On behalf of everyone at "K" Line, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to all of the victims of the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami that occurred on March 11.

The extent of the damage caused by this earthquake, which was the largest measured earthquake in Japan's history, is not yet clear. I offer my deepest condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in the disaster and pray for the rapid rescue of all survivors. I would also like to express my hope for the speedy recovery of customers and everyone else who sustained damage.

"K" Line established a Disaster Response Task Force immediately after the earthquake and has been working to determine the extent of the damage and ensure workplace and employee safety.

As stated in the March 12 press release, a large bulk carrier chartered by "K" Line ran aground at the Port of Kashima as a result of the earthquake, but fortunately, there were no casualties and no leakage of oil from the vessel, which is currently awaiting assistance from the Japan Coast Guard Office.

I can report that the safety of all officers and employees of the company and their families has been confirmed by the Tokyo headquarters, and we are now responding appropriately to the situation. Although there is a possibility of impediment to the performance of normal operations because of planned power outages and irregular train services, we are currently operating normally.

Japan is currently accepting volunteer relief from around the world. We are working to gather accurate information and assess the need for assistance by the national government, local governments, the Red Cross, and other organizations. We will work in close collaboration with these organizations and use our resources as a shipping company to provide active assistance including free marine transport services to the recovery efforts for victims of the earthquake and the afflicted regions.