The Association for Aid and Relief (AAR) Japan has been carrying out a project to improve the sanitary conditions in evacuation centers in Ishinomaki and Minamisanriku (Miyagi Prefecture), where approximately 1,000 evacuees are still residing. As temperatures and humidity levels have risen, AAR found that … Read more
On July 24, the Japan Times reported that the current death toll from the March 11 quake and tsunami is now 15,616, with nearly 5,000 people still missing. It also reported that there have been 570 possible “related deaths” in Miyagi, Iwate, and Fukushima, such as seniors … Read more
Summertime in Japan is a time for local festivals, many of which have traditions that date back centuries.There were doubts as to whether some of these festivals would be held in light of the tragic events. One of the region’s most colorful events, for example, … Read more
The Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) has been continuing to provide assistance in various forms to medical facilities in the Tohoku region. In response to a request for assistance from the Inawashiro Hospital, located in the tsunami-stricken port town of Kesennuma (Miyagi Prefecture), … Read more
The Association for Aid and Relief (AAR) Japan posted a report on its activities over the seven months since the Great East Japan Earthquake struck. They listed 13 areas in which they have offered support: (1) provided items for daily living to about 35,000 temporary … Read more
In Kitsunezakihama, on the eastern side of the tsunami-ravaged Oshika Peninsula, NPO JEN brought 30 volunteers from one company to assist in the preparations for oyster cultivation—a staple industry of the region. Shells are strung together to provide a bed to which new oysters will … Read more
The Association for Aid and Relief (AAR) reviewed its nine months of relief efforts since the March 11 disaster. To date, it has provided sets of household items for 20,719 families living in temporary housing (the target is roughly 35,000). AAR is continues to provide … Read more
On December 18, the Association of Medical Doctors of Asia opened the “AMDA Otsuchi Health Support Center.” The project planning for the center began in April and construction began in early November. The official opening ceremony featured the traditional pounding of rice cakes, a concert, … Read more
Although one year has passed, there are still many areas of Tohoku that still look much the same as they did right after the disaster. The Association for Aid and Relief (AAR) has launched a new campaign, “Flowers and Messages for Tohoku” to help add … Read more