What Happened In Japan After The Tsunami? - Summary

Summary

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**Title:** Resilience and Revival in Japan's Tohoku Coastline Post-Tsunami (2011)

**Summary:**

Seven years after a devastating tsunami hit Japan's Tohoku coastline, particularly the towns of Onagawa and Kesennuma, the region has remarkably recovered and thrived. The story highlights inspiring individuals who have contributed to this revival:

1. **Entrepreneurs:**
* Yosuke Kajiya, who moved to Onagawa to start "Glide Garage", crafting innovative, luxury guitars.
* Hideki Konnou, creator of the cardboard "Damborghini", now Onagawa's unlikely mascot.
2. **Community Leaders:**
* Mayor Yoshiaki, who spearheaded Onagawa's modern rebuilding efforts.
* Ichiyo Kannou, owner of the award-winning Tsunakan minshuku, embodying the region's friendly, optimistic spirit despite personal tragedies.
3. **Innovative Initiatives:**
* "Fisherman Japan" in Ishinomaki, promoting the fishing profession to younger generations through unique services like "Fisherman Call".
4. **Celebrity Contributions:**
* Actor Ken Watanabe, who opened a restaurant in Kesennuma, supporting the local community.

**Key Takeaway:** The Tohoku coastline's recovery is a testament to the human spirit's strength, with locals and newcomers alike fostering a sense of community, innovation, and optimism in the face of adversity.

Facts

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**Tsunami and its Impact**

1. A magnitude 9 earthquake triggered a tsunami on March 11, 2011, at 2:46 PM, 15 miles from Onagawa.
2. The tsunami waves reached up to 15 meters high.
3. The tsunami destroyed 70% of Onagawa's buildings.
4. 827 people (almost 10% of the town's population) lost their lives in Onagawa.

**Reconstruction and New Businesses**

5. Onagawa rebuilt its town center from scratch, creating a modern hub.
6. Yosuke Kajiya opened "Glide Garage", a workshop for handcrafted luxury guitars, in Onagawa.
7. Hideki Konnou owns a corrugated cardboard company in Onagawa and creates innovative products, including the "Damborghini".
8. The "Damborghini" was created with Lamborghini's blessing and became Onagawa's unlikely mascot.

**Notable Individuals and Initiatives**

9. Yoshiaki is the mayor of Onagawa, who took office after the tsunami.
10. Ken Watanabe, Japan's internationally recognized actor, opened a restaurant in Kesennuma.
11. Nisshant Anu, an English teacher, returned to Kesennuma to work for the local tourism department after initially volunteering.
12. "Fisherman Japan" is a brand launched to attract younger generations to the fishing profession.
13. "Fisherman Call" is a service where fishermen wake up customers with a morning call.

**Personal Stories**

14. Ichiyo Kannou's home was destroyed by the tsunami, but she rebuilt and reopened her traditional B&B, Tsunakan.
15. Ken Watanabe occasionally visits his restaurant in Kesennuma and sends daily faxes to customers.
16. Ichiyo's husband, eldest daughter, and son-in-law passed away in a fishing accident in 2017.
17. After a few months, Ichiyo decided to reopen Tsunakan and continue her business.