1.17 Gatherings - 20th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony for the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake

On the 17th, marking exactly 20 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that claimed 6,434 lives, memorial ceremonies were held across Hyogo Prefecture. At the Prefectural Guest House in Chuo Ward, Kobe City, a ceremony organized by the Hyogo Safety Day Promotion Council was held. Attended by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, approximately 500 people participated, including representatives of bereaved families and government officials.

At exactly noon, all present observed a moment of silence for the victims. The 1.17 Hyogo Safety Day Declaration was then made. Finally, attendees offered flowers at the altar, and the ceremony concluded solemnly.