16 March, 2011
From: Professor Hiroko Sano

Dear all,

Since the earthquake on March 11th, many emails have been sent to me from overseas Milton scholars who are thinking of Japan and me, the organizer of IMS10.  How much have I been comforted and encouraged!  I would like to express my deepest thanks from the bottom of my heart.  I have conveyed your thoughtfulness to the members of the Milton Association of Japan.

Japan is currently facing unexpected disaster.  I am saddened to see on TV the destruction in the northeastern part of my country.  I learned from my parents that their generation made every effort to overcome hardship and restore the country after the defeat in World War II, and I am reminded of their struggles now.  The situation today is far better.  The rest of the country is functioning, and rescue and aid are coming from overseas.  People across the globe are sharing the burden of this catastrophe in every possible way. Here in Tokyo, we are thinking of the victims and refugees, and are saving power, water, gas in our everyday life.  Neither riot nor plunder has taken place.  I believe the Japanese will be able to, and should, overcome this hardship with patience, cooperation, consideration in an orderly and calm manner as we have before.

The same may be said of me.  There were a series of happenings after I began planning a bid for the IMS10: the decline of the global economy owing to the so-called Lehman shock, the unusual climate and, recently, the tsunami of unrest that has spread across North Africa and the Middle East.  I have prayed for politics, economy and climate throughout the world to become stable.  Honestly speaking, I have had many restless days and nights during this period.  However I am delighted and grateful that over 100 people have offered to give papers at IMS10, even despite the disadvantaged exchange rate.  

We started symposium registration in February and the sign-up for day trips this month, and are preparing for ticket sales to the cultural events.  There may be some confusion for a while, but things should settle down by August.  I do hope participants will not refrain from coming to Japan.  IMS10 is planned as a scholarly exchange but also as an introduction to Japanese culture.  I deeply appreciate your thoughts and support for Japan and the IMS10.  I am looking forward to seeing you in Tokyo!

With all best wishes,

Hiroko Sano