What do an offshore sea wind turbine and a hydroponic farm specializing in organic lettuce have in common? Both of them are new initiatives implemented in the Tohoku region after the Great East Japan earthquake in March 2011. The earthquake - coupled with a powerful tsunami and a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant - was devastating to say nothing of the least, but this triple whammy of a disaster was no match for the steely will and innovative minds of the Japanese. The tsunami might have swept away houses and destroyed entire livelihoods, but under the multi-pronged approach of "self-help, mutual help, and public help", civil organizations and private enterprises alike are doing their best to create a "New Tohoku", one that is grander than ever before. The following details several ways in which the affected prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima are steadily reviving their vitality and dynamism after the disaster:
New school programs
After the tsunami, many children and teenagers who have lost their homes and/or cherished family members require professional counselling and remediation so that they can move on with their lives. To this end, an experienced NPO Katariba runs an effective afterschool program known as the Collaborative School Project in two towns, one in Onagawa, Miyagi and the other in Otsuchi, Iwate. Through this program, not only do youngsters receive much-needed psychological support, but they are also encouraged to apply their experiences and think of ideas that will contribute towards disaster management. Take for instance Safety Cards that people can put at noticeable places in their homes so that their family members will know that they have been evacuated safely. An ingenious idea that only one who has triumphed over a disaster can think of! The Collaborative School Project really helps these youngsters who may be suffering in silence exorcise their demons and embark on the road to healing.
New businesses
Tohoku people have displayed their ingenuity and resilience by implementing new business methods and models. Collectively known as the "sixth industry" - referring to the integration of production, processing and sales, these business ventures include many inspirational ideas such as the production of maple sap and maple cider products by Engawa Cafe in Fukushima prefecture. Another example would be the production and marketing of wines using homegrown grapes in a project piloted by Mitsubishi Corporation and Kuriyama City, Fukushima. Want to go beyond sightseeing and take the next step to interact freely with local people? Ishinomaki City in Fukushima has a Reconstruction Bar that actually enables you to be the store manager for one day! If you aren't up to managing a bar, fret not. Simply drop by Riku Cafe in Rikuzentakada, Iwate that doubles up as a meeting spot by joining the recitals and other community-based events frequently held there!
New buildings
According to official figures released by the Reconstruction Agency, the number of evacuees has decreased from approximately 470, 000 people in 2011 to 180, 000 people in 2015. This is due to the many creative housing projects initiated by both governmental and non-governmental organizations alike. Consider the Ex-Container Project which upcycled abandoned shipping containers into stylish and minimalist relief housing for Tohoku people. Renowned philanthropy organization Habitat For Humanity also built temporary shelter complexes and even distributed futon sets (Japanese-style mattresses with bedding) to the affected victims in Onagawa, Miyagi. Not only that, Habitat For Humanity - sensitive to the evolving needs of the locals - converted an old shed thankfully left intact by the tsunami into "Yume House", a place where they could gather to grow vegetables as a business or simply hang out together.
New technologies
The tsunami served as impetus for groundbreaking technological innovation in Fukushima. Not only is it developing ways to use Fukushima-cultivated timber to generate renewable energy through biomass, it has installed a floating offshore wind farm that comprises three floating wind turbines and one power sub-station, thereby harnessing a sustainable source of energy from wind power. All this helps to build up Fukushima's reputation as a center for new energy, thus providing economic stimulus and creating new jobs for local people!
Revitalization and recovery of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima is well under way, with novel school programs, businesses, buildings and technologies sprouting up to help local people rebuild their lives. Steeped in Japanese history, Tohoku boasts not only many cultural heritage sites like Hiraizumi, but also showcases a lot of archaeological excavation sites from the Jomon Era that hark all the way back to the very origins of Japan. Hence, why don't you consider visiting Tohoku for your next trip so that you can experience both its rustic side and forward-looking vibrancy?
