Member’s List
GenderGlade

AddressEka Suzuki

F

J2

Chiba

Haruki Fukuba

M

E4

OkayamaHibiki Terao

M

E３

Hinako Hosotani

F

Jun Terao

GenderGlade

Address

Marika Shimizu

F

J1

Tokyo

Miki Terao

F

Hyogo

Nana Okawara

F

E5

Shizuoka

J1

Nara

Nanako Okumura

F

J1

Osaka

M

E６

Hyogo

Rio Shimoda

F

J3

Hyogo

Keita Odashima

M

E4

Chiba

Satsuki Asahi

M

E6

Hyogo

Kotaro Oishi

M

J2

Tochigi

Yua Suzuki

F

J1

Chiba

Kyohei Yamamoto

M

J2

Kanagawa

Yume Suzuki

F

J3

Chiba

Name

Nickname

GenderNationality

Nickname

Dhanu

M

Sri Lanka

Fauzan

M

Kat
Linh

Name

GenderNationality

Mak

M

Botswana

Indonesia

Mandy

F

China

F

ThailandNesya

F

Indonesia

F

VietnamPopoy

M

Philippines

Name

GenderFormer Assistant Director General for Coordinationof Operational Activities, UNESCO HQ

Akihiro Chiba

M

Hiroshi Shinagawa

M

Mika AdachiF

Global Network Team

Yuko Manome

F

Global Network Team

Global Network Team

LeaderHyogo

Schedule
DAY 1
3 / 26DAY 2
3 / 27DAY 3
3 / 28DAY 4
3 / 29DAY 5
3 / 30

Meet at Sendai Airport
Observe Yuriage area with volunteer guideMove to Hotel
Orientation
Summary / Diary Time / Preparation for tomorrow / Free time
Fun time with Yuriage Ami~s.
Lunch and communication time
Observe Minamisanriku town with volunteer guide
Visit Sansan-Shotengai (Temporary shops)
Summery / Diary time/ Preparation for tomorrow/ Free time
Fun time (cooking) with local people at Ofunato ibasho house
Fun time with English with local kids
Listening story from Ms. Satoko Kinno
Summery / Diary time/ Preparation for tomorrow/ Free time
Observe Taro area
Get on the Sanriku railway from Taro station to Miyako station
Visit temporary house (Introduce country, lunch, free communication)
Know about other earthquake
Summery / Diary time/Impression time / Free time
Enjoy nature in Iwate (Jyodogahama)
Impression

MAP
Temporary House
Morioka-Station
Miyako-City

Ibasho House
Ofunato - City

Volunteer Guide
Minamisanriku-Town

Volunteer Guide
Sendai-Station

Yuriage Ami~s
Yuriage area (Natori – City)

The aim of Tohoku trip are
1. To expand the view and perspective by directly going to
the real location and experiencing the reality.
2. To learn through communicating with local people.
3. To share to as many people in Enlish about what you
learned.
4. Think about what we can do
People from 8 country. People are 28 member go to Tohoku
trip. I think people yuriage is brave because they have courage
to talk about the earthquake.

Keita
First of all, I have one question. Do you know how many people weredead with tsunami? 15,880 people were dead with tsunami. Three years
had passed from “higashinihon earthquake”. Maybe most of you canknow about the situation of recovery from the news or papers. But I think
there is the most important things that we must know. That is a fact thatmany people in Tohoku were dead. And the people who dead in Tohoku issomeone’s father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, grandpa,
grandma. Imagine that your family will go tomorrow. I think it will be verysad. People in Tohoku tell the sadness so much. We must not forget that. At Yuriage district, we met with Mrs.
Tanno. She also lost her son with tsunami. I think she was really sad. Too sad to do something. But, though
she lost her son, she was thinking about the people who dead with tsunami. She made memorial for the kids
in yuriage junior high school who dead with tsunami. She wanted people to touch the name of kids and kids inheaven. So the shape of memorial is very easy to touch. I want you to go Tohoku and touch their names. Mrs.
Tanno is also working to save the memories of the earthquake. Now, she is thinking about to make themuseum of higashi nihon earthquake and tell about the tragedy of earthquake and collect information about
disaster prevention to young generation. So everyone, after this presentation, please tell the story you heard
to many people, as many as you can.

