Since we had refrained from visiting on the first anniversary of the disaster in March, this was the first that that we had returned to Yamada Township in a couple of months.
Perhaps it was the difference between Winter in February and Spring in April,
Or perhaps it was because people had moved on after the first anniversary,
The whole town felt livelier, more vivid, wherever we went.
First, the number of floats that supports fish farms in the bay had increased significantly.
Even for those visiting from afar like us, the sight of so many floats in the sea was attractive.
The number of floats is a testament to the economic recovery of the local area.
For supporters of Yamada Township like us, floats increasing at a pace that seemed like it would soon cover the whole bay really warmed our hearts.
And when we visited the temporary housing complex, we saw there were people producing nori seaweed.
Sometimes we also see people sun-drying shark fins and fish outside.
When we witness these activities,
Not only do they pique our interest,
But we also feel the energy that comes from the changing mindset of the residents.
Of course, while there are those who takes these positive steps forward,
There are others who are distressed by the daily uncertainties of life ahead.
On this trip, we met an elderly woman in her 80s living alone who told us “It costs 3000 yen (almost US$40) in round-trip taxi fare just to get to the nearest store to buy groceries.”
There are only a limited number of things volunteers can do.
But within those limits, we will continue to do all that we can.
Special Thanks
- Will Works Systems, Inc.
- 30days Album
- Physical Therapist Senrakuya
- Natural Dolphin
- Busmanian Blog
and many, many others.
Thank you!