絆 (Kizuna) and Message from Tohoku

December 11th... 9 months since March.

It must be getting cold in Tohoku...

It is December and a new year is approaching...

I wonder what emotions people are going through...?

This video touched my heart.

Please keep praying and supporting.

And always remember-those who lost their lives on March 11th.

They will live in our memories-forever.



10 ways to help Tohoku- by Jacinta Hin

This is something I came across in Senrinomichi-

I think its written nicely...so I'd like to share :)

 

作成: Embrace Transition 日時: 2011年12月5日 14:30

When was the last time you did something for Tohoku?

It’s tempting to think that help is no longer needed. That you've done your part and that somehow everything is under control. Or to believe that it's someone else's responsibility, and that you have enough worries of your own to take care of.

It’s indeed easy to stick our head in the sand and forget that the area and its people are far from being back on their feet, while our continuous help is needed and will be for a long time. We cannot rely on some illusive Big Brother to sweep Tohoku back to its old glory with his magic wand. We all have a part to play, and all are able to do something.

Besides traveling up North to volunteer or donating substantive amounts, there are many ways to help, all of them equally valid. One way is not less or more than any other.

Here are some ideas to get you (re)started:

1. Keep the people of Tohoku in your thoughts and prayers, or look for other ways to stay aware. Follow media, or dedicated blogs and Facebook pages to stay informed and inspired. A friend suggested looking for Tohoku connections in your own community. She discovered many and made new friends along the way.
2. Keep dropping spare coins in the numerous collection boxes in town. Every convenience store has one and so do many other shops.
3. Buy Tohoku produced goods, such as craftworks or (radiation-free) food products, to support local economy. Or opt for one or more of the many charity products on the market that give a percentage of proceeds to Tohoku causes. Or, if you have a product or service to sell, consider donating a percentage of your revenues.
4. Combine pleasure with contributing, and attend a charity event.
5. Donate to a cause that’s close to your heart. We all donated in the first weeks after 3/11, but have you donated anything since? If a big NGO is not your cup of tea, these days there are many smaller projects and initiatives in need of support where your money will make an immediate impact.
6. Get involved in a group. There’s plenty you can do without actually going to Tohoku. Many groups have their headquarters in Tokyo and are depending on volunteers for organizational and administrative tasks.
7. Make your unique expertise available. From translating to entertaining children, facilitating ikebana or knitting classes, restoring houses, cooking meals, talking with survivors in community centres, and so on. We all have something to offer.
8. Collect and/or raise funds for goods. With the winter coming up, some groups have started collecting things like coats and heaters. Get together with friends to raise funds and buy goods, or raise funds for NPOs on the ground buying goods locally or in bulk.
9. Spend a few days (or longer) in Tohoku for vacation. Most parts are safe and welcoming tourists. You’ll support the local economies and make new connections. And you’ll see the area (the destruction, the spirit of the people, the need for help) with your own eyes, rather than through media and other people’s stories.
10. Volunteer in Tohoku, perhaps the most direct way to get engaged. From going up North for weeks to do hard-core cleaning up work, to an organized weekend or even a day trip, where all you need to do is hop in the bus and follow instructions, there’s a way to volunteer for anyone.

It does not matter what you do or where you start. Most importantly, look for ways that are within reach and that inspire you.

A busy work schedule makes it hard for me to get actively involved with organizations or travel up North weekdays to volunteer. At the same time I like to do contribute in ways that have an immediate impact or give me a sense of connection with the area. In other words, I try to do what is within reach and what resonates with me.

I travel to China every other week for work. In the first weeks after the earthquake I made it my habit to return to Japan each time with a suitcase full of underwear, paid for with money I had collected from friends overseas, a much needed item at the time in the Tohoku shelters. Most recently I donated the money for three sewing machines for an orphanage in Iwate. I’ve bought various affordable charity products and opted for a set of beautiful Iwate hand-made lacquer ware as a recent wedding gift. I've donated money to several smaller organizations and groups and always drop a handful of coins in the counter collection boxes in the stores I frequent. As for actual volunteering, I found a group I like that organizes one-day weekend volunteer trips, which fits my schedule. Although so far I've only been up North once with them, I hope to go again when the opportunity arises.

For a long time I felt I was not doing enough, but I look at it differently now. I do what I can and everything I do counts. For me, helping Tohoku is not a one-time event, but an ongoing commitment. By giving it a place in my life and valuing the smallest gesture, I do my part without guilt or feeling useless.

Jacinta Hin is the founder of Embrace Transition. She has been living in Japan for the past 21 years. She works as a human resources manager and life coach, and writes regularly about topics related to change and transition in her blog. (www.jacintahin.com)

Reading this made me think about one of my favorite mottos...

継続は力なり

If each one of us, keeps up our support for Tohoku and its people - no matter how great or minute of a contribution it may be...and if we do it continuously,  we can build on and on and eventually, I believe it will lead to something very special and valuable.

Miracle Pine Tree

Of the seven thousand pine trees that grew along the coast line of Takata-Matsubara, only one pine tree survived the powerful and destructive tsunami.
A single, ten meter long, two hundred year old pine tree.

Until recently, the Association for the Protection of Takata-Matsubara along with the city and prefectural governments were trying their best to protect the last pine tree.