Kyohei
The first sight of the Yuriage
city instantly broke my heart.
The city was so quiet that I
can clearly hear the sound of
the wind. There were notmuch left to see as the ruins
were all cleaned out, but it isthe “Emptiness” that brought tears to my eyes. Seeing the place where thousands of household used to live, insuch an empty scene made me shiver with fear. I kept picturing the 20 meters high monster wave swallowing
the city and kept thinking how hard it would be for people who have lost their house their loves ones could
possibly withstand the sight of this city. However, after meeting with the local people and hear their story, I
realized that even they will always be a scar in the heart of Yuriage people, but they are now strong and havestarted to move on. I have learned not only about their painful memory, but also their hope for their city. Of
course I will never be able to forget what happened to the people of Yuriage, but the sight of the “Emptiness”
now also give me hope and dream for their future. Now I look forward to see what kind of city Yuriage will
become in the future.

Kat
On our second day,we visited 2 places.
We left our firsthotel and went toYuriage Ami-s. It isa place where
people can enjoy
knitting andbecome friends.
The Ami-s’ staff taught us to make “sakurambo”. We had lunch
together with the staffs and they shared many stories. After that we went to Minami Sanriku town by bus. It
was a long journey, about 2 hours. We were guided by Sato san. He told us many stories about the place. The
tsunami reached 28 metres, very high and scary. After the tour, we had a dinner at Sansan Shoutengai. Dinner
was very delicious. Today was very special because we stayed at school. Now my friends will tell us more
about detail.

Nesya
I announce “Yuriage Ami~s”. I liked
make sakurambo. Sakurambo difficult
cut circle, but “Yuriage Ami~s” staff help
me. They are very kind. This is the
sakurambu please see. One sakurambo
is made by “Yuriage Ami~s” staff. One
more is made by me. Made finish is so happy. And lunch, we had lunch with “Yuriage Ami~s” staff. “Yuriage
Ami~s” staff tell story about Tsunami to us. Tsunami is scary because tsunami wave was very high, soeveryone run high place like mountain and high building.

NanaAfter Yuriage Ami~s, wevisit minamisanriku town.
The wave is clam. Somepeople were fishing. I felt
so peace. But 2007 has
earthquake at chili. This
time tsunami height
3.4m. So, near theminamisanriku town
water gate height is 7m. But higashinihon daishinsai tsunami is three time higher. This tsunami victim wasabout thousand people. Next, we visited at Togura elementary school and junior high school. These school
near the sea. Window glass is broken. Clock is stop. Third, we went bosai taisaku chosya. This built was big
damage of tsunami. This built on survivor is seven people. Around the bosai taisaku chosya also dreadful sight.

Yua
After observe Minamisanriku town, we visited Sansan Shotengai to havedinner. At first, we ate ice cream there. It was so delicious and I became
happier. Then, we went to Houraku Syoukudo and I ate ramen. Shop assistanttaught us many things about Tohoku Foods. They were kind and I thought
Tohoku people have warm heart. An oyster what I ate today is the mostdelicious I have ever eat. In this trip I ate many many yummy foods. When I
ate yummy foods I become happy. I want to thank for Tohoku people.

Eka
On the 3rd day, we had chance to meet and communicate withlocal people, especially local children. They are really friendly
and hospitable. What impressed me the most is the positive
and optimistic view towards the future. From young children toelderly people, no one could think that there was a serious
disaster 3 years ago. People talked to us, helped us, played withus, had fun with us. I feel relieved and happy to see their smiles.
I hope that they also feel the love that we want to spread tothem and the message that “Tohoku people are not alone, theyalso have the support from people all around the world.”

LinhToday, I went to Ofunato ibasho house and had a fun time with local
people. Eka and I are take charge of greeting. I was little nervous but I
think I did my best. I ate local foods and other country’s food there. I
cooked “nabeyaki” with local people. It’s looks like a pancake. It wasdelicious. Linh made Vietnamese food. It’s raw spring roll. I ate it withsource. Popoy made Philippine food “sinigan soup”. It was so sour, butdelicious. Local foods were delicious too. The pancake what I made wasso sweet and yummy. Local people were very kind to me. They mademe so happy. I want to meet them again someday.

HinakoToday is a happy day. We cooked with everyone. I made spring rollmyself. It is very yummy.

