As part of the Iwaki Study Tour, JETs were given a chance to visit Hisanohama, a coastal town located north east of Iwaki City that suffered major damage caused by the 2011 earthquake, following 7 metre tsunami, and fires. We began by visiting the main area affected by the tsunami. Getting off the bus we found ourselves in a barren field, with only the foundations of houses destroyed by the tsunami remaining. The rubble was cleared quickly and, currently work is being done to restore the area and reinforce the seawalls, so that houses can be rebuilt, and people can return to their homes. In the distance one can see a jagged cliff face, the result of the tsunami sweeping away part of the mountain. It really gives you an idea of how powerful and destructive the tsunami was. After a brief walk we came across a lone shrine, the one structure in the area that miraculously survived the tsunami. While originally planned to be torn down, it was decided to be left as a memorial of the disaster. Nearby the shrine there are some flowers in bloom, a stark contrast to the surrounding ruins. Among the many buildings destroyed by the Tsunami was the Hisanohama Shopping District, however just half a year after the disaster the temporary Hama-Kaze Shopping District was built in the school yard of a local primary school. With the goals of ‘Achieving revitalization even a day earlier, and delivering even one more smile to locals’ , the shopping district is home to a variety of stores, and has become a most needed recreational area for the remaining locals, where they can enjoy shopping, and interacting with each other. Among these stores is the Hisanohama Revitalization Information Center. There we were given an explanation of the earthquake, resulting tsunami and fires, and shown many photos taken by the locals after the disaster occurred. Afterwards we had the chance to wander around the stores, and enjoy interacting with the locals. One of the reasons I came to Fukushima was to try and help cheer up people affected by the disaster. However, I always find myself being cheered up by the kindness and smiles of the locals. Even though they have suffered such hardships, they maintain a positive attitude, putting the upmost efforts into working towards recovery. Their resilience is truly something to be admired. If you ever find yourself in the area, please visit and show your support to the people of Hisanohama. You are sure to be welcomed warmly with smiles. There is a song that was composed to support Japan’s recovery called ‘Hana wa saku’ or ‘Flowers will bloom’. Hearing the song playing in the temporary shopping district, I was reminded of the flowers growing in the tsunami stricken ruins. Perhaps the flowers are showing that there is still life in the land there, and are waiting patiently for the return of those who were forced to leave their home town behind. Youtube Link: ‘Hana ha Saku’ with English Subtitles It is my wish that, and that recovery is achieved swiftly, so that residents can return to their homes as quickly as possible. （Posted by ：William） |
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