It was a symbol of hope for the people of Rikuzen-Takata city.
Standing a lone, yet so strong and hopeful.

Unfortunately, the damage has now grown beyond the efforts to preserve.
Due to the damage from the seawater, over half its roots are molding.
Indeed, this is disappointing news- as the tree was the symbol of hope (and still is!).

Although my stay in Rikuzen-Takata was brief, during the time I was there, it gave me hope everyday.
To see the pine tree standing amongst the devastated town-center.
On my way to and from volunteer work- on sunny, cloudy, rainy days...
It always stood so beautifully.

So, I would just like to say a personal thank you to the miracle pine tree.
Thank You- for all the hope and energy you gave me.

Even though I may never see it again, it will remain in my heart forever.
And I am sure it will also, for the people of Rikuzen-Takata city.

11.11.11

What did November 11th 2011 represent to you?

Corduroy Day, ポッキー＆プリッツDay (Pocky and Pretz Day-Japanese snacks that are stick-shaped), Singles Day :( ...

These are only some of the unique and creative ones I heard.

But to me, November 11th 2011 simply marked 8 months since the earthquake and tsunami struck the Northeast coast of Japan. Swiping away thousands of lives, homes, towns, communities...

Not a day goes by when I do not think about the people effected by the earthquake, the powerful tsunami, and the ongoing radiation problem in Japan.
Every month, on the 11th- my emotions are stronger and more powerful than the other days.
Remembering and thinking back to the day.
Recalling my volunteer experiences up North...

As human beings, our memory is ambiguous- we tend to forget tragic things, we tend to erase them from our memories.
But March 11th, 2011 is a day I (we) can not forget.
For the day is engraved in my (our) heart (hearts).
(From Senrinomichi)

One of the volunteer leaders I worked with over the summer had always told us-to the people leaving the devastated regions,
"The important thing for you now is to share and to pass on your experiences, to tell others how you felt, what you felt during the time you spent volunteering here."

Sadly, ever since I had come to the U.S., I hadn't been able to do so...
It was not that I stopped caring.
I wanted to share.
I wanted to show how severe conditions still were in Northeast Japan.
Yet, I just felt like no one cared here...
Japan was a country miles away from here.
And to the people here, the earthquake and tsunami was something that happened months ago...

But on November 10th, just a day before it marked 8 months since the natural disaster struck, I was given an opportunity to present about my volunteer experiences up in Northeast Japan.
It was only an informal presentation at a Japanese coffee hour at my institution.
However, to be completely honest, I cared for this presentation more than any of my academic assignments.
Even for me, it was painful to think back but this was the one thing I could do to show my support for the people in Tohoku.

And in giving this presentation, I contacted the volunteer leader who is still in Rikuzen-Takata city.
Not only did I want to let him know that I will be sharing my experiences from Tohoku but I also wanted to ask him for any current messages from the devastated regions.

He told me,

"Soon, it marks 8 months since the natural disaster. To an outsider, it may seem like already 8 months has passed by. However, to the victims and those affected, it is still...8 months. And for some, time is still on pause since March 11th. There are those who still can not look at the ocean. And others who still can't step foot on the land their houses once stood...

Compared to when you were here (in early July), the piles of rubble and debris have been cleared. Everyday, the town is becoming surprisingly cleaner but at the same time, people are losing their memories. Many are saying they cannot remember what the town used to look like, the town(home) they grew up in...

But just recently, on October 22nd, there was a joint service for the dead (合同慰霊祭）. Although the victims will never heal or recover from March 11th, it was a way for them to express their determination- that from here on, they will hold back their tears and sadness.

The people in Tohoku are trying so hard to move forward one by one. So I want people to keep caring. And to keep watching over the devastated regions."

And to add to his message-

If anything, I want people to be happy for the everyday life that one already has.
I think we all have a tendency to yearn and desire more...but I truly feel it is the everyday life that is important. So I wish for people to be more grateful for the families, friends, houses, communities that are the foundations of one's life.
And to take a moment to appreciate this beautiful core of your life...

http://tenthousandthingsfromkyoto.blogspot.com/2011/11/eight-months-after-disaster-tsunami.html

8 months...

An article  illustrating the conditions in Tohoku...We must keep watching over the devastated regions. And keep supporting.

Please, check it out:
http://www.wordpress.tokyotimes.org/?p=7543

Will write more about the 8 month mark SOON!!! I promise~

Sending my prayers to Tohoku

xxx

Mujo

"After September 11, a new map of geopolitics rose in people's mind around the world. Has March 11 and the nuclear disaster that followed changed something in the relationship to the environment, to energy, or to politics? in Japan and elsewhere? Let's look at what and how things are moving, within this specific Japanese cultural framework : the sense of impermanence (mujo), the consciousness of the fragitlity of things (mono no aware)... An interactive movie is not only recording people's voice and traces of life in a devastated landscape. It is about creating links and meaning, for the Japanese people, but also for everyone. We all have to learn from what is happening.The Japan Webdoc Project is a way to listen to the growing change and pave the path for new relationships to the environment, the energy, to politics, but also to one's own body and daily behaviors."

Please keep watching...

