The transcript details the recovery and revitalization of Onagawa town after the devastating tsunami in March 2011. It highlights the community's resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, with stories of individuals like Yosuke, who crafts unique guitars, and Hideki, who creates cardboard models. The narrative also covers the efforts of Mayor Yoshiaki Suda in rebuilding Onagawa and initiatives like Fisherman Japan to attract youth to fishing. Additionally, it mentions Ken Watanabe's involvement in Kesennuma's recovery through his restaurant. Despite personal tragedies, such as those faced by Ichiko, the owner of a bed and breakfast, the people of Tohoku maintain optimism and a forward-looking attitude. The summary encapsulates the community's strength and determination to rebuild better after the disaster.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. A magnitude 9 earthquake triggered a devastating tsunami on March 2, 2011, in Onagawa, Japan.
2. The tsunami swept through the bay and destroyed 70% of the town's buildings.
3. The tsunami claimed the lives of 827 people, almost 10% of the town's population.
4. The town of Onagawa has since recovered and rebuilt, with a new town center and innovative businesses.
5. Yosuke, a guitar maker, moved to Onagawa and started a workshop, designing handcrafted luxury guitars.
6. Yosuke's guitars are unique in that they don't use any screws or glue, instead using traditional Japanese carpentry techniques.
7. Hideki, a local business owner, created a cardboard replica of a Lamborghini and has since produced other cardboard models.
8. Hideki's company has become a tourist attraction and has even led to him meeting the Emperor.
9. Ken Watanabe, a famous Japanese actor, has opened a restaurant in Kesennuma, a port town that was also affected by the tsunami.
10. The restaurant, K-Pork, has become a popular spot, and Ken Watanabe sends daily faxes to the restaurant for customers to read.
11. The town of Kesennuma has also seen a resurgence in tourism, with initiatives such as the "Fisherman Japan" brand, which aims to attract younger generations to the fishing industry.
12. A traditional Japanese bed and breakfast, Snack Aru Minshuku, has become a popular spot for tourists, known for its friendly owner and welcoming atmosphere.
13. The owner of Snack Aru Minshuku, Wow, has become a pillar of the local community and has been recognized for her efforts in rebuilding the town.
14. In 2017, Wow's family suffered another tragedy when her husband, eldest daughter, and son-in-law died in a fishing accident.
15. Despite this, Wow decided to reopen her business and continue doing what she loved.
16. The town of Kesennuma has a strong sense of optimism and resilience, with a stoic attitude towards adversity.
17. The people of the Tohoku coastline have taken the positives from the disaster and used it as an opportunity to rebuild and innovate.