[One day in the 10th anniversary of the earthquake] Prayers spread across the archipelago at 14:46

On the 11th, it will be 10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake, which killed 22,192 people, including dead, missing, and disaster-related deaths. After the first phase, the “recovery and creation period,” which focuses on reconstruction projects, we will move to the second phase, which will focus on mental care. Last year, a government-sponsored memorial service was held for the first time in two years, which was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, and prayers were offered across the country at the time of the outbreak. Looking back on the daily movements of each place on the timeline.

On March 11th, the Great East Japan Earthquake marked 10 years since its occurrence. The sadness of losing a loved one, the pain of not being able to return to the familiar land... Looking back on the past of the disaster area through three families who have walked with various thoughts.

Requiem Lights Illuminate Disaster Areas

In the plaza in front of JR Tagajo Station in Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture, a local civic group held an event with requiem lights. In the dusk, about 450 paper cups with LED lights made "3 11" stand out.

More than 200 people died in the earthquake in Tagajo City. City employee Taeko Sasaki, 40, visited with her seven-year-old son, five-year-old daughter, and one-year-old younger son. "All three of us were born after the earthquake, so we came together to tell people that there was a lot of damage. We have to keep telling them," he said.

Candles to hand down memories to future generations

In Kotodai Park, located in the center of Aoba Ward, Sendai City, there are candles such as "Let's make the most of the disaster for the future" and "Let's do our best without losing to the disaster!" About 2,000 candles with messages written on them were lined up. This "3.11 Candle Night" has been held since 2012, mainly by high school students in Miyagi Prefecture, in order to prevent the memory of the disaster from fading.

Junta Sasaki (17), chairman of the executive committee and a member of the Sendai Seiryo Secondary School, said that the candles will help "the generation that experienced the earthquake remember 10 years ago, and pass on memories to generations who do not know." I want it to be an opportunity for me to continue working,” he said.

Ten years ago, he didn't know what was going on around him. This is the last time she will be directly involved in the event, but she says, "I would like to continue to be involved in efforts to convey the memory of the disaster."

"Japan and the United States will continue to be 'friends'"

On the 10th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Biden issued a joint message. Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato announced at a press conference on the afternoon of the 11th.

In addition to condolences to the victims and sympathy to the victims, he emphasized the support activities conducted by both Japan and the United States after the earthquake and the cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces and the United States Armed Forces. Mr. Biden, then vice president of the Obama administration, visited the cities of Natori and Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture five months after the earthquake, saying, "I witnessed the amazing tenacity of the Japanese people." Bearing in mind the U.S. military's rescue operation, Operation Tomodachi, he concluded, "Japan and the United States will continue to move forward hand in hand as 'friends.'"

According to Mr. Kato, the joint message is said to have been made during the first telephone conversation in January after Mr. Biden took office. Mr. Kato said, "The two leaders are determined to work hand in hand for the reconstruction of the Tohoku region and the realization of a better future."

Reconstruction of the heart without a destination

At the memorial service hosted by Otsuchi Town, Iwate Prefecture, Yasushi Kurahori (37) delivered a memorial address on behalf of the bereaved family. He lost his parents and six relatives, including his older brother, and was filled with a sense of despair. He says that he spent a meaningful time participating in community building at the temporary housing. “The tangible recovery is almost over, but I think we need more time to recover the mind, which has no end point.”

Kosuke Kikuchi (14), an eighth grade student at Otsuchi Gakuen, delivered a memorial address on behalf of the children and students. In class, he learned that there are stone monuments of disasters from the Meiji and Showa eras in various regions. I want to continue," he said.

Memorial ceremony in Sendai, attended by 256 bereaved families

A memorial service in Sendai was held at the Miyagino Gymnasium in Miyagino Ward, with 256 bereaved families in attendance. Last year was canceled due to the new corona, and the memorial ceremony will be held for the first time in two years.

Minoru Sato (71), a farmer, lost his daughter Eiko Osa in the tsunami, and 12 people died in the Sanbonzuka district (Wakabayashi Ward, same city) where he served as the town chairman. Speaking as a representative of the bereaved family, he called out to the victims, "Even if we live in a different world, we will continue to live in our hearts. Let's move forward together, good days and bad days."

Mayor Kazuko Kori said, "We will continue to provide emotional care that is close to each person."

Storyteller ``Take it as your own''

Many visitors visited the Nakahama Elementary School, which was opened to the public in September last year by Yamamoto Town, Miyagi Prefecture. The only remains of an earthquake disaster in the southern part of the prefecture. A two-story school building about 400 meters from the sea was directly hit by the tsunami, and 90 people, including children and local residents, survived in the attic on the roof.

Yuko Monma (68), who guides the school as a storyteller guide, was a first-year homeroom teacher at the time of the earthquake. She appealed to the visitors, "I want them to see and feel the threat of tsunamis, and take disaster prevention as their own business." Nakahama Elementary School is his alma mater, and he has a strong attachment to the school building. "It will be a relic and will continue to protect many lives. I want to convey my experiences as a storyteller."

On this day, the students at the time also showed their faces. Satsuo Shikota (21), who was in the fifth grade, came to see the school building for the first time in eight years. "I used to think it was a big hallway, but it feels small. I still remember the thud of the tsunami hitting the school building," he said.

The morning after the earthquake, I was rescued by a Self-Defense Forces helicopter, and my house on the beach was completely destroyed. “Many people have helped him over the past 10 years. Next time, I want to help someone,” he envisions becoming a caregiver.

Governor Murai "Measures to complete reconstruction, top priority"

Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai, who suffered more than 11,000 victims, mourned Tagajo City in the prefecture. attended the ceremony.

Governor Murai looked back, saying, ``In the 10 years since the great earthquake, we have received support and encouragement from all over Japan and around the world, and we have moved forward with recovery and reconstruction.'' Regarding the future, he said, "Keeping in mind that there are still many people who are worried about the future, we will give top priority to fine-tuned measures for the completion of reconstruction, such as mental care for the victims and the revitalization of the community." said.