I remember going to Kesennuma for a day in June, one of the volunteers I was with, told me,
"You know, Rikuzen-Takata city, I feel has made progress since March 11th. But seeing Kesennuma today for my first time...it is almost as if the city has been in pause since March. I was just lost for words driving through there..."
But I had seen Kesennuma in April. So many boats were ashore back then that there weren't even roads for the cars to go through. In fact, it was too dangerous for cars to go through as the water hadn't subsided yet from the tsunami, flooding areas close to the shore.
So I replied,
"It may seem like it to you, but it has progressed since April"

Even now, 7 months since March 11th, if one goes to the devastated areas from the earthquake and tsunami for the first time, he/she will likely be surprised and amazed at the destruction caused by mother nature. However, humans are strong, too.

When we support each other and receive help from countries all over the world, look at the progress we can make.  Although each day is still a struggle, step by step improvements will eventually lead to a more hopeful future...Please take a look at Northeast Japan's progress:
http://blogs.sacbee.com/photos/2011/09/japan-marks-6-months-since-ear.html#ixzz1agx6Opwg

I am very very thankful for the support Japan has received from all over the world. If I can ask you a favor though, please don't forget about those in Northeast Japan. Please include them in your prayers. As each individual, each family, each community, each area makes further progress, please keep watching over them...

同じ空の下~Underneath the same sky~

時々、陸前高田で見た星空を思い出す。

ボランティアで一緒になった人達と、外で歯磨きしていたら、
とても奇麗な星空が．．．
みんなで地面に寝転がって、星を眺め、
流れ星も幾つか見れた。

その奇麗な星空の下には津波の被害が残っている。
そして、その奇麗な星空の下にはも苦しんで、悲しんでいる人々が生活し、
一歩一歩前へ進もうとしている。
そう思うととても切なかった。

でも、私達みたいに星空を見上げているのかな。
見上げていて欲しいな。
一瞬でもよいからこの星空を見て、希望を持って欲しい．．．
あの時そう思った。

あの時見た星空は人生の中で一番奇麗な星空だったかもね。
陸前高田の人々は今どうしているのかな。
とても遠くに感じるけれど、私は忘れない。

同じ空の下にいるんだ。
そう思うと、少し近づけた気がする。

希望の一本松、なじょにがすっぺ！

Update on the 11th in Tohoku...

Over in Northeast Japan, in Ishinomaki, on the 11th all of the refugee shelters were closed. Although this sounds like uplifting news, it is also important to know some people were forced out of these shelters... Those effected in Onagawa moved into temporary housing (two-stories high!). It was worth being patient and waiting for, was a comment made by one of the victims.

Although people are gradually moving forward, what they all want most is to get back their loved ones, their houses, their normal everyday lives before March 11th. I think that is one thing we must not forget... that their number one need/desire can not be granted. So we must all keep up our support so that they can keep taking these little steps forward- one by one...

My prayers out to Northeast Japan!

10.11.2011 Love and Prayers across the Ocean

So...I am writing, again.

After discontinuing for over a month on this blog, I noticed that I care too much to stop.
Instead of posting on this blog about Northeast Japan, I realized I started posting on facebook.
I care about the progress of the people of Northeast Japan so much-too much- that I need to keep up with this blog.
I noticed that this blog will not keep me from my graduate studies.
I feel it is something I must do for me.
Because I care...
So, even if it means writing a sentence or two during times I am busy...I've decided I want to continue!!!

継続は力なり

So, I will write again.

Today, October 11th marks 7 months since the great tsunami and earthquake struck Northeast Japan. Whenever the 11th rolls around, for some reason, I can not go to sleep. Even if I do, I wake up in the middle of the night...So at around 2:46pm (Japan time on the 11th), I will be sending my prayers. I am hoping my prayers will reach my country and the people effected by the natural disaster.

You are always, always- in my thoughts.

~Sending much love and prayers across the ocean~

SUNRISE

I started this blog in hopes to take action.
To do what I can to show my support for Tohoku and Japan.
I hoped I could at least help spread the awareness (especially as international concern for Japan was decreasing)
And I also wished to make people keep caring.

Unfortunately, since it was my first time blogging and I also happen to be a pretty shy person...
I failed to spread word of my blog.
Nonetheless, I wanted to keep writing about my experiences up in Northeast Japan.
So that I, myself would keep caring.
So that I, myself didn't forget.

This post will be my last entry on this blog.
I hate to make excuses but grad school will be starting and it is time I shift gears.
This doesn't mean however, that my relief efforts will be coming to an end.
Or that my care for Tohoku will disappear or diminish.
This is simply my way of けじめを付ける.

When I first left home, I was scared I would stop caring and forget about Tohoku.

Although it's true that being miles away from home is difficult on me at times...
I am more confident now.

Because back home, there are:
those who still post updates on news of the devastated regions.
those who continue to support and volunteer.
Which keeps me caring, and posted on what is happening in Tohoku.
And here where I am...
Mountains surround me which remind me of Rikuzen-Takata city
The valley brings back memories of the times I spent with the children of Fukushima
Rabbits here take me on a journey back to the Shichigahama Volunteer Center
And when it rains, I think back to my first time in Kesennuma, way back in April.

Bits and pieces of Tohoku are within me.
And will always be with me...