Hibiki

From today’s trip, I have listened towhat happened after March 11, 2011.
From this picture, you can see theschool ground and baseball field of aschool in matsusaki. That became aplace for temporary shelters of thesurvivors. We learnt that the
government can only give the survivors the land and the people themselves need to rebuild their shelters fromtheir own resources. We have learned the different hardships of living in the temporary house for over 3 years
now. I admire the strength of tohoku people and their ability to move forward. For the tohoku people, thankyou for being brave and you will always be in our prayers.

PopoyOn day 3rd, we met Ms. Kino. She told us many interesting
story. Her job is to protect and fix pictures. She learned
how to fix books and pictures in London. She studied
graphic design too. She experience Higashi Nihon
Daishinsai and tsunami. She was shocked because herhometown, Ofunato, was damaged by tsunami. She
thought what she can do for her hometown. And she
noticed what she can do is to fix pictures. Because pictureis memories. If we lost pictures, it is difficult for us to remember memories. There was 450.000 picture in
Ofunato. 420.000 pictures returned their owner. Ms. Kino told us about her experience too. She told us,“Don’t be afraid, don’t be shy, and just go!” I was moved this words. There are many opportunities around us.
We should take action. If we do, we can do anything, I think.

Rio
Today I talk about sanriku railway. Sanriku railway recovered. We took thetrain. Very interesting things earthquake are bad, but local people spirit is verystrong.

Jun

I will present about overcoming the calamity by Miyako city locals. Despite thehigh casualties which include family and friends, the demolition of Miyako cityby the tsunami, the difficulty of finding new permanent housing and trauma.
They have very strong spirits and they have taught me a lot about overcoming
difficulties by simply choosing happiness over depression. Thank you.

Mak
Today I will talk about Miyako city. Grandmothers in the city told us
about Tsunami stories. They are not depressed. Local people are fullof vitality in high good spirits. I didn’t know so much about Tsunami
before going to 3rd Tohoku Trip. But I thought that Tsunami is like amonster because I heard many stories about it. A grandmother saysthat the Tsunami was about 24m. It is 16 times as tall as my height. I
can’t imagine how tall it was. I hope that it will never happen again.

HarukiOk, I will talk about the precious time with local people. First wewere separated four teams, and we go to other place each other.
Today I will talk about “Kanan temporally house” which I went to.
Kanan temporally house was a very quiet place. Only a few
children were playing something. First we were waiting for local
people for twenty or thirty minutes. I worried whether local
people will come. But they came one by one. After all, about ten
local people gathered for us. First, we began to introduce ourself. I was a little nervous but I could say. Then
camp leaders introduced their own country. It was very fun. The local people seemed to enjoy. They always
smiled. After lunch, one local people say”Let’s make Osenbei!” So we started to make. It was very fun. We cancooperate with local. I was surprised to see the local people’s skill. They are good at making senbei. Aftermaking senbei, we started to eat. We made three tastes, so we could enjoy three. They were very delicious.
The time with local people was very fun.

KotaroToday I learned the earthquake in the world. China had a badearthquake in 1976. There was no truck, car and airplane, so people
use a hand only to help people. But there was a beautiful city. Sri
Lanka was a tsunami. I was very very sad and unbelievable story.
Tsunami provision will wish faster for the future. Thank you.

SatsukiIt was our last day of the trip. After breakfast, we went to
Jodogahama for sightseeing. We went on a board ride andwe were followed by a lot of seagulls which were looking
for food. We fed them bread and everybody enjoyed it.
Tohoku is a very beautiful area which all of you must visit
and experience.

Dhanu

In this Tohoku trip, we went many places and felt
Tohoku’s changes. The new buildings were built. The
railway in Miyako city is starting. There weren’t any
rabbles. These changes made us surprise and happy. But
there have not complete revival yet. We think the revival
takes much time. We want to make sure of Tohoku’s
revival. Everyone, please don’t forget Tohoku. It is themost important thing.

Yume
During this trip, we learned that the most important thing
for revival is to tell other people what the earthquake is,what the tsunami is and experience and SMILE everyday. So,
we hope that we could make the people who met in thistrip happy and smile. Let’s make the future full of hope.

NanakoI saw many grieve people and broken house, building. I
thought the Tohoku area recovery early. But, now thearea not recovery. I saw the children are very sad. So, I
think I want to children are very happy and their life is free.
Of course, I want to expect for children very happy too. I
learned many important things in this trip. So, I want toremember the many important things. I want to teach the
Tohoku’s story and Tsunami fear for next generation, and I
heard many things. I want to tell it’s for next generation.