A park where people can get involved and deliver their thoughts

About 1,000 people gathered in front of the "Let's do our best! Ishinomaki" sign in the Ishinomaki Minamihama Tsunami Recovery Memorial Park in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. was silent. After that, three colored balloons were released all at once, symbolizing 'mourning', 'past' and 'future'.

Kenichi Kurosawa (50), who is the chairman of the ``Great East Japan Earthquake Memorial 3/11 Gathering Executive Committee'' sponsored by citizen volunteers and built a signboard one month after the earthquake, said, ``For the bereaved families, today is It's the anniversary of his death. Rather than saying that it's been 10 years, I feel like there's an ongoing sadness. I want it to be a park where people can get involved and convey their thoughts, not just a park created by construction."

Even after 10 years, the same regret

In the Taro district of Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture, about 300 residents mourned on the seawall and mourned. I flew the balloon with

Hidetaka Yamamoto (44) participated with his family while holding a portrait of his grandmother Take. Three weeks later, Take, who had been living separately in the district at the time of the earthquake, was found near her house. "Even after 10 years, I still regret not being able to evacuate with my grandmother."

My daughter, Sera, was born four months after the disaster and is now 9 years old. "She wanted to show her face," said Hideki. "I think it's our duty as survivors to pass on the story to our daughter's generation, who don't know about the disaster, and to the generations below them."

80 Bereaved Families Offer Flowers

At Kirikiri Fishing Port in Otsuchi Town, Iwate Prefecture, about 80 bereaved families gathered by word of mouth to offer flowers and pray toward the sea. .

Mr. Hitomi Hattori (42) from Morioka City, who joined hands with her family, lost her parents when her parents' house was swept away by the tsunami. She gave birth to her eldest daughter Momoka, 8, the following year, and her second daughter, Fuka, 7, the following year. She thinks of them as "the reincarnation of her parents."

The children have only seen their grandparents in pictures, but Hitomi tells them that they went to heaven because of the tsunami, and takes them to the annual temple memorial service. “Even after 10 years, I feel like I have a gaping hole in my heart.”

The Requiem Bell Resonates in Ginza

At Wako in Ginza, Tokyo, known for its clock tower, the clock tower bell rang 11 times for one minute. The theme of this tenth year, which has continued since the year after the earthquake, is "bells of hope for the future."

Former Okawa Elementary School, Bouquets lined up on flower stand

Many people visited the former Okawa Elementary School in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, where 74 children were killed. Bouquets offered by visitors were lined up on the wreath stand set up in one corner of the parking lot. When the disaster prevention radio rang, the people who had gathered offered prayers all at once.

Toshiro Sato (57), who lost his second daughter, Mizuho (then 12), who was in the 6th grade of Okawa Elementary School, in the tsunami said, "When I realized it, it was 10 years ago. I had various experiences and realizations in 10 years. It's just that a new starting line has been drawn. If there is even one person who wants to hear the story, I would like to tell them."

At the time of the earthquake, Leo Komatsu (29), a company employee from Kyoto Prefecture who was a first-year student at Ishinomaki Senshu University (Ishinomaki City), conducted a survey of temporary housing at a seminar on earthquake disaster research. Even after graduating, she visits Okawa Elementary School on March 11th every year and tells her about her days at work.

"Okawa Elementary School has been improved and cleaned up in the past year. The city of Ishinomaki has also built a large apartment, and it has changed greatly compared to when I was in school for 10 years. But the real recovery starts from here. With all kinds of disasters happening every year, it's important to pass on the experience of the disaster to future generations."

The quiet hammering sound, people putting their hands together

Tanohata Village, Iwate Prefecture, where there was no ceremony to gather together to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. A memorial service was held by residents at Shimagoe Fureai Park, which is located on the site of the tsunami in the Shimagoe district.

The area was hit by a 17.9 meter high tsunami, killing 17 people and leaving 10 missing. When the siren sounded to announce the time of the earthquake, the sound of the construction of the seawall, which was underway nearby, stopped, and about 100 residents quietly put their hands together.

Dainori Hakoishi, 55, said, "Many people died and were affected by the disaster. The 10 years since the disaster were both long and short." With that said, I looked up at the 17.9-meter monument in the park that marked the height of the tsunami.

The large amount of vacant land is the “potential of this town”

At Senzoji Temple, located on a hill in Kesen-cho, Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture, about 40 bereaved families and local residents of people gathered. At 2:46 p.m., he headed to the sea and other places and fell silent. Some people shed tears thinking of their dead friends.

Satoru Ito (38), who lost his mother in the earthquake, visited with his father. After a moment of silence, he rang the half-bell, and he braced himself, saying, "Don't let the new year begin."

Mr. Ito is participating in a project to raise camellias and liven up the city. While looking at the town that can be seen from the temple, he said, "We've come this far in 10 years. The large number of vacant lots means that there is hidden potential for many things to be done in this town. We will take various actions for the next generation." I want to wake up," he said.

Training on the Toei Subway in Preparation for a Major Earthquake

The Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation has temporarily deployed vehicles in preparation for an earthquake on all Toei Subway lines, the Toden Arakawa Line, and the Nippori-Toneri Liner. Stop training. All vehicles in operation will be stopped for a maximum of 4 minutes. It is said that the purpose is to prevent the fading of the experience of the earthquake and to prepare for a large earthquake such as an earthquake directly below the Tokyo metropolitan area that is expected in the future.

Prime Minister ``At the final stage of reconstruction''

The government-sponsored "Great East Japan Earthquake 10th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony" was held at the National Theater in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga delivered a speech. "The disaster area has entered the final stage of reconstruction," he said. He also said, "I reaffirm my firm commitment to building a nation that is resilient to disasters."