And last but not least, I am always reminded to be thankful for my everyday life.

Sending much positive energy,
-Moé

p.s. A big shout out to koko, who kept up with this blog :)!

嬉しいできごと~Happy Happening~

Being out of Japan,  it sometimes feels as if the earthquake and tsunami never happened.
At times, it feels almost like a nightmare, not reality.

This is because there is not a trace of news of the devastated areas
or news of how the victims are moving forward...

Today was August 11th.
To me, sometimes, it just feels like time has stopped since March 11th.
I can not believe already 5 months have gone by.

Even though at times, I am saddened by the lack of care for Japan here, there was something that made me happy today.

During international orientation, I played soccer with some of the new students.
For some reason, I happened to be around many Japanese students so basically,
our team consisted of many Japanese students, some Chinese students and also a student from Australia.

Since I was the only girl on the team, I ended up being the team captain.
I had to think of  a team name so I asked my team what we should be called.

The Australian guy suggested,
"We should represent one of the hardest struck regions of the tsunami, we should play in their honor."

Just the simple thought that he cared-made me so happy.

Five months may seem like a long time ago for those outside of Japan,
but it is still something that we, and I personally greatly care for.
And all this time here, it just seemed like nobody really cared about what was going on in Japan, which is understandable.

Since I couldn't think of the hardest struck area as many areas received great damage, our team name became "Team Tohoku"

The fact that somebody cared, someone who was not Japanese- made me happy.

Thank you :)

In Japan,  on the 11th, mournings were givin to those who lost their lives and fireworks wishing for recovery were displayed alongside the ocean at 10 locations in Miyagi, Iwate, and Fukushima.

「一期一会」 "Ichigo-Ichie"

There is an idiom in Japan called "Ichigo-Ichie".

Ichigo means, in a life time.
And Ichie means meeting.

Therefore, the idiom literally means, first and last encounter in life.
And it is used to emphasize the importance of enjoying every encounter as it may never come to you again.
As the meeting may be your first and last encounter with the individual.

So in Japan, in many moments we try to treasure these once in a  lifetime meetings, to take each encounter positively.
Because even though you may not notice at the time being, these encounters tend to be meaningful and valuable.

During the various times I went to volunteer up North, I met many people.

I met victims.
Victims who lost their belongings, homes, friends, and family members.
Victims who were lost, scared, nervous, optimistic, brave...

Victims who lost their temper and then later apologized for being so harsh.
Victims whose only word they exchanged with me was a simple, "Thank You."
And victims, who, from their strength and will to keep going- gave me energy.

And amongst the many victims, I also met children.
Children, who have gone through frightening and fearful experiences.
But children, who, due to their silliness and laughter made me forget-
just for brief periods of time that the natural disaster ever struck.

And finally, I also met many many volunteers.
Volunteers who were in the same group as me and who supported me.
Volunteers who I met at the volunteer center or worked beside me amongst the debris.
Volunteers who inspired me due to their kind hearts.

It is strange to think,
I would have never met these many many people...
If it were not for March 11th.

And many of these meetings were ichigo-ichie meetings.
Because many, I will never see again.
And sadly, many will forget me.

But to me, they are all valuable meetings.
Meetings that I will treasure and keep forever.

Maybe, during my time up North, what I could do to support and help was only something very very minute.
But if, through these ichigo-ichie meetings I was able to make someone happy, someone smile...
Even if it was for just a short period of time...
That would mean the world to me.

I am very thankful for these "Ichigo-Ichie" meetings.
一期一会の出会いに感謝！！！

Even though we may never meet again,
maybe our paths will cross in the future...

Playing superheroes vs. badguys

These guys fought a lot...

But they were adorable :)

終わりなき旅~never ending journey~

I am now, sadly, no longer in Japan. 

I have left home- to continue pursuing my goals. 

Throughout the past few months, I seriously considered changing direction.

After seeing the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami, I don't see how anyone can be satisfied at just volunteering/ helping out.

The destruction and damage is NOTHING compared to what you see, hear, or feel through the media.

It just makes you want to go back again and again, and to keep supporting in any way possible…

At least, that was the case for me.

Is this really the path I want to go?

Why am I having doubts?

I should join an NGO/NPO and involve myself, 100% in the relief efforts.

It scared me how many times these thoughts crossed my mind.

They would come…and go, leaving me all confused inside.

But throughout the decision making process, there were hints here and there.

Hints that lead me to where I am now.

You may look down on me, I don’t blame you.

Why would you leave your country, at such a difficult time?

I don’t really know myself.

I can't explain why.

I just have a gut feeling and I must keep moving forward.

But I promise- to go back home one day.

I don’t exactly know when that will be.

But I hope that somehow, in my own way, I  will be able to contribute to my country.

And I will always, keep Tohoku and its people in my thoughts.

I will keep supporting in any way I can- even if it is from miles away.

Always.

See you again, Japan!!

I am onto my next adventure…

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　This song is my inspiration.

7/22 Smiles and hope to Japan

Several days have gone by since July 17th, the day of the 2011 Women's World Cup Final but I am still on a Nadeshiko high and can't seem to stop smiling :)

Despite their 2-0 loss to England in their Group matches, their games leading up to the championship game were all historical games for the Japanese squad. In the tournament, they beat Germany.  And then, Sweden.  Showing that size and power are not everything in soccer.

