Remembering March 11 - Memorial service in Odaiba and Hibiya - ONTOSHIKI PHOTOGRAPHYONTOSHIKI PHOTOGRAPHY

Remembering March 11 – Memorial service in Odaiba and Hibiya

This post is dedicated to all the souls that were lost in the tragedies of March 11, 2011. To all the families and friends who lost someone close to them. and to those who are still recovering and finding their feet.

The below images were taken from the memorial events at Hibiya Park and Odaiba Kaihin Koen held today. Please play the video ひだまりの詩 (Hida Mari no Uta) by “Le couple” and let the music run while watching the photos. The song, one of my favorite Jpop songs when I was a student, was sang live at Odaiba today while young and old wrote messages of hope, lit up their lanterns and floated them into the water. I was deeply moved…本当にかんどうした。。What a nostalgic, sad song and the event is a fitting reminder of the transience of life…

How long has it been since I last saw you?
This morning, the letter I sent to you was sent back.
When I opened my eyes, trembling by the windows.
Only now I’ve realized that the long winter has gone.

No matter what I say, it’s just no use.
You gave me love, you embraced my everything.
You brought warmth into my life.

Flower was blooming in our last photograph together.
“I will send them to you” – I promised, yet I could not fullfil.
Now, whether it’s your kindness or your stubborness
I’ll hold it tightly with both hands.