The prime minister emphasized, "Reconstruction of the disaster-stricken areas is progressing steadily. In the areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami, the rebuilding of houses and reconstruction of towns has been largely completed." On the other hand, in addition to citing "mental care for victims" and countermeasures against the new coronavirus infection as challenges, he also said, "In the areas affected by the nuclear disaster, we need to improve the living environment for returning home and support the revitalization of industry and livelihoods. We will steadily advance the

Although he said to the bereaved families, "I still cannot bear to feel sorrow," he also pointed out, "We must never let the precious lessons learned at the cost of great sacrifices fade away." "It is our responsibility to apply the lessons learned from the earthquake and our knowledge and technology to the world's disaster prevention measures," he said.

Joint Memorial Ceremony in Rikuzentakata

A joint memorial ceremony was held between the prefecture and the city at the Takata Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park in Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture, and the attendees mourned silently.

Shintaro Tanno, 25, the representative of the bereaved family, said in his greeting, "I want you to be grateful to your family and the people around you every day, and to know that their existence is by no means taken for granted, and that they live side by side with 'death.'" said. He lost his parents and grandmother in the tsunami and now works as a director at a welfare and art company. “This time, I want to become a person who can help others.”

About 80 people attended the memorial service. Entry to the area around the venue was restricted to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

People putting their hands together in front of the disaster prevention office

In front of the disaster prevention office in Minamisanriku Town, Miyagi Prefecture. Yoshiko Abe, 61, from Kurihara, the same prefecture, put her hands together when the siren sounded from the disaster prevention radio. "Dad, everyone is doing well. See you in heaven."

Three grandchildren aged 2 to 5 who were right next to me had a puzzled look on their faces, and perhaps they were startled by the sound of the sirens, and started crying. "It's like, 'What the fuck?'" Her husband Yoshito (then 53), who was a town employee, does not know that her daughter got married or that her grandson was born. On that day, he evacuated to the disaster prevention office, but was swallowed by the tsunami and died.

I was supposed to be spending my second life with my now retired husband.

"I couldn't divide it into 10 years. It seemed long but it was short."

However, another grandson, who recently entered the second grade of elementary school, seems to have learned about the earthquake at school and asks questions. "Did my grandfather die in the tsunami?" "Why?"

One day I will tell my young grandchildren who still don't understand why they were brought here. "Every year I come here and think, 'Okay, I'll do my best from tomorrow.'"

Apple CEO "praises resilience and strength"

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, said on the night of the 10th (afternoon of the 11th Japan time), the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake. At the same time, he tweeted that he mourned the victims and praised Japan's resilience and strength.

Cook told his 12.6 million followers, ``As 10 years have passed since the devastating tragedy in eastern Japan on March 11, we mourn the lives lost.'' . "I stand strong with my Japanese friends and colleagues and admire their resilience, courage and strength," he wrote.

TEPCO president, no hanging interview after instruction

TEPCO executives and employees who continue decommissioning work at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (Okuma Town, Futaba Town, Fukushima Prefecture) I fell silent according to the time of the incident. In order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, President Tomoaki Kobayakawa gave instructions to employees at Fukushima Daiichi using video conferences and other means from the Tokyo headquarters. Mr. Kobayakawa said, "I want each of you to do your best for the reconstruction of Fukushima and for the future of Fukushima."

It was the first time that the president of TEPCO did not come to Fukushima on March 11 after the nuclear accident. There was no hanging coverage after the training, which had been continued since 2013.

The Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, which was damaged by the earthquake and tsunami, became unable to cool the reactors of Units 1 to 3, causing a "meltdown" in which the nuclear fuel melted down. A total of about 800 to 900 tons of nuclear fuel (debris) melted down, but removal has not yet begun.

“Useful Radio in Times of Disaster”

Nine community FM radio stations in Kyoto planned a joint broadcast of a disaster prevention program, which was publicly recorded at the Doujin Gallery in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto. The person in charge of each station gave a relay talk about the memories of the time of the earthquake and the efforts since then, and six stations broadcast live.

The aim is to inherit the experiences and memories of the earthquake disaster and deepen cooperation in preparation for large-scale disasters. The Doujin Gallery and studios of each station were connected via the teleconferencing system “Zoom”.

Uji City, Joyo City, and Kumiyama Town are areas of FM Uji. Akiko Kida, a TV personality, said, "I want to broadcast even small changes and make it a useful radio in times of disaster."

500 candles "Don't forget 3.11" )ri” began to be transferred to candles in glass containers by officials. Approximately 500 candles were arranged in the shape of "Don't forget 3/11", and at 2:46 pm, the time when the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, about 50 people sat in silence around them. Some passers-by stopped and prayed.

Yuya Fujiwara (19), who participated, was born in Kobe but was born after the Great Hanshin Earthquake. When he was in high school, he visited the cities of Ishinomaki and Higashi-Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, which were affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, to learn about disaster prevention and began to think deeply about disasters. "By thinking about the Tohoku region, I was made to think again about the earthquake that occurred in my hometown. I want to pass on the stories of the Great East Japan and Hanshin earthquakes to the younger generation," he said.

Memorial Service for Earthquake Victims in Otsuchi Kirikiri

About 100 people attended a memorial service for earthquake victims at Kichijoji in Kirikiri, Otsuchi Town, Iwate Prefecture. As a countermeasure against the new coronavirus, we listened to the sutras in the precincts and then entered the main hall in order to pray.

Among the row of elderly people, there was a high school student in sportswear. Miu Okaya (17), a second-year student at Otsuchi Prefectural High School, rushed over after the volleyball team practiced. He lost his mother, two younger sisters, and his great-grandmother in the earthquake.

"I came to think that I can't properly report on my current situation unless it's a time like this. I'm studying hard to enter a junior college in order to become a nursery teacher and work locally, so I asked you to watch over me." Over the past 10 years, there have been times when it was difficult, but "I was able to relax by talking normally with my friends who were always with me."