And the final game is one I will never forget.  A game, SO worth watching nice and early at 3 a.m. in the morning.  For some reason, I had a good feeling the entire game, especially as the U.S. missed their opportunities at the start of the game.
Even when the U.S. scored their first goal, I knew we would come back.  Even when Abby Wambach headed that ball in during OT, I felt someone was going to make something happen- and Homare Sawa did.

Maybe it was due to all of the players facial expressions.  To me, they all seemed hopeful.  And they all played their hearts out until that final whistle blew.  Never giving up.  ALL 21 of them.

P.K's are of course, not the greatest way to determine the World Cup champions.  Yet, overall, it was a spectacular and breathtaking match to watch.

Nadeshiko Japan showed me and reminded me that soccer is fun.  And they were able to show it at the professional level.  And through this match, I also felt there exists...a soccer god!  But it is no miracle Nadeshiko won.  I truly believe it is a pure result of each players' efforts and of all the National players who have supported Japanese women's soccer up to this point.

I hope through this victory, women's soccer will continue to grow in Japan.  That the population of recreational female soccer players will grow, that the environment for women's professional soccer will improve.

Next up...Olympic gold!!???

Most importantly, THANK YOU SO MUCH, Nadeshiko Japan- for all the 感動 and positive energy you have brought to Japan. It brought smiles and hope to Japan. Especially during such a difficult time. なでしこジャパンに心から感謝！！！本当にありがとう！！！！

7/10 Hope

My two weeks in Rikuzen-Takata has come to an end.

4 months have gone by since March 11th. Although the city has come a long way, the hot and humid summer is now affecting the recovery process.

Dehydration and heat strokes haunt the local people as well as volunteers working outside.

The various debris left by the waves contain decaying fish- producing pungent odors and countless flies.

As temperatures continue to rise, hygiene concerns grow especially at the damaged seafood processing plants.

Despite the ongoing difficult situation up North, in various moments, I was able to see hope.

I saw...

Kids playing by the temporary houses with huge smiles.

People preparing for the upcoming summer festival and taking a go at the wadaiko (Japanese drums).

A temporary cafe and bar opening in town and people gathering for free beer,good food, and good times.

Seeing the people's faces filled with hope, I was awwwed by their strength and will to live and move forward.

And I will never forget the night sky of Rikuzen-Takata.

A view which for a moment- made me forget the damage and destruction which lies below.

It was breathtaking to see the Milky Way so crystal clear. And shooting stars one after another- a sight that you cannot catch in Tokyo.

Rikuzen-Takata and its people are moving forward.

Yet, there is still much much work ahead and ongoing support is needed.

I don't know when I will be able to come here again. But wherever I go, Rikuzen-Takata has a place in my heart. And I hope to keep supporting in any way I can.

See you, again.

A new start

On Saturday our volunteer work was to help with the cleanup at one of the evacuation shelters (an elementary school gymnasium) in Rikuzen-Takata city.

As I cleaned amongst the evacuees, I wondered what each individual was thinking and feeling.

To me, the place was just an ordinary school gym. But to the evacuees, it was a place filled with memories. A place they slept and ate for three months. A place- in replacement of their washed away homes.

During the cleanup, I was amazed at how much the people were putting effort into making the gym back to its normal situation. Making what used to be an evacuation shelter back to a school gym.

Now, there are 0 evacuees. Many have moved in to the temporary houses built on the elementary school field. Others have found new homes elsewhere.

At the end, when closing remarks were given, I was able to listen as some gave their final words of encouragement and thankfulness.

Although I was an outsider, it was a very special moment as I saw hope in many of their faces.

It is a new start. Although I will never be able to fully understand their feelings, I sincerely hope and pray that they will be able to keep moving forward, step by step.

Takatacho

Yesterday, after our volunteer work,we were taken to Takatacho,what used to be the center of Rikuzen-Takata city.

Takatacho was one of the hardest struck regions. The damage was so great that volunteers aren't even directed in this area. It isn't a livable environment so there are no needs for human volunteers.

I saw the now famous "ippon-matsu", the only pine tree that survived out of the 7 million pine trees of Takata.It stood by itself-lonely yet beautiful,representing hope.

And then,I saw the gymnasium. It was set as one of the evacuation shelters during natural disasters. 200 to 300 people had evacuated here on March 11th but the tsunami was so great that it reached the gym, creating a whirlpool leaving only 3 survivors. It is said the waves were like a huge washing machine sucking in people who tried escaping to the very top.

The clock was stopped at 3:30p.m.,the time the tsunami had struck. Here,it was as if the time was on pause since that day.

Inside the huge devastated gymnasium,I tried to imagine how the tsunami had struck. How frightening it must have been.

It gave me goosebumps to think so many people had lost their lives at this very place.

Nearby the entrance,there were flowers and snacks presented as offerings.

Before leaving,I prayed for those that lost their lives.

May they please,rest in peace.

Rubble and debris-are valuable memories

Yesterday I arrived in Rikuzen-Takata city to work with the NICE program here.

