Press Releases
Courtesy Call on Foreign Minister Hayashi by the Co-chair of the Taylor Anderson Memorial Fund
On April 20, commencing at 2:30 p.m., Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, received a courtesy call from Mr. Leroy “Andy” L. Anderson III, Co-chair, Taylor Anderson Memorial Fund, who is visiting Japan, for approximately 15 minutes. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- Minister Hayashi congratulated Mr. Andy Anderson on the unveiling of the memorial for Ms. Taylor Anderson, a Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme participant who lost her life in the Great East Japan Earthquake. Minister Hayashi conveyed his gratitude to Mr. Anderson and others involved for promoting exchanges between Japan and the United States through their longstanding support for the affected areas since the immediate aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
- Mr. Anderson shared his memories with Ms. Anderson, in particular, her dream to become a bridge-builder between Japan and the United States. He also stated that he would continue to support the youths who make efforts for their dreams inspired by Ms. Anderson.
After graduating from university in 2008, Ms. Anderson came to Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) for the JET Programme and taught at primary and junior high schools in Ishinomaki City. She was a casualty of the Great East Japan Earthquake tsunami. Following the disaster, her father, Mr. Andy Anderson, other family members, and the Tokyo American Club donated “Taylor Bunko” reading corners to seven schools in Ishinomaki City where Ms. Anderson taught. A dedication ceremony was held at Ishinomaki Municipal Mangokuura Elementary School in September 2011. Donations of Taylor Bunko have continued since then. This spring, the 30th one is slated to be installed at Randolph-Macon College, Ms. Anderson’s alma mater.