NEWS & EVENTS

Japan’s 3-11 Triple Tragedy – A 10th Anniversary Commemoration

March 11th, 2021 was the 10th anniversary of the 3/11 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster in Japan. In remembrance of the Triple Disaster, the Reischauer Center invited Ambassador Rust Deming to speak about his experiences and work as he served as the Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for East Asian Affairs for the State Department from March to September 2011, in which capacity he helped coordinate the U.S. Government response to the 3/11 disaster.

Ambassador Deming discussed the logistical challenges that the American side faced and reflected on the importance of a whole of government approach to crisis management and the need for coordination between the US and Japan. In addition, he highlighted initiatives such as the Tomodachi Youth Exchange Program that were created in the aftermath of the Triple Disaster and stressed the importance of the US-Japan relationship in responding to future challenges. Following his remarks, Dr. Kent Calder moderated the Q&A section.