On the 2nd day, our activities took place on Oshima island.
Oshima island can only be reached by ferry.
It’s a wonderful place, no matter how many times we have visited.
To say that All 3000 some residents on the island know each other!!... may be an exaggeration, but since it’s the original island residents who are living in temporary housing complexes on the island,
It’s rare to not know any of one’s neighbors.
The atmosphere within temporary housing complexes on the island is somewhat different than those on the mainland,
There is a sense of cohesion and cheer.
Even so, the atmosphere of the temporary housing complexes on the island has been changing.
It’s not only limited to complexes on the island,
But recently empty units have began to appear here and there in the complexes.
Those who have found permanent housing, those who are moving forward have began to leave.
On the island, there are many who have built new homes in Kesennuma City on the mainland.
Some are leaving the island with complicated feelings.
“Before the disaster, I used to golf and play tennis. But now I am in no mood to do either. Having volunteers to help us clean up, then leaving the island by ourselves. I am in no mood to play.”
We’d like people to return to their former ways of living.
But it’s not that easy.
Even finding a job, building a house and leaving the temporary housing complex behind, people are still traumatized.
On the other hand, there are those left living in temporary housing complexes.
When the empty units become more visible, even outsiders like us can tell the temporary housing complexes are losing their vitality.
The process of combination and discontinuation of some temporary housing complexes may be beginning soon.
Those complexes with low occupancy will be discontinued, and those still living there will be forced to pack up and move to other temporary housing complexes.
To be torn apart from those one has came to know
To be thrust into an unfamiliar circle of people, to have to start building bonds from scratch.
Those without the means to leave temporary housing will experience these situations over and over again.
In time they may come to find the burden of interacting with their new neighbors troublesome and shut themselves in. These are the factors that contribute to the problems of “Solitary Deaths.”
At JILCA, we would like to do whatever we can to prevent such tragedies!
Some points out that JILCA’s activities may not be the most efficient use of funds.
It would be more efficient to hire a local massage therapist to provide daily therapy.
That may be true.
But that is not JILCA’s way.
We believe there is psychological value in “Coming from afar” “Spending Money” and “Visiting” to conduct massage and café activities.
We have nor forgotten about you. We will come again.
A simple promise that’s not made under any obligation. There are people who awaits our return.
At JILCA, our goal is to be active until “Every last Temporary Housing Units has been discontinued.”
Please continue to offer us your valuable support.
Special Thanks
- Will Works Systems, Inc.
- 30 Days Album
And many, many others.
Thank you!