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.