MarikaEka Suzuki
This trip was 3rd time to join but this trip had a big impact for me. In Yuriage area, I met Tonno-san. Her son
passed away because of tsunami. Maybe she had a hard time, but she always had a nice smile and taught us
the reality. I think she has strong heart. And I met Yuriage Ami~s in Yuriage. Chiba sensei …………… said “I
had a grudge on tsunami at first, but because tsunami occurred I could meet many people. Many people
who came from may countries and many area come to Tohoku. I want to thank that” And then, in Ofunato I
met many local people and communicated a lot. Tohoku kids are so pure and cheerful. I got power from kids!And in
Miyako I visited temporary house. ………. And kids who lived in temporary house were so kind and powerful. I got smilefrom Tohoku people, too. Volunteer guide who I met told us every day is important and please don’t forget about
Tohoku. I love Tohoku and Tohoku people. After going back to Chiba, I want to share my experience and my feelings. I
want to treasure my life and make the most out of it.

Haruki Fukuba
I had fun in Tohoku trip, because local people talked about Origami. And Fauzan says Arigatougozaimashita isvery interesting. I learned that is important to thing from Ms. Satoko Kinno. I think local people happy.
Because they smile a lot.

Hibiki Terao
Thank you for playing with me.

Hinako Hosotani
In this Tohoku trip, I am happy and sad. Happy when I made new friends and had fun time with local people
and knew each other. I also spoke to many camp leader too. Sad because many people were dead becauseof earthquake and tsunami. I am so angry to tsunami because it killed many people. I am so scared if it was
my family or friends, but it is impossible to hold back nature disaster like earthquakes. I think the mostimportant thing is people help each other. I wish for Tohoku to revive soon.

Jun Terao
Tohoku trip is enjoy because made new friends. Fauzan is Arigatougozaimashita Mataokoshikudasai. And in
the bus I talked a lot with my friends. Sashimi is very very yummy. I was surprise tsunami story. I want to do
my best from today.

Keita Odashima
I think very happy and fun with Tohoku trip. Because trip was make new friend and study English andstudy earthquake. Next, people is kind. Especially yuriage amis people and Ibasho House people andtemporary house people and camp leader. Camp leader is very very kind. I will come next Tohoku Trip.
Because I will make especially memory.

Kotaro Oishi
Through 3rd Tohoku trip, I felt many things. I want to tell all but I don’t have time to say so I will tell you mostimportant things what I thought.First day, we went to Yuriage. It’s the first time for me to see Tohoku. So I
was very surprised to see that. But I think I must accept the fact and it’s important thing. Through accepting
the fact is very important. We must take action like volunteer or communication. What I want to say is wemust do act, not only accept. So, we also went to volunteer or talk with many local people. This is what I
wanted to do. I wanted to make the local people happy. The money which I can make or contribution is limited, but thesmile which I can give is non-limited. Now, I’m very happy too. Though, my living town, Tochigi, is near Tohoku, Tochigi
doesn’t have any temporary house. We can’t overlook them. We must think and act with local people. I think it’s
essential thing. And I have another important thing, It’s sharing the information with many people. We must share withworld’s people. If you don’t, the memory of earthquake will fade away. Next year, I will go to Canada for studying
abroad. Most thing I want to do is study, but I want to tell the memory of earthquake and Tohoku trip too. Thank you.

Kyohei Yamamoto
In the first day of his trip I heard a story from Ms. Tanno. She talked about people who dead by tsunami. And
I also saw memorial for the student of Yuriage junior high school. Then I realized that the many people wasdead by tsunami. Everybody was someones family. I think it is too late, but I could realize this. So I won’t
forget this forever. On the other hand, then I learned many many things during this trip. The people in Amis
told me about tsunami and also give me a lot of power to do something. The paper conservater Ms. Kinno
told me about paper conservation and importance of picture. And a woman in the temporary house told me aboutsituation of Tohoku and some advises of our future and more. All the people in Tohoku was very kind. And I won’t
forget everything I learned in Tohoku. In the future, I want to become a person which can help people like Tohoku’s
people. And I want to come Tohoku again soon.

