The Ground Self-Defense Force have finished their duties, supporting the townspeople of Rikuzen Takata and Ofunato for recovery after the earthquake in east Japan.
Working throughout the four and a bit months since the disaster, they provided support to the devastated areas, supplying water, food and bathing facilities, continuing with their search for lost victims, and restoring the road of "hope". They strengthened relations with the victims of the earthquake, whilst building a foundation for recovery.
A ceremony was held in Rikuzen Takata for the withdrawing troops, whose help was deeply appreciated. In Ofunato, also, feelings of gratitude were expressed in a ceremony for the troops.
The ceremony held in Rikuzen Takata was held in front of the Takata town hall's temporary government office building. The townspeople conveyed their appreciation and gratitude towards the troops' 130 days of assistance following the disaster, and saw them off.
In the same town, a total of 55,532 troops from 18 infantry units, including the JGSDF 5th Infantry Regiment (Regimental Commander, Teruo Nishiobino), have been working 'Operation Takatamatsubara Hope', since March 12th, clearing rubble and debris, providing life support and performing rescue operations in the area.
In their rescue operations, they saved 37 people and found 488 missing persons. Relief came in 2931 trucks, 573 times, and a total of 170,000 people made use of the support bathing facilities.
Approximately 300 townspeople and 33 representatives from the 5th Infantry Regiment and 9th Logistic Support Regiment participated in the ceremony.
Mayor Futoshi Toba said that he wanted to "thank everyone with all (his) heart for the assistance they have given to the victims. (He) hopes that everyone can work together to show those who will one day come to Rikuzen Takata how much of a wonderful town it has become".
Takata Shelter's chief, Yukichi Yokota, gave his words of gratitude, saying that he "sensed reliability and strength in everyone from the force, and can now see hope. (He) would like to thank the troops from the bottom of his heart for helping to support the lives of the townspeople.
Regimental Commander, Nishiobino, also commented, saying, "to everyone affected by the earthquake, everyone has tried hard to give their hearts to the hope for tomorrow. I pray for an early recovery, and that everyone's smiling faces will return". He presented the city with a memento and the money collected by the troops. The city then also presented a memento.
25 Takata Preschool children rushed in and Shuhei Otomo and (Ayaka/Reika) Ito handed a bouquet of flowers, and Sayaka Murakami, a thank you card, to a representative of the infantry. After the ceremony the townspeople saw the troops off as they left Rikuzen Takata behind.
（Tokai Shinpo 7/21/2011）
