Sunday, March 11 marks the one year anniversary of the devastating earthquake and ensuing tsunami that left much of Japan in ruins. In the aftermath of the most powerful known earthquake ever to hit Japan, the country was faced with a stark reality: thousands of residents killed or injured, millions of citizens without shelter and access to basic supplies and billions of dollars worth of economic damage. Now, one year later, Japan is in a period of transition, rebuilding what was lost and creating new hope for the future. Through it all, HOPE worldwide Japan has been committed to providing long-term assistance to some of the hardest hit communities.
HOPE worldwide Japan, an affiliate of HOPE worldwide established nearly 20 years ago, was uniquely positioned to provide direct and ongoing relief to the affected areas of eastern Japan. Thanks to an outpouring of support from around the world, in the months since the devastation, HOPE worldwide’s on-the-ground team has established a base in Sendai and served over 6,700 people throughout Miyagi through a variety of activities:
- Meal Distribution: About 6,000 hot, nutritious meals have been served to needy families
- Supply Distribution: Donated relief supplies – including food and clean-up supplies – have been smoothly delivered to families and care facilities
- Psychosocial Support: Therapy programs have been developed to meet the psychological and emotional needs of the elderly, the disabled and children
- Special day trips
- Foot massage services
- Arts and crafts therapy
- Holiday activities
- Volunteer Mobilization: More than 675 volunteers from all over Japan and several countries have given their time to provide effective assistance to local communities
- Volunteer Management: Staff have supported the Watari Volunteer Center by matching incoming volunteers with local needs and providing translation services
- Support for Transitional Housing: Clean-up and moving assistance has been provided to victims relocating from evacuation areas to temporary housing
To see more about the impact HOPE worldwide Japan is making with help from people like you, please watch a video produced by the HOPE worldwide Japan field team by clicking on the thumbnail below.
Sachio Yamaguchi, HOPE worldwide Japan Branch Chief in Sendai, reflects on his experience witnessing the disaster areas for the first time and the strong personal connection he feels to the programs in Miyagi:
Collapsed roads, steel frames bent out of shape, cars sitting on top of buildings, roofs ripped off homes, demolished boat. I could not imagine that a city ever stood there. What happened? I was left in complete shock. I asked myself, “How do I go about caring for people’s hearts? What can we do?” With such questions in mind, we worked on projects such as serving warm meals, caring for the disabled in the area, providing art therapy and arranging relaxing day trips. In speaking with those affected, I was truly encouraged and inspired by their strength, how they all strove to move ahead in spite of what they had lost. I felt power and strength not in what we did or who we helped, but rather in the people connecting with one another. I look forward to the day when we can fellowship with those affected with smiles on our faces, saying together, “the city has completely recovered."
Though the need is still great, HOPE worldwide would like to thank our many partners and supporters for their generosity and collaboration over the past year. A special thanks to the International Churches of Christ and the following relief organizations:
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In 2012, HOPE worldwide Japan has pledged to continue its support of the Miyagi communities. Activities will include dispatching volunteers, distributing hot meals, developing art and horticultural therapy programs and supporting community building within temporary housing areas. Please join us in praying for these efforts and the many other rejuvenation activities taking place all over Japan. If you would like to contribute to this work, please click here.
Thank you again for your partnership and care.
Together we can bring hope to a hurting country.