Japan ready to support France in rebuilding Notre Dame cathedral

It's nice of Japan to offer support.

Should be enough photos and videos of every bit of the place from everyone around the world to put it back together again! That should be quite a project

Support will be pouring in from all over the world but who will oversee the inflow of cash to make sure it goes were it's supposed to and not into somebody's pockets

It can be done and will be done. The reconstructed cathedral will become a monument to the determination of our age as well as to times past.

And I hope the injured firefighters and others are given the care they deserve.

France is a nuclear power with highly developed industries and deep culture. Surely it has enough resources and money to rebuild Notre Dame without outside support?

@sf2k

Photos and videos wont really be needed, as there is plenty of documentation going hundreds of years back which in detail describe pretty much all parts of the church, both from historians, architects, Church people and so on.

Let's hope it doesn't take the 100 years it took to build the original.

Let's hope it doesn't take the 100 years it took to build the original.

You are off by over 100 years! If it is returned to it's former majesty, I for one would not care how long it takes.

Better to take the time and get it right, than to rush it, just to please the tourists.

Better to take the time and get it right, than to rush it, just to please the tourists.

I don’t think tourists are a consideration. They will come in droves to witness the rebuilding of the cathedral.

Surely it has enough resources and money to rebuild Notre Dame without outside support?

You are correct, but as a poster has already noted, people around the world want to be part of the reconstruction by making donations no matter how small.

It will be rebuilt quickly because the sorrounding real estate is some of worlds most expensive.

we should concentrate on looking after Kumamoto and Tohoku residents before giving money to a very rich church, city, country.

Catholic church, the wealthiest religious business in the world. I think they can afford the refurb themselves.

Well, let us hope Japan does remain true to it word and cough ups some cast.

For me, passing Notre Dame de Paris every day was like seeing a reliable old friend whom I admired but never thought about. Now to see my old friend in flames, its spire failing into the inferno, I am sad. Noting can be taken for granted; in a moment all all can be changed utterly.

But fear not. Cathedrals have been ravaged and rebuild over the centuries. Notre Dame was ravaged after the the Revolution. It was refurnished starting in 1831. Do not worry. Notre Dame de Paris with rise again.

@Andy: Catholic Church = Città del Vaticano

Despite it being an indipendent State, it's supported mainly by Italian taxpayers, so you are saying Italian taxpayers must pay to rebuild a French Church. There's something wrong here.

I left our my most important thought. That is for the workman who was seriously injured in the fire. I also express my concern for anyone else who suffered injury, People are more fragile than cathedrals.

I was so sad to watch this on TV.

But. it does irritate me that with all our technology in the 21st century, such buildings could not be made more fire resistant, without damaging thr character of the structure.

For the French, this cathedral is part of their identity. This morning a friend of mine said that he felt like his identity had been damaged by the fire

Lol, a tad exaggerated perhaps? Your mate's a softie.

Really touching by PM Abe to support France in her darkest hour. Japanese people love Paris for sightseeing, food and culture and French people love everything about Japan. They have a similar thinking and heart. Together with France, Japan will help rebuild Notre Dame and make it even better than before.

I can see why Catholics might want to rebuild.

I can see why architects might want to rebuild.

I can see why French and Paris tourist boards would want to rebuild. There will be a 10€ rebuild fee added to the tour tickets now. That is what Sagrada Família does.

I've often pondered all the waste (time/money) on religious buildings that could have been used over the millennia for something useful to help all of human kind.

The cathedral interior had limited damage according to the news.

The stone ceiling vault beneath the roof prevented most of the fire from falling into the interior of the cathedral below.

All things have a limited lifetime. Morn the loss and move on.

Why would Japan pay to help rebuild? Holding a service in support would be fine as repayment.

"Just plain old tatemae. Like countries who promise funds for disaster but never cough up the cash."

Can you gave me one example, when Japan did not fulfill its promise for disaster relief or funds?

This is very sad and tragic. On the other hand, it seems like it's bringing people together from different countries and cultures.

It will be rebuild, and this time around more countries will participate in that accomplishment.

I'm sure Notre Dame was insured against fire.

Japan is ready to support? Ready?

Would have been nice to have asked some people on the streets not just celebrities all the time.

So hateful

AndyApr. 16  07:43 pm JST

Catholic church, the wealthiest religious business in the world. I think they can afford the refurb themselves.

This couldn't be further from the truth.

To me it make sense for Japan to donate... as a thank you for the support that France gave to Tohoku.

Seperate from that the Japanee governement should step up it's efforts for Tohoku citizens...

It's a nice gesture, it really is. And if others wish to chip in, in the meantime, fine. But:

Catholic church, the wealthiest religious business in the world. I think they can afford the refurb themselves.

Indeed. This is true but given the organisation is loathe to look after actual people, it seems unlikely they will shell out for one of their most magnificent of buildings.