Rikkyo University

The Rikuzentakata field trip was a deeply moving experience for me. Located in Iwate Prefecture, Rikuzentakata was devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami in 2011.

During the trip, we visited several key sites that highlighted the community’s resilience and determination. We started at the Tsunami Memorial Museum, which provided a sobering insight into the disaster’s impact and the ongoing recovery efforts. The Miracle Pine Tree, a lone tree that survived the tsunami, was a powerful symbol of hope. We also toured temporary housing built for those displaced by the tsunami, which helped us understand the challenges survivors faced. Additionally, we learned important crisis management techniques and met local citizens who, despite their hardship, remain full of hope and determination.

The most impactful part of the trip was our visit to 長洞元気村 (Nagahora Genkimura). This village, born from the community bonds forged during the earthquake, has become a vibrant place focused on recovery. The "Nadeshiko" group, a group of elderly women from Genkimura, warmly hosted us and prepared a delicious lunch. Listening to their stories about the earthquake and its aftermath, we were deeply moved by their courage, love for life, and unwavering commitment to rebuilding their community.

This field trip not only deepened my understanding of disaster recovery but also left a lasting impact on me. I am grateful to Rikkyo University, the MSDA Program, and Professor Nakano, Otake-san, and Kato-san for this invaluable experience.

Rikuzentakata trip was a three-day tour.

On the first day, we happened to visit, Iwate Tsunami Memorial Museum which conserves part of the remains and history of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Rikuzentakata City Museum with a lot of artifacts, history, and other interesting facts about Tohoku region, and finally the town center that was constructed after the tsunami.

On the second day, we visited the temporary houses constructed and conserved at Rikuzentakata Global Campus and learnt about how families coped with the situation in these shared houses and their challenges. We also had a wonderful time with Nagahora community members.
On the third day, we had sessions on architectural transformations after the tsunami, ranging from sea walls to homes. We also had a wonderful walk through Hommaru Park which also functioned as an evacuation center at the time.

And on each of these sites, the experience was so good that one would not easily forget, however, some of the experiences were soul touching and full of emotions.

Finally, I would say I had a chance to breathe air outside Tokyo, new knowledge and experience were also obtained.

Many thanks to MSDA staff of Rikkyo University for the opportunity to experience life outside lecture rooms as it sometimes feels so stressful. To the staff members we travelled with, I am so grateful for the good treat you gave us, and to my fellow students, teamwork was at its peak.

I had the pleasure of spending three days and two nights in Rikuzentakata City, Iwate, Japan. The experience was truly unforgettable, and I found myself wishing I could stay longer to fully enjoy the natural beauty, the ocean, and the warm, welcoming community.

During my visit, I learned a great deal, particularly about how this city has been recovering from the devastation it faced. The implementation of the "Build Back Better" concept was evident everywhere, demonstrating resilience and forward-thinking in the face of adversity. It was inspiring to see how the residents have accepted what happened, moved on, and are now living life with renewed enthusiasm.

I also had the opportunity to delve into the city’s approach to urban planning after natural disasters. The strategies employed here are not only practical but also imbued with deep respect for the rich historical and cultural values of the area. This blend of tradition and innovation was a highlight of my trip.

Overall, my time in Rikuzentakata was both educational and deeply moving. The city’s spirit of recovery and the kindness of its people left a lasting impression on me, making this trip one I will always treasure.

The field trip to Rikuzentakata, a town heavily hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami, left a profound impact on me.

This town, once vibrant, was devasted by the disaster, leading to the displacement of countless individuals and the tragic loss of many lives. Forced into temporary shelters, the survivors faced unimaginable challenges. Yet, what struck me most was the remarkable resilience and unbreakable spirit of the local community. Despite their suffering, they displayed incredible determination to rebuild their lives and their town. I am particularly impressed by the younger generation engaged in reconstruction efforts with their knowledge, passion, and a commitment to ensuring that their community is better prepared for future disasters.

This experience opened my eyes to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The city’s ability to retain its vitality and hope, even after such devastation, was profoundly moving. Thanks to the field note-taking methods I learned during this trip. Now I can keep these memories more effectively. This journey was not just an educational experience but also a deeply emotional and inspiring one.