15th anniversary of Great Hanshin Earthquake

A memorial service was held for the victims of the Great Hanshin Earthquake on its 15th anniversary on Sunday. The tremor hit the port city of Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture and nearby areas in western Japan, leaving 6,434 people dead.

Participants offered a silent prayer at noon to peals of a bell sounded by new adults who turned 20 over the past year.

Hyogo Governor Toshizo Ido vowed future efforts to minimize damage from possible natural disasters based on lessons gained from the earthquake.

In his speech, the Crown Prince expressed hope that quake survivors will cooperate in making their communities peaceful and safe, and that their experiences will be passed on to future generations at home and abroad.

On behalf of the victims' families, Kiyoshi Matsuura, who lost his 16-year-old son in the earthquake, said survivors have helped, talked, and shed tears with each other during the past 15 years while thinking about what they can do.

Participants placed flowers on an altar and renewed their vows to prevent damages from disasters.