Marika Shimizu
This trip is first time for me. So, the first day, I’m very strain. I saw Tohoku area. I was very shocking, and sad.
We listened to many people’s stories. I understand tsunami is very fear. I saw many broken house andbuilding and the people was sad in Tohoku. I saw them very sad because I saw very broken town at first. I
thought the town recovery early. I met many kids. We enjoyed talked and played with them. I’m very fun.
Next year I want to join Tohoku trip.
.
Nana Okawara
I learn little speaked English because Camp leader was help me. I went Tohoku for the first time, so I don't
know Tohoku. But I experience knitting and listen by Tohoku. Therefore I know Tohoku. For example, noteverything by building by earthquake. Then I think sad by earthquake, but I enjoyed Tohoku Trip because I
played with many kids at temporary house, and I fun time with local people at ofunato Ibasho house. For
example, maked Nebeyaki, Onigiri, and Namaharumaki. This is very yummi. Next year I involvement by
Tohoku trip.

Nanako Okumura
This trip is the third time for me. The most impressed thing is the story which Mrs Tanno told us. Whe isrepresentative of “memories of Yuriage”. Her son passed away because of the tsunami, but she told us
even the story about her son. So, I will never forget the story which she told us. Her son was the first gradein Yuriage Junior high school. Also 13 student passed away because of the tsunami. I pray for their soul.
Also, I’m surprised that we couldn’t see any rubbles. So, revival advances a little but surely I’m happy toknow it. I hope that the revival will advance more and more. During tris trip, I learned that the most important thing forthe faster revival is to tell people what is the earthquake, what is the tsunami and to smile everyday. So I hope that I
could make the people who met is this trip happy and smile. I want to go for revival with Tohoku people.

Rio Shimoda
This is the third time for me to visit tohoku. I am happy to join this trip and meet everyone. I met many local
people. They were so kind. And they smiled at us. Their smile moved me. Many people told us many
important things. For example, “we should protect ourselves.” “don't be afraid, don't be shy, just go.” Theirwords encouraged me. I want to do many things in the future. O, mrs. Kinno’s story was very interesting forme. I think we should take action. Mrs. Kinno took action, too. And she did what she could do. she helped
many people. I want to be like her. I learned how was the earthquake and tsunami. The nature disaster are very terrible.
We cannot stop it. But, to reduce the damage is possible. I think we should think about her to reduce the damage and toprotect ourselves. Let’s take action! And I want to thank many people who supported me. “everyone, thank you.”

Satsuki Asahi
This time Tohoku trip was very fun. Because I make a new friends. I learned about tsunami. It was a scary
monster. It was nothing in Tohoku. I was very sad. But Tohoku people says smile is power for Tohoku people.
I wish the Tohoku will be fast recovery. Thank you.

Yua Suzuki
This time is my first Tohoku trip. So, before Tohoku trip, I am nervous. But now I doesn’t nervous because I
can talk easily with everyone. Everyone was gentle. I was deeply impressed by Tohoku people big warm
hearted. Anywhere Tohoku people greeted with a smile. First day, we met Ms. Tanno. Ms. Tanno told us
tsunami damage at Yuriage area. Second day, we goes おみーず。Ms. Chiba teached knitting. Mr. Sato told
us Minamisanriku town damage for earthquake. Day three, we made two country foods with local people. And Ms.
Kinno told us many things. Day four, we taked Sanriku railway. Sanriku railway passenger were wave hand at get off a
railway. Next we visited temporary house. Temporary house grand father told us damage of tsunami. Grand motherteached made osenbe. Every Tohoku people treat us kindly.

Yume Suzuki
I joined Tohoku trip the third time. This time, I went to Yuriage area, Minamisenriku town, Ofunato city,
Taro area in Miyako city. I went to many place but I can’t forget any experience. I learned and felt about 2
things. First, Tohoku’s changes. The place which has changed the most is Miyako city. The new buildings
were built. The railway is starting. These made me surprise and happy. Other area is also the same. But
there have not complete revival yet. I think the revival takes much time. I want to make sure of Tohoku’s
revival. Second, Tohoku’s people heart. All of them have bad memories. But they smiled all time. When I danced andplayed with them, they looked very fun. It made me very happy and gave bravery. There heart is very strong. I want tobecome like them. The 3rd Tohoku trip, I learned many things, I’ll be high school student. I will be hard, but I want tohave kind heart like Tohoku’s people. I’ll never forget about Higashi Nihon Daishinsai. I love Tohoku. I love Tohoku’s
people. I love Tohoku’s nature. So I’ll continue to come tohoku. Thank you everyone.

