficulties can be overcome. our pleasure to help with Japan’s s recon- ed until last July, when it partially says, “The project is made possible by the Having completed roles of J-Village as a struction,” he said. J-Village is called a reopened after a seven-year hiatus. donation from Kuwait provided through logistics hub and a housing for workers sacred place for Japanese soccer fans Following the catastrophe, upon direc- the Japanese Red Cross Society for the engaged in the cleanup and other opera- and players. With the full reopening, J- tives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh recovery from the Great East Japan tions, the governor underlined his deter- Village facilities, including 10 soccer Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011.” mination to address full restoration of his pitches, a 5,000-capacity stadium, an all- Kuwait extended the donation of 5 million In his speech at the ceremony, prefecture. We shall continue to con- weather practice field, a lecture hall in barrels of crude oil worth about $500 Fukushima Governor Masao Uchibori tribute to the promotion of sports in this addition to the Kuwait-dedicated accom- million to help post-quake reconstruction explained that J-Village first opened in area, and deal with the revival and cre- modation building became available on a in the three hardest-hit prefectures 1997 as Japan’s first national football ation of the entire Fukushima.” site of 49 hectares. including Fukushima. Home to the dam- training center and has worked to pro- Meanwhile, Watanabe affirmed that Uchibori meanwhile renewed gratitude aged nuclear plant, Fukushima Prefecture mote sport and activate the local region. It Japan is steadily advancing along the to Kuwait for its “generous assistance” has been using its allocated share of JPY was used as a training camp for the Japan path of reconstruction. J-Village is rec- and “sincere support” after the 2011 triple 15.4 billion ($138 million) in various proj- national football team for the FIFA World ognized as a symbol of post-disaster disaster of an earthquake, tsunami and ects, such as support to small and medi- Cup, for various national tournaments and reconstruction. “After starting from J- nuclear meltdown. Fukushima Governor um-sized companies affected by the for the training camps of various top Village, the torch will travel across the Masao Uchibori voiced his appreciation nuclear accident, restoration of cultural teams, attracting some 500,000 people country. I wish that the Olympic torch during his talks with Ambassador Zaman properties and rebuilding homes of disas- annually until the 2011 nuclear crisis. will become a glimpse of hope that lights on the sidelines of the reopening ceremo- ter victims. The Tokyo Olympics next year will be up the disaster-struck areas” the minister ny. “The restoration and the revitalization According to the Fukushima prefectur- held under the banner of the said. Speaking after the ceremony, Zaman of our prefecture is in progress despite of al government, in carrying out the restora- ‘Reconstruction Olympics,’ with the said he is pleased to be part of the land- some difficulties, and Kuwait’s solidarity tion of J-Village, the prefecture utilized Japanese government trying to show case mark ceremony at the invitation of will boost our confidence,” Governor Kuwait’s donation of about JPY 3 billion the country’s reconstruction from the Fukushima Governor. “Kuwait’s donation Uchibori said..