28 October
2004
To : Members of Zen Nippon Airnkai
Dear Madam and Sir:
We here thank you for your
usual cooperation on activities of Zen
Airinkai and also for your words of sympathy toward the people who are in
the disaster of the earthquakes that hit the Niigata Chuetsu district.
Last year we made a hard decision to cancel the ZNA All Japan Show just a
few days before because of the outbreak of Koi Herpes Virus, and this year
we were ready to have the 40th Anniversary Show in Ojiya, homeland of
nishikigoi, however, the natural disaster thwarted
our show again.
Earthquakes still hit the area at the moment. The people there refuge in
the town offices and schools out of their dangerous houses, and the koi
farmers are making every effort only to save their families and koi. In
addition, telephone lines are so busy or closed that we can’t get in touch
with them. I happened to reach a few people there with small conversation on
the mobile phone. I am eager to visit there, but as almost all traffic to
the area have been held up. Now we can get information only by TV news and
newspapers.
Today, we would like to appreciate your sympathy and reply for it with
this letter.
Sincerely,
Masao Kato
Chairman of Zen