Dhanu
Tohoku trip 2014 was my first Tohoku trip. Even though I had seen and heard about the Great Eat Japan
Earthquake through television and internet, I did not have the broad idea about what has really happened. It
was the Tohoku trip which gave me the chance to witness the reality in my own eyes. Though 3 years has
passed, the traces of the disaster are still remaining there, just like scars from a bad wound. Places whichused to be beautiful cities were washed away and left with nothing. Areas like Yuriage, Ofunato andMInamizanriku used to be very active cities filled with energy. But everything vanished in split seconds.
The motive of Tohoku Trip was to witness the current situation in those affected areas and think on what we can do to
make the situation better. Our contribution should not only be limited to supporting with goods. As we all saw during
the time we spent with local people, our smile can make a huge positive impact. We exchanged our cultural experience
while creating the EIC environment which was full of fun.

While we gave a lot of laughter and smile for those people, they taught us how to smile even when everything has gonewrong. Despite the fact that they lost their house, their loved ones and their lovely home towns, they still stand strong
and smiles back at their destiny. That is the most inspiring thing that I saw during the 3rd Tohoku trip. We all should
spread the message about Tohoku among our friends and then to the world. If we all can raise our voice for them, thosestrong people will become much stronger. Thank you everyone who is behind the Tohoku trip and please make sure it
keeps continuing.

FauzanAfter EIC 2013, I have been waiting for the Tohoku trip. Because I had so much fun on the camp, so I want tomeet more smart Japanese kids and also camp leader. At that time, I was afraid I couldn’t join the trip
because the schedule was not fixed yet, and I will graduate on March 2014. I have to say thank you verymuch for giving me opportunity to join even though I couldn’t attend APN.
This Tohoku trip was my second trip to Tohoku, but the first time for me to go with Kumon’s kids. I really enjoyed thetrip. We had fun and learned a lot from this trip.
3 years have passed since earthquake and tsunami hit Tohoku. On that day, I was preparing myself to come to Japan. I
saw the news on TV and it was so horrible. When I visited Tohoku, I can feel the sadness. Empty land, some abandonedhouses, and ruins left sad memories. The story that we heard from the guide, made me realized that people in this area
lost so many things. But, Tohoku’s people are strong. They can continue and build new life without forgetting thedisaster and share the story to the world, so world can learn from what happened there.
Not only information about earthquake and tsunami, I also learned “something” from the members. I got new friends
and lot of memories that I won’t forget. The kids that always help camp leader in translating from Japanese Language to
English, singing and playing game on the bus, and also taking pictures everywhere. I still feel the warm heart and kindpeople on the trip. I hope we can still be in touch wherever we are. Don’t hesitate to send me email. hank you verymuch everyone. “Arigatou Gozaimashita.” 

Kat
The Tohoku trip was an amazing unforgettable experience for me. I got to visit the disaster areas and had afirst-hand experience communicating with the local people. From this program, I learned about the massive
destruction power of the natural disaster monster, Tsunami and also got a chance to see in the live at
temporary house after the incident as well. It was a very worthwhile educational trip, which I believe truly
helped broaden my knowledge about natural disaster.
Apart from being an amazing educational trip about natural disaster, I also feel that Tohoku trip is the perfectopportunity for kids to put the language skill they learned and practices into use. Throughout the trip, the kids had many
chances to uses their English skill in a real life situation such as translating JAP-ENG conversation during exchange events
etc., which I truly believe it helped improve kids confident and their speaking skill greatly. Unlike, EIC where it was aimed
to improve the kids confident through fun activities and learn about the different cultures, Tohoku trip is like the next
step for EIC participant, where kids can put the confident they got from the camp into real-life situation.

I would recommend this trip to all EIC participants who want to learn about the Tohoku disaster, along with challenging
their English skill as well.

