17.1.95, 5:46

On This Day In History
1995: The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake strikes

Quote Of The Day
"It doesn't take even a second of reflection to know how much I have to be grateful for at a time when so many people have lost everything. I feel guilty for being so lucky."
(Lisa, Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake survivor)

This is one On This Day In History  that will be the same every year in my journal; a very important and poignant day that should never be forgotten. Each year, in the park opposite Kobe City Hall, candles are lit inside bamboo stalks arranged to spell out the numbers 17.1.95, and a prayer service is held at 5:46 am.

The extra is the Marina clock that stands in front of Kobe City Hall. This clock and its pedastal fell down and stopped working when the earthquake struck. The clockface remains fixed at the time at which it stopped.

Shiawase Hakoberu Youni