In some fields, NGOs are winding down their relief efforts. For example, medical assistance is decreasing as the Tohoku region’s own medical institutions are starting to reopen. At the same time, other organizations are starting to prepare for the long-term task of the recovery, which … Read more
Thanks to CCP (Campaign for the Children of Palestine), one of the NPOs that belongs to Japan Platform, children in Otsuchi received about 2,000 “Pika-Pika” stationery packs. There were different items in each pack, and children from preschool to high school were allowed to choose … Read more
In the Motoyoshi section of Kesennuma (Miyagi Prefecture), residents had always relied on wells for their drinking water, but the tsunami left those wells polluted with sea water and fuel oil, making the wells unusable. As a result, the residents have had to travel an … Read more
JEN reported that last week the total number of volunteers it has sent to the earthquake-stricken region is now more than 1,000. Their efforts last week included clearing rubble from the area next to the Haginohama Elementary School on the Oshika Peninsula. Before the disaster, … Read more
NICCO is working in cooperation with local governments, the Japan Pest Control Association, and the Church World Service (an American NGO) to conduct pest control efforts in Iwate Prefecture. When the tsunami hit this region, it swept seafood out of the processing plants, and this … Read more
A JCIE team visited several hard-hit towns Tohoku on June 17–19 in order to speak with NGO leaders, government officials, and local citizens about their communities’ needs and how outside aid can be directed most effectively. Following are the reflections of JCIE/USA Executive Director Jim … Read more
Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) is working to help the economic recovery of the town of Ofunato. The town’s fish market recently managed to reopen. Working through the local government, PWJ provided office equipment (computers, Internet-related equipment, copiers, etc.) and other items to get the fish … Read more
On July 15, a ceremony was held to hand over the final donations from Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) for the reopening of the Ofunato fish market. PWJ has been working in partnership with an American aid organization, Mercy Corps, on this initiative to provide equipment … Read more
JEN‘s efforts to assist in the Tohoku region have drawn more than 2,700 volunteers to date. In the month of September, JEN volunteers will clean up community spaces and factories, help people restart their businesses, and support fishery reconstruction. In Ishinomaki, JEN reports that construction … Read more
The volunteer work continues in Tohoku. NICCO has been soliciting student volunteers for more clean-up work in October. Their focus will be cleaning and clearing debris from homes and farms on the island of Oshima, which is part of Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture. The island … Read more