Dear Californians,

One year ago on March 11, 2011, Japan was struck by one of the most powerful earthquakes in modern history. The earthquake and accompany tsunami claimed thousands of lives and, coupled with the nuclear accident, presented one of the gravest challenges Japan has ever faced.

Yet in the darkest hour, Californians from communities large and small, global and local, offered us unbounded compassion, comfort and hope. Please accept our deepest appreciation for every condolence, show of support and demonstration of our common humanity.

Japan's reconstruction has advanced greatly with your help and friendship, but there is still much to do in the days ahead. Our country is dedicated to working with you to share lessons from the earthquake, build disaster-resistant societies, ensure nuclear safety, and promote human security and economic stability.

We will continue to keep you updated on Japan's recovery and development. Thank you once again for everything you have done for us.

Hiroshi Inomata is consul general of Japan. He is based in San Francisco, Calif.