[Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake]
 My deepest concern goes out to all of you who were impacted by the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake. I am praying that all those who were affected are able to return to their normal lives soon, and pledge that Tohoku University will do its utmost to assist with the restoration efforts and support the region.

 Immediately after the earthquake, the university created the Disaster Control Headquarters in order to first confirm the safety of the students and staff, and then to confirm and ensure the safety of the campus. In addition to working to maintain and rebuild the university's functions, we have been performing activities that contribute to the area. We have also decided to cancel the degree conferment and opening ceremonies, and cancel lectures until late April. We intend to be flexible with regards to students entering from April, and have changed the procedures for late stage examinations and extended the processing period for documents. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and ask for your kind understanding.

[To the students:]
 We are extremely worried about each of Tohoku University's students, and are working to confirm your safety. We ask that you be diligent in obtaining accurate information, and periodically check for updated information on the Tohoku University website; please be extremely careful in your activities. I hope that while the university is closed, you will have time to come to grips with this tragedy, and can take some time for self-study.

 Finally, please take care of your health as you embark on your student life hereafter.

[To the staff:]
 While it is important for our faculty members to continually focus on their research, I ask you to now make your top priorities guiding and supporting student activities, restoring our research and educational infrastructure, and meeting the needs of society during this disaster.

 I would like to express my deep thanks to the Tohoku University Hospital, Graduate School of Medicine, Graduate School of Dentistry, and other departments for selflessly providing medical care and identification of individuals in response to the earthquake, tsunami, and situation at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

 I ask all the staff to carry out their priority emergency duties (work related to the disaster, as well as highest-priority normal work) with due diligence.

 This is an unprecedented disaster, and requires that we act and respond proactively as members of Tohoku University, while taking care to ensure personal safety.

 My deepest condolences go out to those who were affected by the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake of Friday March 11, 2011. Moreover, I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to all those who have been providing us with both material and moral support.

 Currently, we are putting all of our efforts into confirming and ensuring that our students and staff are safe. In addition, we are assessing damage to university buildings, and the entire university is working together to restore Tohoku University's functionality. It is our intention to use our university's functions to the fullest in order to contribute to rescue and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas.

 I respectfully request everyone's continued support and cooperation in helping us restore Tohoku University and this devastated region.

Akihisa Inoue
President, Tohoku University