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On March 27, DPJ Secretary General Katsuya Okada visited areas of Aomori Prefecture affected by the Tohoku Pacific earthquake and tsunami. Okada’s visit focused on hard-hit areas on the Pacific coast of the prefecture, including Misawa City, Hachinohe City, Oirase Town and Hashikami Town. He was accompanied by DPJ member of the House of Representatives Noriko Nakanowatari (Aomori No. 2 Constituency).
At each destination, Okada received an explanation from the local authorities, as well as hearing about the state of damages suffered from local farmers, businesses and in particularly fishermen.
Okada also spoke directly with local victims of the disaster who had heard of his visit, and closely observed the damages that had been caused. He commented, “Of course the party and the government will make every effort toward recovery and reconstruction from now on.”
Local government representatives explained the conditions in their various municipalities and also appealed for assistance with recovery efforts. In response, Okada promised to engage in recovery and reconstruction as speedily as possible and to urge central government to take action, saying: “In April, the budget for fiscal 2011 will start to take effect. We will provide assistance to you all, in particular financial assistance. We intend to provide support for any projects that show signs of activity. I would like you to speak frankly without holding back.”
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