Five years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. As we drove through Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima, we saw endless rubble and unbelievably disaster-stricken towns. We kept on asking ourselves what we should do, where we should go, and started our own programs. And by March 11, 2016, our program was 646 days old. In those three prefectures, we opened our branch offices where we built strong networks with supportive individuals and groups.

 

In March 2011, it felt like art was powerless.

But I wanted to send bright colors which refresh people’s heart and give hope to those who live in clay-colored rubbles.

The very basic part of people’s power to live is heart. I want to produce moments which make their heart expansive and cheer them up! To make something leads to feelings of accomplishment and confidence. I want to share such moments with the victims!

I have been doing anything I ca do, hoping, believing, and praying that art will be people’s energy to live tomorrow. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to each one of those who have been supporting our project ARTS for HOPE. Also, I’d like to thank all the children in Tohoku who laughed together and shared joy with us.

In Tohoku, there are still many people who live in temporary houses, and because of the long duration of living in such rough conditions, there are some who are about to give in. Reconstruction is still going on day by day, but it seems to last forever. Please don’t forget such a situation is still going on. Listen to the voices of victims, try to understand them, and join our project to support Tohoku.

To reconstruct Tohoku is to reconstruct Japan. We will continue to stand by the victims and try to move forward with them. Please give us your hand to help reconstruct Tohoku together.