The situation has been truly devastating in Nepal after the massive earthquake on April 25th, which destroyed housing and cultural heritages and caused enormous damages such as a huge avalanche on Mt. Everest. Many lives have been lost, and people are still waiting for help, while the safety of many people is yet to be confirmed.

Japan treasures the friendship with Nepal, the country in which Lumbini, the birthplace of the Lord Buddha, is located. The Japan Buddhist Federation would like to express our deepest condolences for those who lost their precious lives, as well as our heartfelt sympathies to the people forced to live in difficult situations by this disaster.

We pray that the search and rescue efforts in the affected areas will continue and progress.

Yours in the Dharma,

Akisato Saito
Chairperson
The Japan Buddhist Federation