Linh
Five days spending in Tohoku area was a priceless experience to me. What happened during Tohoku trip was
beyond my thoughts, my imagination, my preparation and my expectation. Before the trip, I had never thoughtthat thousands of people are now struggling with the lives in temporary houses nor I had never imagined thatthe tsunami level reached the height of 20 meters. At first, I was so shocked to listened to the stories ofvolunteer guides in every places I visited. They told us very details about what happened on March 11, 2011,
they told us how people fight for the lives and run away from the tsunami, they told us how tsunami destroyed the cities
and left the pain for people behind, they told us how difficult it is to forget the bad memories, to overcome the pain oflosing relatives, to struggle with temporary life and insecure future… Yet, on the other hand, they showed us smiles, they
showed us bravery, they show us belief in the future. Tohoku trip members were welcomed everywhere we visited. We
talked, we cooked, we played, we had fun together. From what I saw, I heard, I touched, I just admired and respected
those people!
As a member of Tohoku Trip, I feel proud! Even though our trip is really short and we could not do much to help directly
improve people life nor solve complicated issues after tsunami, we brought joy and happiness to local people. I believethat local people could feel that they are not alone, they are always supported and cared by many people around the world.
I hope that this trip can be continued many years after, it does have a great meaning and huge impact on participants andsociety in general.
Lastly, I appreciate each and every people effort that made this dream trip came true and successful: GNT members,
fellow camp leaders, EIC kids, volunteer participants, volunteer guides, volunteer local people. I did have an enjoyable,
memorable and very meaningful time. Thank you very much!

Mandy
This is my first time to step on the land of Tohoku area, which suffered from earthquake and tsunami on
March 11th, 2011, and every single day onwards. Accompanied with Kumon kids, 7 other camp leaders and 3
EIC team members, we completed our 5 days journey and exploration in Tohoku by visiting sites which
destroyed by tsunami, temporary house where survivors have been settled, and ibasho house which is like acommunity center for residents to share and recover. During these 5 days, we get to know the starting andrecovery caused by this natural disaster. It is a devastating, yet cheerful, hopeful and interesting trip.
Through listening to local people’s story and observed their current living condition, I realized that, most of the tohoku
area are still under construction, and will take a quality time to rebuild as it was before. People there are still facing
residential and utility inconvenience. Meanwhile, pending issues like positioning, financial support for survivors’ future
residence still exist. Even though there are tons of problems in front of their faces after this tremendous natural disaster,
tohoku area in my eyes is a vivid, lively area, and people there are all friendly, brave, and positive towards harsh life.
Among this trip, what impressed me the most is Tanno san, chairwoman of Yuriage survivor committee, mother lost her
beloved son in tsunami. Her story is heartbreaking, but the way she described it was powerful, impressed, touching andthoughtful! I do admire the strength she holds to overcome the post-trauma and the way she keeps her life carrying on. I
tried to put myself in her shoes, wonder what I would do if I lost the loved ones all out of a sudden. I am sure that I

would not hold up myself so well while talking about my experience in a short time, and soon devote myself tocontribute on recovery like Tanno san. She is using a positive attitude and female power to overcome and compensate
the loss. Compare to her, what I had in life is just too little to mention. To be alive is already a gift. I regain the passion
and belief towards life and become more devoting and mentally stronger. During this trip, I also picked up myconnection with kids. Their talent and potential is far beyond my expectation. They used their sensibility every day toobserve and feel. Thank you for giving me this precious chance to join this trip, and I did take use of it for selfdevelopment and completion.

Mak
Having to have participated in the 3rd Tohoku trip was an experience that had a very huge impact in my life.
This is because having to visit the affected area and experiencing the reality of how devastating the tsunami
was is better seen than heard and no matter how many time one visits Tohoku, it never seem to strike one
on how devastating the 3/11 tsunami was. The schedule made it possible to observe various tsunami
stricken areas, which is something I appreciate from the GNT. The interaction with the local people was aalso an amazing experience as most could freely tell us about their experiences and how they have chosen to life a
positive life full of happiness. Tohoku people were very welcoming and warm hearted with admirable hospitality.
I believe that this trip makes us refreshes our minds about the severity of the demolitions the 3/11 calamity caused andit also remind us to never underestimate Mother Nature. Through this trip the victims of this disaster are not forgotten
and should know that we will keep them forever in our hearts. It also teaches the next generation of the high possibilityof disasters of this magnitude occurring and that if they do what are the best precautions to take. Having to have been aparticipant of this trip made me an ambassador with the sole responsibility of letting the world know the realities of thisdisaster (bare witness) and to also reject the false notions regarding the 3/11 calamities.