Reconstruction Memorial Park on Kesennuma Heights

The Earthquake Reconstruction Memorial Park has opened on the hills of Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture. The bereaved families put their hands together at a monument named Prayer Tower, which stands facing Kesennuma Bay.

Masayoshi Takahashi (43), who lost her grandmother (94 years old at the time) while she was in a welfare facility in the city, was struck by the tsunami. passed away) It doesn't feel real.When my mother got angry with me, she was a kind person who intervened to calm me down.When I see my grandmother's name like this, I feel like I'm reunited with her again.The town has become new, and the scenery of the old days has come back. It's sad that he's gone, but I want to support the efforts of this town."

Kesennuma Mayor Shigeru Sugawara said, ``After 10 years of the earthquake, we have created a place where we can reflect on our thoughts. '' he said.

“10 Years While Sticking to the Side”

At a meeting place in an area lined with disaster-affected public (reconstruction) housing in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, there is a mobile café called “Café・De Monk" has begun.

After the earthquake, I visited temporary housing and reconstruction housing almost every month and devoted myself to listening to the stories of the victims. In front of about 30 people who gathered, Kaneda Taiou (64) said, "I have spent 10 years by your side. I would like to come," he said.

Tadayuki Yamashita, 61, who participated in the event, said, "I first participated after hearing from my wife that it was a fun place. I feel a sense of security to be able to spend this day with a monk."

"The exam is over. Thank you for watching over me."

With my grandparents and mother from Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, on the side of National Route 398 in Ogatsu Town, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, facing Ogatsu Bay. Natsu Sasaki, 15, who visited the beach, threw the gerberas she brought into the sea one by one. His paternal grandparents, Katsuyoshi and Hideko Sasaki, who lived in Ogatsu, are still missing. Both of them liked alcohol, so they poured canned beer into the sea as well.

Natsu, who was 5 years old at the time of the earthquake, does not have many memories of the disaster. But when I was little, I remember playing on Mr. Katsuyoshi's boat and swimming in the ocean.

Natsu will be a high school student from April. She said, "I don't remember, but I have a lot on my mind. The exam is over. She prayed, thank you for watching over me from the sky," she said, making her eyes water.

Rakuten players are silent before the game

Flags are at half-mast above the scoreboard at Kusanagi Stadium in Shizuoka, where the professional baseball opener match between the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles and the Chiba Lotte Marines will be held. rice field. Before the game, the players of both teams line up in front of the bench. Together with the fans gathered at the stadium, he offered a minute of silence.

Rakuten's Ginji is from Fudai Village, Iwate Prefecture, and has been with the team since then. “10 years is just one milestone. I want you to get well," he said.

In the practice before the game, Rakuten's manager, players and staff all wore charity T-shirts for the disaster area that read "To Tohoku, the best in Japan."

"Let's show" Shima, sympathy for the disaster area

"Let's show the underlying strength of baseball"

Ten years ago, the speech of Motohiro Shima, who was the player chairman of the professional baseball Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, moved the hearts of many people. Currently, Shima, who continues to adjust with the Yakult Swallows 2nd Army, responded to the interview after practice at Toda Stadium in Saitama.

"I think that the visible parts are recovering, such as the coastline becoming cleaner little by little. However, the wounds inflicted on the bereaved families will not heal easily. The visible parts are recovering. Even if we do so, we may not be able to restore the invisible parts yet," he said, expressing his heart for the disaster area.

Shima turned 36 years old. “Over the last 10 years, I have felt that sports can bring people together, impress those who watch them, and have a tremendous impact on those around them. But I want to play hard every day so that people can feel that way.”

"I'll live twice as much for you."

A 48-year-old high school teacher from Wakuya-cho, Miyagi Prefecture, who visited the Earthquake Reconstruction Memorial Park in Minamisanriku-cho, Miyagi Prefecture, I put my hands together towards "I won't forget. But everyone's share will also move forward."

A woman from Kesennuma City in the same prefecture lost friends and students in the earthquake. Her high school classmate and best friend (38 at the time), who was swallowed up by the tsunami in Kesennuma, is still missing.

Since then, every March 11th, I have walked along the coastal areas of Minamisanriku and Kesennuma. "I think I'm somewhere in this ocean. I wonder if I have to give up now." Every time I visit, I have continued to take pictures of the scenery of the town. "It's hard to see the town changing, but I think we have to accept it and see it through."

March 11th is the day I lost my best friend, and it's also my birthday. "Happy birthday," said his father as he left her house this morning. It's been 10 years. At 2:46 p.m., at Kesennuma Beach where I spent time with my best friend, I brought sake and a bouquet of flowers. "I'll live twice as much as you." I believe that my best friend will also celebrate my birthday.

President of TEPCO Holdings "I will fulfill my responsibility for Fukushima"

Tepco Holdings President Tomoaki Kobayakawa attended the House of Councilors Budget Committee. He apologized, saying, "I would like to express my deepest apologies for causing a great deal of burden and concern to the people of Fukushima and society."

On top of that, "Many people were forced to evacuate due to the accident at our company, and even after 10 years have passed since the accident, there are still many people who cannot return, and even if evacuation orders, etc. are lifted, "We are aware that the return has not progressed. Our company's greatest mission is to fulfill our responsibilities in Fukushima."

Stone Monument Marking Tsunami Landing Point

A stone monument marking the tsunami landing point was erected in front of the town office in Yamada Town, Iwate Prefecture, and an unveiling ceremony was held.

Toshiharu Ikoma, chairman of the Yamada Rotary Club who donated the items, said, "We chose a milestone day to pray for the souls of those who died in the disaster. We hope it will help the town's disaster prevention and mitigation efforts." .

In the earthquake, the tsunami reached the town hall about 300 meters from the sea, flooding the first basement floor. Over 800 people were killed throughout the town. Mayor Nobuyasu Sato said, "We've been working on reconstruction with the idea that we should never again have victims of the tsunami. We want to pass on the lessons to future generations."

