Lady Gaga’s Teacup on Display in Sendai Marks Earthquake Anniversary

A teacup kissed by Lady Gaga is on display at the Miyagi prefectural government office in Sendai. Initially revealed during a press conference in 2011, Gaga’s gesture aimed to support Japan after the catastrophic earthquake and promote tourism. The cup, auctioned to fund recovery efforts, was donated to the prefecture by Akihisa Yumi, shortly before he passed away. It is now displayed partly to commemorate the disaster’s anniversaries.

In Sendai, a teacup marked by a kiss from pop icon Lady Gaga is currently on display at the Miyagi prefectural government office. This cup is a symbol of support for the Tohoku region, which suffered a devastating earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster in 2011. Lady Gaga visited Japan three months post-disaster for a benefit concert, bringing attention to the plight of the country and aiming to rejuvenate tourism.

During a news conference on June 23, 2011, Gaga presented the teacup with a heartfelt message inscribed in Japanese: ‘Nihon no tame ni inori o’ (We pray for Japan). She emphasized the significance of demonstrating Japan’s safety to the world and kissed the teacup, creating a lasting impression with her bright red lipstick. This teacup was later auctioned off for the recovery efforts, with proceeds benefiting those affected by the disaster.

Akihisa Yumi, a dentist from the affected area, felt moved by Gaga’s dedication and won the auction for approximately 6 million yen ($40,110). Yumi contributed the teacup to the Miyagi prefectural government just a day before his death. His wish was that this teacup serve as a reminder of the disaster, thus preventing it from being forgotten.

The prefectural government has preserved the teacup and its markings and organized exhibitions across various points of interest, including the Tohoku History Museum. Recently, the teacup was showcased at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo as part of the 10-year anniversary commemorations.

Currently, the teacup is on display for the first time in the Miyagi prefectural government office in Sendai after a four-year hiatus. The display coincides with the upcoming 14th anniversary of the disaster, featuring memorial posters and reconstruction exhibits, and is accessible for public viewing on weekdays during specified hours.

Lady Gaga’s teacup stands as a poignant reminder of the Tohoku disaster and the global support mobilized for recovery. After auctioning the teacup to support relief efforts, Akihisa Yumi’s donation ensured its preservation as a symbol of hope and resilience. This ongoing display highlights the importance of remembering the past while looking towards future recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Original Source: www.asahi.com