June 24 - Today's guest blog is by the Embassy mechanic, Kenji Hashimoto.
Jim
Volunteering in Person, an Intense Experience
Volunteers from all different countries came together as a team.
As I watched footage of the tsunami engulfing the Tohoku region, I asked myself what I could do. I decided to collect relief goods and deliver them to the disaster area. I visited stricken areas in Iwate and Miyagi prefectures for three days in April. I was shocked by what I witnessed. I had a chance to talk to residents. I then thought about what I should do next.
Although there were some constraints, such as my job and the time available, I decided I could best contribute by visiting the affected areas as a volunteer during the "Golden Week" holiday period in early May. There are various ways of providing assistance, including sending money or relief goods to stricken areas or buying goods produced in the disaster-hit areas. I think that providing assistance in these ways and working as a volunteer derive from the same spirit, but there is a slight difference between the two. My previous experience delivering relief goods convinced me that it is most important to dedicate my time working with those affected by the disaster to help with reconstruction.
When I left for Ofunato on the first day of the Golden Week holidays, it took 13 hours to get there because of heavy traffic. I took part in volunteer activities through the agency of the American volunteer group "All Hands," which had a base camp in Ofunato.
Foreign residents in Japan, people from countries around the world, as well as Japanese living abroad and also local people - all were all helping through "All Hands" in reconstruction of the devastated areas. Covered with dust and mud, they were working hard. Nobody complained. Everyone just worked diligently. Foreign people who are usually lighthearted also worked hard, bearing in mind the character of Tohoku people.
During breaks we shed tears as we listened to locals recount stories of the tsunami. We all did our best, hoping to please the local people and feeling encouraged by their words of appreciation. I made a speech, holding back my tears, at a meeting held on the day before returning home after finishing my five days of work in Ofunato. I was glad to have worked with my companions. I felt that only volunteers who had gathered together could share this feeling.
Many people have engaged in volunteer activities at various places since the quake. The national and local governments have imposed various restrictions and regulations on what volunteers can and can't do. There are many things that cannot be carried out smoothly because of the cost involved. There are also many areas yet to be cleared of debris because such a wide area was devastated by the earthquake and tsunami. I think that the efforts of volunteers are essential for helping victims of the disasters return to normal life as soon as possible.
I couldn't believe all the devastation until I saw with my own eyes.
I would like to keep visiting the disaster areas to help with reconstruction. Many of my friends and colleagues want to work as volunteers in Tohoku. In fact, some people are on their way there now. On the other hand, many people say they want to visit stricken areas but lack the money or time to do so. I would like them to know that most people I met in Tohoku lead busy lives yet manage to squeeze out the time to visit the devastated region. I think such people know the meaning of the word "volunteer." They are motivated not by desire for time or money but by things of the heart.
Since Golden Week, I have gone back to Ofunato once, for three days at the end of May, and plan to return again at the end of June. Each time I go I am glad to see the towns of Ofunato and Rikuzen Takada gradually getting better, which makes my heart bring me back again.
Kenji Hashimoto
When facing the massive disasters which occurred in Tohoku, everyone must have felt how vulnerable human beings are to natural threats. Yet I believe the biggest power of recovery comes from human beings. What one volunteer can do is small, but when the desire of “wanting to do something for Tohoku recovery” gathers, it creates a stronger power. Little by little the volunteer’s contribution creates a sign of recovery and brings out hope and encouragement to the Tohoku people. Spending time in Tohoku and with the Tohoku people will brighten your day. Power of empathy is stronger than sympathy.
The next step is to think how to continue the volunteer activity as there is a long way to go.
I'm so encouraged by how you submit yourself for the city's relief. It's great to hear that the city has been recovering rapidly although there are still a lot of needs. You have a wonderful heart!! Please take care of yourself when you go next time!!
