Kamui Kobayashi has invited a group of children from one of the earthquake and nuclear disaster-affected regions of Japan to the Japanese Grand Prix.
In total, the Japanese driver who turned 25 on Tuesday, has invited 60 guests, including parents, from the MJC Ensemble – a girls’ choir group who mainly perform in Minami-Soma, a city in the Fukushima region.
Since the earthquake the MJC Ensemble have sung at various events in many regions, supported by official organisations such as the Japanese Ministry of Tourism, in order to indicate their gratefulness to those who have helped and brought relief to the victims.
On race day in Suzuka the girls from Fukushima will have a worldwide audience when they sing the National Anthem in the ceremony preceding the Grand Prix. Later they will be spectators on the special Kamui supporters’ grandstand.
“I hope the children from Minami-Soma have an enjoyable weekend,” said Kobayashi. “I will make sure they are well looked after in terms of their travel, accommodation etc.
“I will be proud of them and their heartbreaking singing, telling the world how deeply grateful and robust Japan is.”
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