Pacific Island Leaders Highlight Noto Reconstruction at Welcome Dinner in Japan

The Japanese government held a reception at a hotel in Tokyo on the 16th to welcome the leaders of various countries who visited Japan to attend the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting. A traditional Japanese drum performance group invited from the Noto Peninsula earthquake-affected area performed "Ojinjoritaiko," a traditional art form from Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, expressing their determination for reconstruction. Junior and senior high school students in Ishikawa Prefecture showcased a breakdancing performance. The banquet featured a menu using Notogyu, a brand of beef from Ishikawa Prefecture, and vegetables. A booth promoting Fukushima Prefecture's sake, peaches, and sweets, which were affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, was also set up at the venue.

In his greeting, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated, "We hope that our bonds will continue to grow and flourish for the future."