On March 11, the National Aesthetics Center of Armenia and the Hikari (Light) Center organized a memorial tribute to mark the one year anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan.

In Japan, people mark such solemn occasions by making paper lanterns and writing messages on them. The lit lanterns are then placed upon the flowing water, conveying condolences to the spirits of departed loved ones.

Yesterday’s event took place at the Chamber Music House in Yerevan.

One minute of silence was observed at the start of the event to commemorate the 15,854 people who lost their lives in the natural disaster. 3,155 are still listed as missing.

During the “We are with you Japan” memorial, Armenian children came up to the stage and placed paper lanterns and origami as a sign of respect to those Japanese children who lost their lives.

The lanterns will be sent to Japan this summer.