We visited Fukushima on April 9th and 10th to continue our support activities.

It has been a cold April so far, with it even snowing during our return trip to Tokyo.
Only in the Tōhoku region of Japan is it possible to see snow and sakura petals at the same time!

 

《Thermotherapy》

On the first day, we visited Ōmika Lifelong Learning Center and Omachihigashi Public Restoration Housing in Minamisōma City, as well as the children’s facility Rainbow House in Fukushima City.

At the Omachihigashi Public Restoration Housing, we listened to the residents talk about their experiences after the 2011 tsunami. One resident mentioned seeing people swept up by the water right in front of their eyes. It is difficult to imagine the fear these evacuees must have faced at the time.

We also got to hear some more light-hearted stories, including one resident telling us about a recent vacation with their son and his wife.

 

This community is a place where locals can get together and talk, as well as engage in a variety of different activities. It is a pace of relaxation for those who have lost heir homes or become separated from their families.

Themotherapy at Omachihigashi Public Restoration Housing

 

On the second day, we conducted support activities at Hanamiyama wo Mamoru Kai and Minna no Ie Second.

 

In the morning, we were taken on a tour of Hanamiyama by the head of the non-profit organization, Hanamiyama wo Mamoru Kai (Committee to Protect Hanamiyama). The sakura trees were in full bloom, and while the more distant mountains were still covered with snow, the trees around us were a beautiful pink. Many people were already walking through the mountainside by the time we arrived. We are impressed by Hanamiyama wo Mamoru Kai‘s hard work in taking care of the mountain and preserving its beauty.

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over the last few months, we have treated a growing number of people at Minna no Ie Second. We are happy to be able to get the know the local mothers of the community.

Minna no Ie Second is a facility created for mothers who were either forced to evacuate from their hometowns or have returned after evacuating. Here, these mothers can trade stories and advice about the problems they face in their daily lives. Through our thermotherapy, we would like to continue providing these mothers and the staff members that support them with opportunities for relaxation.

 

   
Thermotherapy at Minna no Ie Second

 

《Thermotherapy participants》
Day 1: 21 participants (5 at Ōmika Lifelong Learning Center, 10 at Omachihigashi Public Restoration Housing, and 6 at Rainbow House)
Day 2: 25 participants (10 at Minna no Ie, 15 at Hanamiyama wo Mamoru Kai)

 

Next month, we will be visiting Nepal and Ukraine as part of our overseas support activities.
Our next trip to Fukushima will take place on June 18th and 19th.