Sept. 13 - Twenty-four Japanese nationals living or traveling in the United States were killed suddenly on Sept. 11, 2001 when America was attacked by terrorists. Ann and I wanted to remember these victims on this ninth anniversary of the attacks, so we visited the memorial to Mizuho Bank employees who died that day. That memorial is located at the Mizuho bank branch in the Marunouchi district of Tokyo.

When we arrived, several bank employees and family members of the victims greeted us in the bank lobby. We met mothers, fathers, wives and children of the victims. We greeted them in Japanese, but I was at a loss for words to explain my sincere regret for their loss. Ann and I could not imagine how they must have suffered over the years.

When we read the names of the 23 Mizuho Bank employees - both Japanese and American - who died that day, my eyes welled up in tears. We laid a floral wreath. Ann lit some incense, and we prayed silently side by side. I hope they understand that we will not forget these victims. Our visit to this memorial renewed my determination to work for greater mutual understanding between different peoples and different cultures.

Until next time,

Jim