Tsunami-hit Japanese marine museum gets $3 million from Kuwait Amir

His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has donated US$3 million to the restoration of Japan tsunami-hit Aquamarine Fukushima marine science museum.

Following the devestation of the Fukushima Prefecture by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and ensuing tsunami on 11th March last year, which left nearly 19,000 people dead or missing in the region, the restoration of the marine science museum is seen as important symbol of revitalising the region.

In a speech at a ceremony to mark the handover of the funds, Fukushima Governor Yuhei Sato expressed gratitude to HH the Amir for the grant for the rehabilitation of Aquamarine Fukushima, stating "the restoration of the marine science museum is extremely important, as it is a symbol of revitalising Fukushima Prefecture."

Sato, adding that with this generous contribution from Kuwait, revitalisation of Aquamarine Fukushima and the region will significantly advance.

The presentation of the funds was made during a state visit to Japan on behalf of the Amir by Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi. The funds were presented to Aquamarine Fukushima Executive Director Yoshitaka Abe

Home to the damaged nuclear complex, Fukushima Prefecture has been using its allocated share of JPY 15.5 billion (US$195 million) in various projects, including support to small and medium-sized companies affected by the nuclear mishap, restoration of cultural properties and rebuilding homes of disaster victims.

Sato also said the fresh donation will bring the ties of Kuwait and Fukushima to a further heights.

Opened in 2000 on Japan's Pacific Ocean coast, Aquamarine Fukushima has been a popular attraction, where people of all ages can enjoy learning various mysteries of the sea. Although there were no human casualties in Aquamarine Fukushima, tsunami waves hit the main building with full force, totally destroying its electrical system which led to the death of about 90% of its exhibits some 200,000 fish and marine animals.

Closed after the disaster, the marine science museum resumed business on 15th July last year. However, having previously received an average of more than 3,000 visitors per day, visitor number fell by 70% during the 2011 (northern hemisphere) summer and 40% for the year overall.

16th April 2012 - KUWAIT’S SHEIKH AHMAD ASSUMES ANOC PRESIDENCY 

30th March 2012 - WORLD’S TALLEST TOWER TO BOOST TOKYO TOURISM

6th November 2011 - JAPANESE TOURISM’S POST EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY

20th July 2011 - JAPANESE THEME PARK OPENS WORLD’S STEEPEST ROLLERCOASTER

20th June 2011 - ASIAN ATTRACTIONS BOUNCE BACK AMID MIXED GLOBAL THEME PARKS PERFORMANCE 

6th May 2011 - QUAKE-HIT JAPAN WELCOMES RARE TOURISTS