On March 11, DPJ President Banri Kaieda issued the following statement:

Today marks two full years since the devastating Great East Japan Earthquake struck Japan. We once again reflect upon and express our sincere condolences for the loss of all too many precious lives to this disaster, and offer our heartfelt sympathy to all of those affected, including those whose family members or friends are still missing to this day.

Without the reconstruction of the disaster area, there can be no revitalization of Japan. There is no room or place for partisanship when it comes to disaster reconstruction. Although we are now an opposition party, we are resolved to continue to make every effort for the reconstruction of the disaster area. Drawing on our experience and wisdom from spearheading the efforts towards recovery and reconstruction, we will tackle the variety of issues facing us with a resolve to lead the Government and ruling party on policies which contribute to the reconstruction of the disaster area. The DPJ Headquarters for the Promotion of Reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake will be at the forefront in listening to the voices of the people in the disaster area and advancing concrete initiatives.

Moreover, to those who were driven out of their familiar hometowns due to the accident at the Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and are still forced to lead inconvenient lives, we, the DPJ, will continue to assist and extend support on a variety of fronts, including in the area of health. We will pass on the lessons learned from the nuclear accident to future generations and establish a rigorous safety review to prevent the reoccurrence of similar accidents. Furthermore, we will create a zero nuclear society by the 2030s which will primarily depend on renewable energies. In order to achieve the revitalization of Fukushima and restore the beautiful hometowns of those affected by the disaster, we will continue to exert our fullest efforts.

While two years have passed since the disaster, our memory of the events must not fade into obscurity. We, the DPJ, will consistently be mindful of what can be done for the reconstruction of the disaster area and will take concerted steps with everyone in the affected areas.