Chairman Toyoda [With the desire to create the future of Tohoku...]

Chairman Akio Toyoda (President of Toyota Motor Corporation) of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association made up of Japanese automakers held a web conference. Looking back on the past 10 years, he said, "I have been working with the desire to create the future of Tohoku through business."

Since the earthquake, employment in the automobile-related industry in Tohoku has increased by 8,000 to 42,000, and the annual shipment value has increased by 810 billion yen to exceed 2 trillion yen. Toyota positions Tohoku as its "third base in Japan" following Tokai and Kyushu, where it assembles its flagship "Yaris" and other vehicles.

Cherry tree planting on tsunami site

About 100 citizens gathered at Hanzaki Ryokuchi Park in Kuji Bay, Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture, and planted 80 cherry tree seedlings.

The cherry blossoms were planted on land that had been damaged by the tsunami and piled up with rubble. If it grows well, it will bloom in 5 years. Mayor Joichi Endo said, "I want the cherry blossoms with flowers to become a symbol for children to remember the disaster and move forward."

Osamu Ube (64), the director of the Kuji Underground Aquarium Mogranpia, which was completely destroyed by the tsunami and reopened five years later, said, "When I saw the completely destroyed aquarium and town, I thought, 'This is no good.' I thought, but I've come this far. I want to support Kuji's reconstruction."

"Don't forget your name"

People came to visit the cenotaph set up on the grounds of the town office in Onagawa, Miyagi Prefecture. A 43-year-old employee of an organization in Sendai City touched the names of the victims engraved on the memorial monument.

Until the year before the earthquake, he worked at a nursing home in the town, and said he had the names of about 20 co-workers and users. He lamented, "They were all people who took care of me. I couldn't do anything for them." At least I go to March 11th every year so that I don't forget my name. “If I had been in Onagawa at that time, would I have been able to do something for him?” Rest in peace, I prayed.

Handwritten hanten ``To be seen in 10 years''

In Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture, where eight firefighters died while closing the water gates and guiding people to evacuate during the earthquake. There was a wreath-laying ceremony for the fire brigade members who died in the line of duty. They prayed at a monument built with money donated by the father of the deceased member.

Katsuo Fukunaga (then 66), who was the deputy leader of the group, lost his wife Yasuko (71), saying, ``After 10 years, I was finally able to take out the hanten that my husband was wearing at the time. ”. After the earthquake, her husband's mother also died. "It's been a tough 10 years with nursing care. I think we live together over there."

Search for Missing People on the Beach

On the coast of Tanashio, Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture, prefectural police and fire departments have begun searching for missing people. In the town, 151 people died in the tsunami, and 31 are still missing.

Police officers dug up the beach with piles of driftwood using heavy machinery and bear hands. Kaoru Wada, head of the prefectural police, said, "I want to find as many missing persons and clues as possible, keeping in mind the thoughts of my family and those involved." About 530 people, including prefectural police, participated in the search along the coast of Fukushima Prefecture that day.

Mr. Edano "A society that does not depend on nuclear power"

When the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred, Yukio Edano, the leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, who was busy with the response as Chief Cabinet Secretary, visited the Diet before heading to the disaster area. In response to an interview with a corps of reporters, he said, "(Regarding reconstruction), we will never let it fade away. We will continue to work closely with the victims and everyone in the affected areas until the very end. This is the start of full-scale reconstruction." .

Regarding nuclear power plants, he said, ``It has already been proven in the past 10 years that Japanese society can survive without operation,'' and ``In areas where nuclear power plants are located, regions still have to rely on them. I will work closely with everyone who cannot live without nuclear power to make a society that does not rely on nuclear power a firm and permanent one."

Knowing the possibility of an earthquake directly hitting the capital in the future, Mr. Edano said, "We will restore a functioning administration that can protect people's lives as soon as possible and more powerfully in times of emergency." He appealed for the creation of a "crisis management agency."

A Silence at the House of Councilors Budget Committee

At the beginning of the House of Councilors Budget Committee, he offered a moment of silence for the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Monks Pray for Rest in Peace

A memorial service for the victims of the earthquake has begun at Jifukuji Temple in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture. Four monks read the sutras and prayed for the repose of the soul.

Ten years ago, a tsunami flooded the temple up to the roof of the first floor. According to Hidemitsu Katayama, 80, who was the chief priest at the time, about 150 parishioners died. Mr. Katayama murmured, "Every day was full of energy, and I didn't have time to look back. After 10 years, I finally started to feel sad."

High school students show their appreciation with handmade big catch flags

At the ground of Kamaishi Commercial and Industrial High School in Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture, about 40 students from the school and Kamaishi High School wave handmade big catch flags. , conveyed gratitude for reconstruction assistance while dancing the tiger dance, a local performing art.

Students holding up placards with words written in four countries that mean "Thank you" such as "Thank you" and "Xie xie". The sound of drums and flutes resounded in the clear sky.

A video of the day will be taken and shown when the "high school student peace ambassadors" visit the United Nations European Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Mr. Ken Ota, a sophomore at Kamaishi High School and a high school student peace ambassador, appealed in English, "Kamaishi, the disaster area, will not last forever. We are recovering."

Tsunami Ruins

At the tsunami ruins in Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture, camellias, the city flower, were planted.

The Red Carpet Project, a general incorporated association, started last year with the idea of ​​dyeing the tsunami site into a red carpet. About 40 people participated and planted 311 saplings about 30 to 50 centimeters high on the raised land on March 11.

Miyu Hanawa (17), a second-year high school student from the city, saw a city full of rubble when she was in elementary school. "She didn't think she was planting camellias in that place 10 years later. I'm happy," she said.

Corporate director Satoru Ito (38) lost his mother Ryoko (57 at the time) in the tsunami. He said, "This is a project to create the future. I want it to be an activity that transcends generations and regions and continues to our children and grandchildren."

