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JAPANYEARS AFTER THE DISASTER

International Medical Corps was on the ground within 48 hours of the earthquake and tsunami that hit
Japan on March 11, 2011, and has been supporting local partners to deliver critical humanitarian services
ever since. While Japan has significant capacity to manage emergencies, the magnitude of this disaster- coupled with the threat of radiation exposure - was large enough to warrant international assistance.
From building playgrounds to supporting day care workers, International Medical Corps has partnered withlocal and national organizations to ensure that relief and recovery needs of Japanese children, families andthe elderly are being met. And our work goes on; today we continue to build on our collaboration withlocal Japanese agencies to both address humanitarian needs and support communities in becoming more
resilient and preparing for any future emergencies. True to our mission, our work in Japan focuses on
multiplying our impact by providing capacity-building support to sustainable, locally based organizations.

ChildrenInternational Medical Corps is prioritizing support
for Fukushima’s evacuee-children. Throughpartner IVY, we are supporting the first day
care center for children of displaced families.
The majority of IVY caretakers are themselves
evacuee-mothers from Fukushima. We also
worked with Association for Aid and Relief Japan(AAR) to install playground equipment for theGangoya Temporary Housing Complex, which ishome to 264 families.

“When I read the news of the openingof the child care center and realized that
there were people ready to support us, Iwas so happy that I couldn’t stop crying.”- Evacuee Motherfrom Fukushima Prefecture

Communication
International Medical Corps partnered with Japan
International Volunteer Center (JVC) to install anantenna for Minami-Soma City’s official disasterradio station to ensure radio waves reach theentire city. The station broadcasts disaster andradiation warnings, as well as community-related
information to the 45,000 residents of MinamiSoma City, including 26 temporary housing sitesthat previously were out of radio wave range.

“Due to complications from the nuclear plant
accident, many residents have been forced toevacuate their homes in Fukushima and arestill living either in temporary housing sites orin rented apartments. Countless survivors arestill struggling to rebuild their lives after thedisaster without knowing when or if they canreturn home. International Medical Corps iscommitted to working with local partners toaddress the long-term needs of the Japanesepeople.”- Yumi Terahata,
International Medical CorpsCountry Representative, JapanCommunity
One major area of need identified by localorganizations was the lack of places wheredisplaced residents could go to alleviate feelingsof anxiety and loneliness. International MedicalCorps is supporting partners JVC, Shapla Neerand The People to run community spaces
throughout Fukushima Prefecture whereevacuees can meet other evacuees, receive
psychological support and critical information
about available resources, and take part inrecreational workshops and activities.
International Medical Corps also partnered withAAR to renovate a building in Minami-Soma
City, Fukushima Prefecture into a handicapaccessible community center. Through thecenter, people with disabilities are able toaccess vocational training programs and day
care services.

Collaboration
International Medical Corps is funding the JapanNGO Center for International Cooperation tooperate a collaboration space for non-governmentalorganizations (NGOs) in Fukushima to facilitate
information dissemination; networking; andcollaboration among local community-basedorganizations, nonprofits, and international NGOs toassist Fukushima survivors and displaced families.

International Medical Corps is committed to working with
our Japanese partners to continue to support recovery
efforts for children, families and elderly who need ourhelp. In accordance with the Hyogo Framework for Action,
we will also increase our disaster preparedness and risk
reduction programs in Japan and throughout the region.
From emergency relief to self-reliance, International
Medical Corps will continue to partner with the Japanese
government, civil society, and local communities.

To learn more, please contact:
Yumi Terahata, International Medical CorpsCountry Representative, Japanyterahata@InternationalMedicalCorps.org

www.InternationalMedicalCorps.org