Compared to the last time I was here,the city seemed to be making progressive steps forward.There were temporary houses,a prefab convenience store,and a gasoline stand was up and running.Indeed,according to those who have been here for months,the city was much cleaner despite all the remaining rubble and debris-thanks to the many people involved in the relief efforts.

At night we were fortunate to get advice from some of the people working at the volunteer center in town.

Some good advice we received were...

To volunteer with 60% effort-especially when doing hard labor.Safety first:)
And also that the rubble and debris are valuable memories to the people here.So don't treat it like trash or treat it roughly.Treat it with care. And save any kind of precious memories you find...

心が大切: Prioritizing hearts

On Tuesday, I went to a talk given by a member of an NGO organization called NICE .Since April 11th, this individual has been doing supporting work for Rikuzen-Takata city. Helping out at one of the evacuation shelters.

As she has been doing volunteer work there for two months, there was much I learned from her talk.

Going into the devastated areas to volunteer, many people have strong feelings to be of help in any way possible. And although this is great volunteer spirit,at times it can be too much.

For instance, she pointed out that at times the people may not want you to do anything. So I learned the importance of being in their shoes first. To prioritize hearts (feelings) over anything.

She also emphasized not to forget the fact that the people who were effected by the natural disaster-they are all normal everyday people.

So don't treat them differently,or in a special way. Laugh with them if they laugh, cry with them when they cry.

Maybe what she mentioned in her talk was all common sense.

But seeing the situation in the devastated areas, it's easy to forget. You just get this urgent feeling to help in any way possible.

But next time...I'll be more careful. And when I'm lost, I'll have this talk to look back on :)

The Footbath Squad

Today, I'd like to talk about the footbath squad- a group of volunteers sent by the Nippon Foundation through the Road Project.

The inspiration for the "footbath squad" originated from the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995.

Much of the volunteer work in the devastated areas involves hard labor such as busting accumulated mud from the tsunami and cleaning up after the debris and rubble.

Yet, the footbath squad focuses on emotional support.  By warming the feet and at the same time offering a hand massage, it offers a place to relax and breathe. A place where people can come together.

The volunteers listen as some of its users talk of their frightening experiences. Doing so, it hopes to ease the anxiety of the people. And by listening, it seeks to pick up the needs of the people in specific areas.

A few days ago, I participated as a member in the footbath squad- a squad sent to Yamamotocho in Miyagi-prefecture. We offered foot baths over the weekend to the people now living in the temporary houses in the region.

I heard elderly people talking about how they do not want to die here (in the temporary houses). About how all their pictures had been taken away by the tsunami so they don't even have a nice funeral picture.

Many talked about the limited space that was provided by the temporary housing.  Compared to their houses that had been washed away, many felt cramped and stressed out in their new homes.

Although I could only nod and listen to some of their painful stories and frightening experiences, I was happy when some of the people gave us positive feedback:

"Yesterday, the footbath allowed me to sleep so well. That's why I came back today"

"The footbath is so relaxing!  Do, come again!!"

Even the kids seemed to enjoy the foot bath. There is not much play area in the area of the temporary houses so many seemed intrigued and curious. Their school pool had been taken away by the tsunami so the kids found it as a replacement for the pool. They really seemed to like the bath oil because it added color to the foot bath.

What we provided was only something small. But I hope the people in Yamamotocho were able to enjoy our footbath. And that we were able to warm their feet, hands, and hopefully- hearts, as well.

Our signboard for the footbath. We put a lot of effort into this one !!

A lot of the kids brought their friends along so we used the huge tub-
this was more like a foot "pool" instead of footbath ;)

かぞえうた

It's challenging to find the right words to provide...

to someone who's lost his/her home
to someone who does not know when he/she can return home
to someone who's lost his/her job
to someone who's lost loved ones
to someone who's lost everything

At many times, I am lost for words.

I know listening is important.

And just maybe-my presence may matter, too.

But I wish I could be of more support.

Just please, please don't lose your hope.

Radiation: Damage you can not see with your eyes

This past week, I participated in a program in Aizuwakamatsu- to play with kids who were living in the emergency shelters in Fukushima.

During the orientation of the program, I was told there were approximately 7,000 people living in the shelters in Aizu. Even though three months has gone by since March 11th, many are still being forced to live in shelters, mainly due to the nuclear plant crisis at Fukushima Daiichi.

Some of the families in evacuation here have houses standing, unaffected by the earthquake and tsunami.  Yet, they have left everything as they have been forced to evacuate due to the high radiation levels.

Many were told they only needed to evacuate for a week. But the one week has prolonged to weeks, to months. And now...three months. 

Some have not even gone home once since the natural disaster struck. Some were effected by all three: the earthquake, tsunami, and radiation.

And nobody knows when they will be able to return to their homes.

Playing with the kids in the numerous evacuation shelters in Aizu, seeing the kids smile and laugh, I sometimes forgot that these children are those who are being forced to live here. Kids who lost their homes, kids who have been forced to say farewell to their friends.

But I would snap back to reality. As I would overhear the adults talking about the radiation levels, about when they can go home, about the distance of their homes from Fukushima Daiichi.

A grandma came to me and sighed,

"There is nothing to do here. I just want to go home..."

And even the kids made me aware of the situation.