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman ``Safety Myth, Not Allowed to Revive''

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Toyoshi Fuketa gave an instruction to employees from 10:00 am on the 11th. He called for an inspection to see if the lessons learned from the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station had faded, and pledged to "not allow a revival" of the myth of safety, which was supposed to prevent accidents from happening.

Mr. Fuketa describes the new regulatory standards as "the world's most stringent standards," the delay in sharing information within the regulatory committee regarding the unauthorized intrusion that occurred at the TEPCO Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, and the need for examinations and inspections. He expressed concern about the tendency to focus only on preparing documents. He criticized the current situation and excessive manualization, saying, "We need to remember our original intentions and make continuous improvements."

As a countermeasure against the new coronavirus infection, following last year, I spoke to the camera alone in a press conference room in the Regulatory Commission in Minato-ku, Tokyo. Officials listened to instructions via the Internet.

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry ``Earthquake and nuclear accident are the origins of energy policy''

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshi Kajiyama said at the beginning of a panel of experts discussing energy policy, ``In promoting energy policy. I believe that we must not forget the Great East Japan Earthquake and the accident at the Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station as starting points. I think that's a major premise," he said.

At the meeting on this day, we will discuss the energy policy for 30 years with a view to decarbonization in 2050. During the discussion, Mr. Kajiyama pointed out, "Natural disasters such as the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake and the 2019 Boso Peninsula Typhoon have caused large-scale power outages, and we have reaffirmed the importance of a stable energy supply." After that, he added, "I think it is essential to build an energy supply system that is strong against disasters and from the perspective of resilience, such as early recovery from the effects of disasters."

The site of the collapsed dam, the opening of the memorial monument

Sukagawa, Fukushima Prefecture, where the Fujinuma Dam for agriculture collapsed due to the earthquake, killing seven people downstream and leaving one missing. There was an unveiling ceremony for the cenotaph in the city.

The cenotaph was set up in the disaster prevention park where the muddy current known as the "Tsunami on Land" surged, with donations from related parties. Kiyomichi Mori, 64, who lost a relative, said, "It's deeply moving to have a memorial monument in ten years.

Flags at half-mast at Koshien

Flags at Koshien Stadium, the home of the professional baseball team Hanshin Tigers, were flown at half-mast.

The players line up in the outfield before practice begins. "It's been 10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake, which caused unprecedented damage. We would like to express our condolences and offer a moment of silence to those who lost their lives." Pitcher Kosuke Baba and manager Akihiro Yano, who graduated from Tohoku Fukushi University (Miyagi), paid their respects.

Hanshin's rookie Teruaki Sato infielder hit a home run at Koshien in the opening game the day before. His paternal grandparents live in Murata-machi, Miyagi Prefecture, and he said, "There are still people who are suffering.

Volunteers Searching for Missing People

At Yuriagehama in Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture, the laboratory of Jun Sonoda (50), a professor at the Sendai College of Technology, and a volunteer group in Miyagi Prefecture called "Recovery" The search for missing persons by the support project STEP has begun.

Mr. Sonoda and his colleagues scanned and searched the sandy beach with two robot vehicles equipped with ground penetrating radar. We have searched for the location many times, but Mr. Sonoda says, "There is also sand that has been newly brought in."

Since 2013, STEP representative Takumi Goukon has been searching Yuriagehama and its surroundings. It is said that the number of people participating has been decreasing recently, but "as long as there are people looking for and waiting, there is no reason not to do it."

Calling for evacuation and praying for his deceased brother

At a cemetery with a view of the sea in Otsuchi Town, Iwate Prefecture, firefighter Fujio Koshida (57 years old at the time) lost his older brother Seiichi (69). put flowers on his grave and worshiped him. A half bell is carved on the tombstone.

Fujio continued to ring the bell and called for evacuation, but was swallowed by the tsunami and died. A man who was saved by Mr. Fujio also came to offer incense. "I don't want another victim like Fuu (Fujio) again."

A monk prays in Futaba Town

Futaba Town, Fukushima Prefecture, where all residents are still living as refugees due to the evacuation order due to the nuclear accident. An 81-year-old male monk from Utsunomiya City was praying in front of a coastal warehouse whose first floor was wrecked by the tsunami.

Since immediately after the earthquake, the man has been praying around the tsunami-stricken areas. It is said that he left Iwate Prefecture in mid-February this year and traveled south while staying in his car, continuing the memorial service.

The man said, "It's been 10 years, and I feel like everyone is starting to forget about the disaster."

"Earthquake on TV brings tears to my eyes"

Eiko Abe (76), who lost her husband Kinichiro (71 at the time), is at the cemetery of Saikoji Temple in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. I visited with my sister Tomoko Sugawara (72). She was swept away by the tsunami while sitting on a bed on the second floor with Kinichiro, who was ill. "When I think back on it now... I was completely absorbed in those days, but lately, every time I see the disaster on TV, tears come to my eyes."

I brought a lot of chrysanthemum flowers. After this, I will also visit the graves of Hiroko Hoshino (then 69), my two older sisters who also died. “It really has been 10 years,” Sugawara said.

Experience the disaster, watch video

At Meiji Yasuda Life's Sendai Branch Comprehensive Training Center (Wakabayashi Ward, Sendai City), about 30 employees watched a video of their experience of the disaster at the time. . Ten years ago, our office in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture was flooded and was isolated for three days.

Naomi Fushimi, 50, who took part in the training, also remembered that 10 years ago, the city of Shiogama in the same prefecture was affected by the disaster, and that powdered milk and diapers for her children were hard to come by at the evacuation site. She said, ``She has a family among the employees of the sales office, so she has to think about her customers while protecting her own life. she said.

Tears after 10 years

The 77 Bank Onagawa Branch (Onagawa-cho, Miyagi Prefecture), where employees were killed in the tsunami. In a corner along the road near the site where the branch used to be, there is a memorial stone monument erected by volunteers of the bereaved families.

