On March 11, 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Japan, the strongest ever recorded in the country. The awful images of the deadly tsunami and the fires after the earthquake are devastating. The death toll and the number of those unaccounted for are rising. On behalf of all the GLOBIS staff, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to those who were affected by the disaster and would like to pray for the souls of the departed.
The important thing in this unprecedented disaster is to stay calm and to ascertain what each one of us can do and cannot do. Although each of us can only take small actions, if they are the right actions, we can make a difference.
On March 11th, GLOBIS provided shelter to those who were unable to return home due to the public transportation stoppage. On March 13th, we decided to re-open the classes at the Tokyo campus in order to swiftly return to normal status. Needless to say, we cut the heating in the classrooms and operate with minimal electricity.
This decision is based on the belief that Tokyo should try to return to normal without delay, as Tokyo is not as devastated as northeastern Japan, especially when the infrastructure providers have restored their services with their tireless efforts throughout the night.
I believe it would send a strong message to the world if we continued to remain calm and restored the function of the Tokyo metropolitan area, which is the command center and the contact point for the global community.
GLOBIS has also started to call for contributions for the victims. Further, on March 14th, we are considering holding a symposium called "The Eastern Japan Great Earthquake-What We Can Do Now" (may be cancelled).
I am determined to continue sending messages to encourage Japan, and to be a role model of the institution that educates leaders of Japan and the world.
“This disaster will not kill Japan, and it could emerge psychologically stronger if the aftermath of the quake is handled well." (Peter Tasker from the Financial Times)
Even under these unprecedented circumstances, the people of Japan have started to organize and take orderly actions while presenting a strong and selfless spirit to help those who are in need.
GLOBIS is proud of such actions taken by our fellow Japanese and others. GLOBIS is committed to staying positive with an unformidable spirit and advance together with the people of Japan without being daunted by this horrific disaster.
We shall not be defeated by this disaster, and we hope that you would be a part of us in supporting Japan.
President and Dean, Graduate School of Management, GLOBIS University
Managing Partner, GLOBIS Capital Partners
Yoshito Hori
