Remembering Japan this March

March 11, 2025 started solemnly for many who remembered the March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake which occurred at 2:46 p.m. the strongest jolt (magnitude 9) ever recorded in Japan and the 4th largest globally since the 20th Century which triggered tsunami and nuclear meltdowns.

This year, with others, we paused in prayer to remember all those affected by this tragic earthquake.

The deadly jolt that generated more than 10-meter high tsunami left more than 22,000 people missing or killed, thousands homeless, communities abandoned, and more massive damage and destruction that shocked Japan and the whole world.

With all others throughout the world, 14 years after, we continue to join, lift prayers of thanksgiving that Japan and the Japanese people, while remembering March 11, 2011, have since moved on forward, slowly, gradually, confidently, outstandingly, admirably.

We remember as well the unforgettable shining moments displayed by the people of Japan during and after this disaster- their discipline, respect, order and honesty, among their inspiring, exemplary, sterling qualities.

During and after the deadly disaster, we cannot also forget the immediate, responsive global network of care, compassion, and support for Japan and the Japanese people.

Remembering how the whole world joined hands then, our spirits are lifted and we are inspired to continue to believe and trust that hope still springs eternal for our troubled world.

Moving on.

After the harsh, cold, snowy winter, it will soon be Spring in Japan, the beautiful season for cherry blossom (Sakura) in March and April, depending on the region.

For those who want to catch and view the lovely cherry blossoms, last March 6, 2025, the  Japan Meteorological Corporation issued the following schedule of the cherry bloom timing as follows:

Tokyo: expected March 23 (1 day earlier), with full bloom on March 31; Nagoya: March 26 (2 days later); Kyoto: on March 29 (3 days later), with full bloom; Osaka: on March 30 (3 days later); Wakayama: on March 28 (4 days later); Hiroshima: on March 29; Kochi (Shikoku): on March 25 (3 days later); Fukuoka: on March 26 (4 days later); and, Kagoshima: March 25 (1 day earlier).

Finally, this March 14, Friday, from 1-4 p.m., Philajames-Cebu (Philippine Association of former Japanese Government – MEXT- scholars to Japan) will have an online session entitled “What Next, after MEXT?” and “MEXT Scholarships.”

MEXT (or Monbukagakusho) stands for Japanese Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, Technology.

The March 14 online presentations will discuss the various scholarships available for undergraduate degree and technical courses, research and graduate degree programs and teachers' training with monthly stipend of about P45000+ (depending on prevailing exchange rate).

The March 14 online presentations hope High School students (3rd, 4th year), college, undergrads and graduates, faculty and researchers, others will join, learn more about and apply for the MEXT scholarships this year, starting May.

For those interested, please contact ceburce@gmail.com for pre-registration, zoom link, and, other details.

To encourage, inspire more to apply for the MEXT scholarships, the March 14 online session will start with former Philajames-Cebu scholars sharing their MEXT journey to and after Japan.

The following Philajames-Cebu scholars have gladly agreed to share their MEXT journeys: 1) Dr. Voltaire Garces Cang -Tenure Researcher, RINRI Institute of Ethics (Tokyo)

Visiting Senior Lecturer, Taylor’s University (Malaysia), BA Education Psychology, Kyoto University, MA. International Relations, Waseda University, PhD, Graduate School, International Relations, Rikkyo University; 2) Ms. Flordelia Balite Fernandez, MA, MSc, Trustee, Bohol Institute of Technology International College System, BS Commercial Science, Kobe University Research on Applied Economics, University of Tokyo, Research Fellow, Institute of Social Sciences, University of Tokyo; 3) Dr. Jonnifer Sinogaya, Professor University of the Philippines Cebu , College of Science, PhD in Environmental and Materials Sciences, Hiroshima University; and, 4) Engineer Desiree A. Uy, Japanese Interpreter-Consultant, Koshin Phil. Corporation, BS Civil Engineer, Hiroshima University.