A little girl playing with a toy house started to take everything out of the house- furniture, dolls, etc. I asked her why she took everything out when she had spent so much time making the house look nice and organized.

"There was an earthquake!" she told me.


Looking at the depressed, fatigued look on the adults in the evacuation shelters, it scared me, how hopeless some of the people were.

I wanted to support the children so that I could make the kids smile, make them happy, despite their current situation. But I don't know whether I was of any help. Because there is SO MUCH more support needed for the people in Fukushima.

The damage caused by the earthquake and tsunami was devastating and destructive. Yet, coming here, I have realized the great fear and damage the radiation has caused. Although you can not see it with your eyes, it has caused great damage to the hearts and lives of the people in Fukushima.

Even though I could only participate for a week, I pray for the health and safety of the the children here. And I wish for their days to be filled with smiles and laughter.  I miss the children, already.

If you are interested, please check out the volunteer program
 for the children in Aizu through the NICE website.

My last race to Tohoku!!

I am going to switch gears today to running because I raced yesterday! Sadly,it will most likely be my last race in Japan. That is,at least for a while.So I want to keep it in this blog.

I was nervous for this race as I haven't been getting my mileage in.I also hadn't raced since the Tokyo marathon. Ever since March 11th,races have been cancelled one by one.

I also feel runners all over Japan have been affected to some degree,losing their spirit and energy.

I myself can't seem to enjoy running 100% when I am aware there are people out there who are in no situation to run.

But today the organizers of the race called out to us runners,

"Let's send energy and spirit to the devastated areas!!"

It was a 10km cross country race so I imagined it would be nice and short.Instead,the first 5km was hardcore uphill. I enjoyed the downhill though and the view was quite epic :)

Whenever I felt like I couldn't continue,I thought about the people in Tohoku. This was nothing compared to what they were going through-that kept me strong throughout the race.

I dedicate this race to Tohoku. The race energized me-so I hope to bring that energy with me as I head to Fukushima today.

Still, no water...

It has been almost three months since March 11th.

Yet, in some of the devastated areas, the water supply is still cut off.

This is the case in Minamisanriku-cho, a town in Miyagi-prefecture.

People are going to nearby rivers to wash their clothes. Yet, when it rains, the water gets muddy which prevents this. Others go to coin laundrys located about 20km away from the shelters. Yet, as many have lost their cars in the tsunami, many can only do laundry on weekends when their relatives and friends visit.

In the shelters, people are still using portable toilets. So that they don't have to go use the restrooms (which are outside) too often, people are unconsciously restraining the amount of water they drink. Which is obviously detrimental to their health.

The amount of water that can be carried to the shelters per day limited. Allowing people to take baths only twice a week...

Three months without water supply.

I can not even imagine...

It is June. As the hot summer approaches, I worry about the health and hygiene of the people living in the devastated areas.

As I read and hear stories about the slow recovery process, I feel powerless. I can only hope and wish that the water supply will return quickly- even a day sooner...

FREEDOM!

Yesterday was a very special day for me because...it was my LAST day of work!

woo! I am now free!!! But of course,still poor :(

I have to thank the people at work however, as they were very responsive to my selfish desires and needs.

I want to thank them for letting me go up North twice.
And also for letting me quit earlier than I intended.

I feel terrible for being irresponsible but when I go up North again, I will volunteer for them, as well.

Even though I wish for every Japanese citizen to volunteer up North and to go see the devastated regions with their own eyes-I know there may be barriers for some people.

People who work full time who lead busy lives, people who have personal reasons that prevent them from going.

But me...

Now that I have been granted my freedom, I would like to devote myself to the relief efforts in the remaining time I have at home.

炊き出し ~Takidashi~

Today, I’d like to talk about my group’s takidashi Experience up North.

For my group’s last day of volunteering, I decided my group should try something different. As we had been doing hard work for days, I felt going to takidashi- cooking supply food to the people in shelters- would be a great experience. Plus, I like to cook. So I thought, why not give my group some rest and cook on the last day?

Our entire volunteer group had been sending groups on a daily process to cook dinner at two shelters nearby, so there was also a notebook/diary kept by every group that had gone. We were told that the people at the shelter do not provide you with any instruction- so to be prepared as much as possible.

The night before our takidashi, I asked the experienced group members that had just returned from their cooking,

“Hey, can I get some advice on takidashi? My group's going tomorrow.”

The first thing one of their group members said was, “Well…expect it to be a battle in the kitchen!!”

And it was.

Unfortunately, none of my group members were experienced chefs who had great experience in cooking. We also didn’t know the difficulty in cooking for 90 people. Still, we wanted to make a decent dish. Especially, as it was for the people in the shelters.

We arrived at the shelter (elementary school) at around 12p.m. and took a look around the supplies that were there. The media had talked about supplies not reaching some shelters, as well as a lack of vegetables at the shelters.  Indeed, our ingredients were very limited. On that day, no meat had arrived. There were no eggs.

We decided to make yasai ankake, a simple vegetable dish. We also made some pickled celery and radish, miso soup, and fruit salad to go along with the main dish.

