By Dr. Tatsuya Azuhata, Chief Research Engineer of IISEE

The new technical cooperation project concerning the Disaster Risk Reduction Training Program for Latin America and the Caribbean will be started based on an agreement between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Chilean International Cooperation Agency (AGSI) from April 2015. The purpose of the project is to strengthen capacity of human resources and networks for disaster risk reduction in Latin America and the Caribbean countries based on Chile.

Please see the Newsletter attached on page 1.

By Dr. Tatsuhiko Hara, Chief Research Scientist of IISEE

I joined the study trip of the Global Seismological Observation Course to Hiroshima, Kobe and Awaji Island. This study trip is scheduled in the course so that participants can deepen their understandings on earthquakes, earthquake disasters (including recovery and reconstruction from them), and consequences of uses of atomic bombs.

Please see the Newsletter attached on pages 1&2.

(1) Ms. Yaxuan HU (China)

On February 4-7, 2015, the participants of the Global Seismological Observation Course went to Hiroshima, Kobe and Kyoto for study trip. The trip gave us a lot of knowledge. In Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, we were shocked by the displays. On August 6th, 1945, Hiroshima was almost ruined by the atomic bomb. People were hurt by the bomb on both physically and mentally. People were disappointed and the economy was depressed. Human beings should learn from the hazards. We need to use our knowledge to do something for the world without nuclear weapons. Our wish is the elimination of all nuclear weapons and the realization of a genuinely peaceful international community as Hiroshima's deepest wish.

Please see the Newsletter attached on page 2.

(2) Mr. Muhammad Joned (Pakistan)

Study trip to Kansai areas (Hiroshima and Kobe) on February 5 & 6, 2015 was really very much informative and advantageous. After visiting Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the catastrophic humanitarian consequences associated with the use of nuclear weapon should be fully understood to almost everyone. Also a strong message should be echoing to everyone that “nuclear weapons and humanity cannot coexist together.” To save the humanity, global efforts are required to abolish nuclear weapons.

Please see the Newsletter attached on pages 2&3.

By Ms. Yoriko Iiba, Head of IISEE Administration Division

The meeting of the Council for Training and Promotion of the International Institute of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering was held in Yotsuya, Tokyo on the 20th of February. The Council is constituted on the purpose of giving advice and suggestion to the BRI Chief Executive relating to the activities of dissemination of knowledge and technology of seismology and earthquake engineering as well as the planning and implementation of the training program.

Please see the Newsletter attached on page 3.

Please see the Newsletter attached on page 4.