Takayuki Tamura (60) and Hiromi (58) from Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture lost their eldest son Kenta (25 at the time) who worked at a branch. "I came again today. The weather is fine and the sea is beautiful. Please keep watching over me." Hiromi stroked the statue of the employee carved on the stone monument and called out to him.

At the time, Kenta was attacked by a 20-meter tsunami after he and his colleagues evacuated to the roof of the branch about 10 meters high under the direction of the branch manager. He filed a lawsuit against the bank to find out the truth in order to prevent a recurrence, but was dismissed.

There is also a memorial erected by the bank on the grounds of the rebuilt branch about 300 meters away. It is said that the couple visited for the first time and offered flowers. Takayuki said, "I can't say that the animosity in my heart has been resolved, but I think I'm moving forward a little." Hiromi said, "Until now, I've always asked myself, 'Why is my son here?' Even when I came here on March 11, I didn't cry. I wonder if I can finally immerse myself in sorrow."

A hill overlooking the sea, a place of remembrance completed

"There's nothing left." It's been 10 years since the town where I was born and raised was swept away by the tsunami. Ichiro Abe, 74, muttered at the "Togura District Memorial Hall" in Minamisanriku, Miyagi Prefecture, which was completed on a hill overlooking the sea.

It has been 4 years since I rebuilt my home at the disaster prevention group relocation site in the Togura area. It took too long. A friend who had taken refuge in a neighboring city "temporarily" stayed there and never returned to town. As the reconstruction work neared its end, the only convenience store in the area disappeared.

Nevertheless, I hope that this place, which was completed after 10 years, will be a place to recover what was lost in the last 10 years. "I would be happy if my old friends would say 'Let's go and see you' and come and put your hands together," he said, facing the sea.

"I will become a member of society" report in front of my late mother's grave ) in front of the grave where they sleep, my father and brother put their hands together.

I was in the second grade at the time of the earthquake. The memory of the earthquake is slowly fading, but the days spent with her mother, who was strict but kind, are precious memories. "After graduating from high school, I will become a member of society. I will do my best to repay my parents."

Yellow handkerchiefs and big catch flags fluttering in Rikuzentakata

In Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture, yellow handkerchiefs fluttered since morning. Keisuke Sugano, 79, hoisted about 25 handkerchiefs and a big fishing flag called "Furaiki" in the garden of a house that was rebuilt on raised land.

Two months after the earthquake, I posted it on the site of my home, and since December 2018, I posted it almost every day at this place.

I was worried about waking up in the middle of the night as to whether or not to raise it at the 10th anniversary milestone, but with the same desire of ``I want to bring happiness to this city'' as 10 years ago, I resumed from the 6th of this month. "I'm happy that a town that was nothing has recovered so much in 10 years. But it's sad that there aren't many people."

Qualified as a firefighter after 10 years

At Otani Beach in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, Koyo Miura (17), a second-year student at Kesennuma High School, looked at the sea and joined hands.

The tsunami left only the foundations of a nearby house. At that time, I was in the first grade of elementary school. I remember being chased by waves from behind and a ship approaching when I was evacuating in a car with my father.

And then I lost my best friend from kindergarten. We played well together. Because of that regret, last year, he qualified as a disaster prevention expert to play a leading role in regional disaster prevention. “I want to save as many lives as possible,” he said.

It's been 10 years since then. Seeing Umi stealing her best friend made her angry, but lately she's changed her mind. "Tsunami comes regularly. It's inevitable. The sea is also a blessing, and I have mixed feelings right now. I want it to be as crowded with beachgoers as it was before the earthquake."

"My son must have regretted it" Memorial ceremony at the old town hall in Otsuchi

The bereaved families of officials and employees who died in the earthquake at the site of the old town hall in Otsuchi Town, Iwate Prefecture They gathered and held a memorial service.

At the time of the earthquake, Mayor Kozo Hirano, who was in charge of disaster prevention administration, said, "I take responsibility for not being able to prevent the enormous damage, and I deeply apologize to the staff, townspeople, and bereaved families who were sacrificed. I would like to express my sincere condolences," he said, saying, "I had little sense of danger about earthquakes and tsunamis, and I missed the opportunity to evacuate to higher ground by remaining in front of the government office building without being able to predict the arrival of a tsunami. I promise not to repeat it," he bowed.

Yoshiko Sato (67), who attended the ceremony, lost her eldest son Takuya (29 at the time), who was a government employee. “The earthquake felt like it happened just yesterday. I think my son must have been disappointed. It's been dismantled and there's still no facility left," he said sadly.

Yokohama man visits Ishinomaki "I definitely want to come"

Yokohama City Mr. Nobuaki Yasuoka (38), a company employee, was there. He learned about the sign from a newspaper article, and visited by overnight bus, saying, ``I want to know the sign that has survived to this day and the thoughts of the people who have taken over it.''

He put his hands together in front of the flower stand and said, "I've always wanted to come back in 10 years. When I see it with my own eyes, I realize that the scars from that time are still there."

Praying to his deceased wife, ``You were great. Many bereaved families offered prayers on this day as well.

"He came again today." Koji Abe, 67, gently stroked the names of Toshiko Tsuma, then 55, and his second daughter Masumi, 23, who were swept away along with his home by the tsunami. "It's thinner than the others." I always come here on my birthday.

At the time of the earthquake, as an employee of the city's Construction Division, I stayed overnight to remove debris from the road. Whenever someone called on her at the government office, she would ask, "Have you seen my wife and her daughter?" No one nodded.

Since my wife died, raising children and doing housework have been difficult. "It was great. I want to say thank you."

It wasn't just precious lives that the 8-meter tsunami took. I climbed Mt. Hiyori nearby and gazed at my hometown, which had been raised and became uninhabitable. There used to be a neighbor and a familiar izakaya. "It's been 10 years, so I don't have any special feelings. It's sad that the city won't be restored."