Figuring out ingredients for 90 people was quite a challenge. And cutting the many fruits and vegetables was even harder. We started cooking at around 1pm and worked nonstop until 6pm- the time when dinner was to be served. Of course, not everything went smoothly but through teamwork and cooperation, we were able to start serving our dishes on time.   

When we were done serving, one of the representatives at the shelter asked us to eat with them. In the future, he told me he desired for the people in shelters to be able to spend more time together with the volunteers. So that they could share and talk about their tsunami experience with us.

I hesitated at first to say yes. I didn’t know if it would be right for me to eat their food. However, I also felt it would be rude to turn down the thoughtful invitation.

Throughout dinner, I was a little shy to mingle with the people there. I sat close to my volunteer group. Of course, everyone knew we were volunteers due to our green pennies.  I felt a sad separation between us and them. And I wished that I could just take off my penny.

The man sitting across from me was a firefighter who had been involved in the search for dead bodies after the tsunami.

He told us,

“What broke my heart most- was seeing the young children’s bodies. Kids whose lives were still ahead of them…”

Another said,

“But think of Ishinomaki. 80% of the elementary schools’ children lost their lives in the tsunami. Poor children…”

They were comparing the damage amongst the different devastated regions.

A little girl came to introduce herself. She wanted to play with us. Through her, I realized how the children radiate off a good vibe, that the people around them are affected by their positive energy and enthusiasm. Their presence seemed to make the shelter seem more optimistic.

When we were washing our dishes, however, she shared with us,

“Do you know what??? I saw…A tsunami!!! And it was Gray! And it was blue, too!”

And then, she went on to talk about other things- like the smell of the detergent and how she has a new pair of crocs.

But the little girl mentioning the tsunami made me realize that children are just as affected by this natural disaster. Even though they may be smiling and energetic, they have felt fear. There may be pain in their hearts that we can't see.

After dinner, we cleaned up the mess we made in the kitchen (which was the elementary school’s back entrance). A few of the people at the shelter had come outside to smoke, to breathe the outside air, to talk.

When we were done cleaning up and ready to leave, a few of them came by our car to see us off.

I shook the hand of a grandma to say farewell. She felt my cold hands and seemed surprised.

“I’ve been washing, that’s why” I explained.

She held my hands until they were warm, from hers.

The entire time during dinner and leading up to it, I was so nervous about how our food would turn out. And even if it did turn out all right, if the people there would actually like it.

But when she held out her hands to make mine warmer, all my worries seemed to be swept away.

「故郷」Furusato: charity concert

May 20, 2011- I went to a charity concert, an event organized by a professional trumpet player who is from Ishinomaki. He had called out to many of his fellow musicians (many of them originally from the devastated regions from the earthquake and tsunami) to organize a charity concert.  

A very special girl was invited to the concert to perform. On April 12^th, the newspaper had shown an image of a girl playing her trumpet in the devastated regions of Rikuzen-Takata city- in front of where her house had once stood. Seeing this image, the organizer of the event had asked her to perform at the concert.

The girl lost her mother, grandparents and relatives in the tsunami that caused great destruction to her city. She let us know that since March 11^th, she has been taking gradual steps to move forward.

It amazed me how strong this 17 year old girl was as she said in front of 1500 people,

“There are friends of mine who lost both their parents. There are people in pain far greater than mine- I hope to spread that awareness and to share their grief. By doing so, I hope I can spread the circle of support.”

Indeed, through her performance with the brass orchestra, she touched my heart. The performance was emotional and so powerful that I cried. With others in the audience- I, too, felt her pain and grief.

She played the song 「負けないで」(Makenaide) by ZARD, a Japanese artist.

Like the song, the girl hopes to live strong- never giving up, not letting sadness keep her from moving forward.

Although she does not know me, I want her to know she has my support.

And that I will be cheering for her, always.

Keeping her and the victims from March 11^th in mind.

陸前高田 Rikuzen-Takata

The following day, my group headed to Rikuzen-Takata. The volunteer center there had just started-it was new and very small compared to the volunteer centers I've previously seen.

After checking in at the center,our group headed in the direction of the home that had requested our help. I soon realized the beautiful scenery of the mountain and fields had changed- we were surrounded by rubble. The scenery continued for what seemed like forever...

Part way there,the road was gone.

I was surprised when we actually made it to our destination. When we showed up, the owner was glad to see us,

"I didn't know if you'd actually come."

The house had survived the tsunami. But the water was not running yet. The sliding doors in the front were taken away by the tsunami, making the inside of the house vulnerable to the dust from outside.

We were told to help remove the accumulated sand in the front and backyard from the tsunami. Broken glass was mixed in with the sand so we had to be careful. Using wheelbarrows, we carried the sand to its destination.

Another group had joined us and we were able to finish the task there earlier than expected.

During our break (and despite our kind refusal), the mom and grandma there provided sweets and beverages for us. The grandma talked in a heavy Tohoku dialect and I had difficulty understanding what she was saying. But the people there were so kind.

The owner let us know that by working along side us, he was able to gain back the motivation he had lost to clean up the mess. I will never forget the smile he had on his face throughout that day.

The family was planting sunflower seeds. They told us to come back to Rikuzen-Takata to see the flowers sprout in the summer time.

Cars showing up at the volunteer center early in the morning

Rubble in every direction you look