By The North American Post Staff
Local community members gathered on Monday at Kobe Bell at Seattle Center for the 22nd-year anniversary remembrance of the Kobe Earthquake. The ceremony reflected and honored over 6,000 victims killed by a magnitude 7.4 mega earthquake on Jan. 15, 1995, in Kobe, Seattle’s first sister city. The Kobe Bell roof was also renewed as a symbol to celebrate the 60th anniversary for both cities’ friendship.
Attendees included Consul General Masahiro Omura, Deputy Mayor Hyeok Kim, Kobe Trade Information Office Director Tetsuya Sometani and other community members. Rev. Lawrence Koichi Barrish of Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America led the blessing ceremony.
A moment of silence was given at 12:46 p.m., which is the same time in Seattle that the earthquake occurred 22 years ago. Each participant tolled the bell to mourn the thousands of victims.
In celebrating the 60th sister city anniversary, Mayor Ed Murray visited Kobe last year while Kobe Mayor Kizo Hisamoto and his delegation will visit Seattle later this year.
