Govt. Cancels 2011 Disaster Memorial Ceremony
The Japanese government has decided to cancel the national memorial ceremony for the victims of the March 11, 2011, disaster because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The decision was made at a cabinet meeting on Friday. The government believes that this is a crucial time for containing the outbreak.
The ceremony had been scheduled for next Wednesday, the ninth anniversary of the earthquake, tsunami and the nuclear accident that followed.
More than 20,000 people were killed or are still listed as missing.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and cabinet members will offer silent prayers on Wednesday at the exact time the earthquake struck nine years ago. Abe will also give a memorial address.
