On September 11 New York and Washington faced the worst attacks on US territory since Pearl Harbor, perhaps the civil war even. As the World Trade Center towers collapsed, the Pentagon was on fire and another hijacked plane crashed nearby Pittsburgh, PA, the whole world was affected by the horrifying terrorist attacks.

All US diplomatic missions in Japan closed their doors and US citizens in this country were advised to stay at home as there were fears there may be attacks in Japan as well. Security around US installations and facilities was tightened all over Japan; US military facilities were put on Alert D, the highest level available. In the morning people who worked at military bases had to wait for hours before they could enter as each person was searched individually and cars were checked for explosives. Hundreds of flights between Japan and the US were canceled and Japanese airports ceased almost all operations. Financial markets were deeply shocked and the Japanese stock market tumbled to its lowest level in 17 years.

In the Japanese city of Osaka security was tightened around the US consulate as the flag was in mourning and flowers lay in front of the entrance to the building. Worried Japanese congregated in front of boards displaying the latest results for the Japanese stock markets, which could only be described as depressing.

Contact kjduits@ikjeld.com if you would like to carry these photographs.

Click a thumbnail to display the full size image.