Coupling with the Kannon statue "Twice and..."

In Arahama, Wakabayashi Ward, Sendai City, there is a Kannon statue that mourns the victims of the tsunami 10 years ago. Rie Sekiya, 34, a housewife from the city, joined hands with her son Aito, 11, and her daughter Riya, 7.

When I was at Sendai Airport with Aito, who was 1 year old at the time, I felt a strong tremor. Although the tsunami hit the airport, they escaped. Aito says he doesn't remember anything from that time. "I don't want it to happen again, and I want to pass it on to my children."

Online meeting of parliamentarians aiming for "zero nuclear power generation"

The meeting of the "Nuclear Zero Society", a bipartisan group working toward a zero nuclear power society, was held at the House of Representatives Members' Office in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. It was held online at the base.

A representative from the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy and TEPCO explained the progress of the medium- to long-term roadmap for the decommissioning of TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, and exchanged opinions.

"Zero no Kai" was formed in 2012, led by Mr. Taro Kono of the Liberal Democratic Party and Mr. Shoichi Kondo of the Constitutional Democratic Party, who are co-representatives (Mr. Kono is currently on hiatus). About 100 lawmakers from the Liberal Democratic Party, the Constitutional Democratic Party, the Japanese Communist Party, the Democratic Party for the People, and the Social Democratic Party have become members, and have held hearings every Thursday from 7:15 a.m. when the Diet was in session.

In 2012, he compiled a ranking of the dangers of nuclear power plants nationwide, proposed legislation for decommissioning and measures for local governments, and issued a statement criticizing the Japan-India Nuclear Agreement in 2016 after the return of the Liberal Democratic Party to power. We have been conducting activities such as

Making a deal with my deceased son, "If she were alive..."

Yuriage, Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture, where about 750 people were killed in the earthquake. The bereaved families visited Mt. Hiyori, which offers a panoramic view of the raised town, from the morning.

Toshiko Ito (70), holding a cane in both hands, put her hands together while talking to her second son, Masanobu (then 17), who died in her second year of high school. She said, "I have lived safely for 10 years."

I lost my husband before the earthquake, and now I live alone in a nearby reconstruction house. She gets lonely when she's in her room, but when she talks silly with the residents in the meetinghouse, she loses her mind. “Even if a city is built, there is something immeasurable about human feelings.

I take walks and prayers every morning. His second son was an obedient child. “If she were alive, she would be 27 years old.

"Reminds me of black waves"

There was an annual tsunami evacuation drill in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture. Implemented at this time as "I do not know when a disaster will occur". Following the earthquake early warning, the siren of the major tsunami warning sounded.

Hiroko Kanazawa (72), who participated in the drill, had her home washed away by the tsunami. "I evacuated like this 10 years ago. I remember that black wave that came over the embankment."

At Akamae Elementary School, which is an evacuation center, there was also a drill to install partitions and cots for those who were not feeling well as a measure against the new coronavirus. Sadaaki Kamagazawa, 59, who heads the local voluntary disaster prevention association, said, "This year is a turning point, and I feel like I'm getting stronger. I'd like to call on people in the community to be prepared on a daily basis."

"If a tsunami hits, run away"

Hiyoriyama Park in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, where many residents huddled together to evacuate from the tsunami that hit the city. On that day, Takahiro Miura (48), an office worker in the city who had evacuated from a nearby place of work, looked out over the seaside town and tears welled up in his eyes.

Immediately after the earthquake, the Minamihama and Kadowaki districts below us were swallowed by the tsunami, killing more than 500 people. He recalls the fear he felt at that time. It has passed 10 years ever since. "Was the sea so calm and gentle? I can't believe it happened."

A male classmate of a childhood friend was killed in the tsunami. He remembers that a few days before that, he had a meal and had a good time saying, "Let's go see a (professional baseball) Rakuten game again." "Ten years flew by." "If a tsunami comes, I'll just run away. I think it's important to continue telling people who have never experienced a tsunami."

Body of fellow fisherman still unknown

The Ukedo district of Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture, was severely damaged by the tsunami. Tadamasa Ishikawa, a 69-year-old fisherman from the town who visited Ohirayama Cemetery on a small hill, lit incense at the graves of three of his fellow fishermen who died in the tsunami, and stared at the cenotaph, saying, "I want you to rest in peace." I know everyone whose name is on the monument," he muttered.

He is a fisherman at heart who has been in Namie for four generations. He now lives in Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture with his family, and goes to Namie by himself four days a week to continue the test fishing for flounder.

The bodies of three fellow fishermen remain unaccounted for. "I want you to find me soon," he prayed.

I will never forget my uncle's death

On the Koizumi coast in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, a 14.5-meter high seawall, the largest in the prefecture, rises. On top of that, Seiki Ogata (15), who had just graduated from the local Tsuya Junior High School, was watching the sunrise with three of his classmates.

I was in kindergarten that day. The strong tremors shook the garden's buildings, and things came crashing down. I remember being scared. My uncle who lived in the city lost his life in the tsunami. I didn't want to forget, so today, on our 10th anniversary, we invited each other and went to the beach.

"When 3/11 approaches, I can't help but think of the people who died. I can't even see the beach where I could see the sea because of the seawall, which makes me feel uneasy. Recently there have been many earthquakes, and when will the tsunami come again?" I don't know if it will come. I want to tell people that there was a disaster like that even if I have children."

Newspaper shopkeeper "I even distributed it that day..."

The morning edition of the long-established newspaper sales office "Suzuki Shimbun" in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture, about 8 km away from the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. reach. Each paper is a special page for the 10th anniversary of the earthquake.

Four years ago, after evacuation orders were lifted for parts of the town due to the nuclear accident, Yujiro Suzuki, 37, the director of the center, started handing out newspapers all by himself. "Immediately after the nuclear accident, we couldn't even distribute newspapers like this. The circulation is about one-sixth of what it was before the earthquake, but I feel a faint hope."