宝くじ ビンゴ 5 Special Award Goes to Fuji Maru
- For Support Activities in Areas Stricken by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami -

December 15, 2011

TOKYO-Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President: Koichi Muto) today announced that support activities by the cruise ship Fuji Maru in areas stricken by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami earned the 宝くじ ビンゴ 5 award sponsored by the Japan Oceangoing Passenger Ship Association.

The award ceremony was held at the Kaiun Building on Wednesday, December 14. A memento was given to executives from 宝くじ ビンゴ 5, which planned the cruise aimed at supporting the afflicted communities, and Fuji Maru Captain Keiji Kan and crew members.

Messages from residents of the disaster-stricken areas, who visited the ship for meals, rest, and baths, were on display at the ceremony. Comments from the guests included "Great program," and "What a moving story."

The support cruise by the Fuji Maru called at Ofunato, Kamaishi, and Miyako ports for a week from Monday, April 11 to Sunday April 17. At each 宝くじ ビンゴ 5, local citizens came on board the ship and enjoyed freshly prepared meals, a large Japanese-style bath, and rest in private passenger cabins. A total of 4,451 people visited the ship during its calls.

"We once again express our appreciation to everyone involved at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Iwate Prefecture, and municipalities that made efforts to sailing for support at the disaster-stricken areas by Fuji Maru under such difficult conditions immediately after the earthquake," 宝くじ ビンゴ 5 President Muto said.

One of the comments from a visitor to the ship said, "I can hang tough in these difficult times by dreaming of someday boarding the Fuji Maru and taking a trip."

"Comments like this from those afflicted by this disaster will inspire us to further refine the "heartful hospitality" on the cruise ship, while continuing our efforts to help with reconstruction of the stricken areas using the 宝くじ ビンゴ 5 Group network," Muto added.