Nesya
Tohoku Trip will be something that I will not forget. The trip has allowed me to understand more about boththe past and present condition of Tohoku. Before joining this trip all I knew about the Tsunami was only fromnews and friends. Every time I heard about it my heart would ache and I would felt pity to the victims of thedisaster. Nevertheless getting to communicate with the locals, the survivors of the disaster, has changed mythought. For once I felt so helpless to know what they have went through. All this time I only felt pity but was
not able to do anything. I think I should pity myself for not taking much action. Everyone in Tohoku was struggling, they
have to fight for their loss, fight for the remaining family, fight to grow and fight their fear.
This trip has facilitate both the Kumon family and Tohoku people to mature. It aids us to appreciate the little things inlife. The visits have provided us insights on how we can help them through volunteer visits. The trip itself has
encouraged me personally to spread the news and motivate people to pay a visit.
As for the Kumon kids, I cannot express with words how I am very impressed to know that they have grown and taken
their responsibility in the society. It is amazing that as kids they are already willing to participate in such volunteer trips. I
think this trip has succeeded its purposes and I believe it will nurture throughout the years. Kumon should be proud of
the fruits they bear for I am sure they will be leaders of their generation.

PopoyParticipating in the 3rd Tohoku Trip made me feel and realize a lot of things. I am actually not good withwords and writing this impression cannot encapsulate all the emotions my heart felt during the trip.
Before the trip, I honestly thought that everything was alright for the Tohoku survivors since a lot have thismisconception that Japanese people recovers fast. I remember looking at photos taken after the disaster
wherein roads and railways are re-built in a matter of days. I held this same feeling until we went outside the Sendai
airport during the first day. Almost no trace of once a lively town was left in the roads our bus passed-by. Then, as wewatched the documentary video in our first stop, worrying feelings that I felt for my family and friends in Japan during
11 March 2011 came back to me in an instant. On the other hand, I saw how strong the fighting spirit of the Tohoku
survivors. They reminded me to go back to the core of things that I should treasure the most – family, friends and goodtimes spent together. They also made me feel thankful for the little things like how simple talks or cooking and eating
lunch together can turn into memories you can keep for a lifetime. I am thankful for this trip and everyone whoorganized it because it gave me the opportunity to bring smiles to a lot of people even through small means.
One more thing, the trip made taught me several problems the Tohoku survivors are facing right now. For example,
survivors who cannot return to their previous lands, people who have been living in temporary houses for over three
years, and people who just throw large garbage in vacant areas at night. These problems and the way the Japanesepeople and government deal with it can be related to recovery efforts of other disaster stricken areas. Like Central
Philippines, which suffered from a large earthquake and typhoon last year.
The maturity of the kids is very impressive too. Whenever I try to look back at my young self, I could definitely say thatthe kids in the trip are way more compassionate, intelligent, and responsible for their age. They became the total
opposite of what I was expecting. I honestly felt like I was the one being taught and guided by them during the trip. I
want to thank KUMON for rearing good-hearted kids. I definitely look forward to continue bonds of good friendship withthem and meet with them in the future.
Finally, the most important lesson that the 3rd Tohoku Trip taught is to value life because being alive is a huge
opportunity to overcome any hardship. Living means you can still do something, even a little, and bring a positive change
to what you are facing right now.

Dream Jiichan (Akihiro Chiba)
Dream Jiichan is extremely happy to be able to participate in the 3rd Tohoku Trip of KUMON EIC.
It was a pleasant reunion with those members who have participated in the past trips. I was impressedwith the remarkable progress they made in the command of English but more importantly in their qualityof leadership and support to new members. It is evident that their participation in the Tohoku Trips has
provided them with the opportunities to facilitate their personal growth and confidence building.
I was also happy to meet new members. Majority of them are promising elementary school children and I was filledwith a joyful thought that they too would make similar progress in the near future.
While the region has made a certain progress in the recovery from the disaster of Tsunami and Earthquake, many
people still suffer from the trauma of tragedy deep in their heart. It was a precious experience for the children and thecamp leaders of the Trip to learn directly what such trauma means for the life of the people and the courage they need
to overcome difficulties. They have formed the strong bond of solidarity to live together and support each other. The
young members of the Trip were warmly and cheerfully welcomed while some people had lost their children of thesame age in the Tsunami. The members of the Trip were all impressed by their remarkable human quality.
The Tohoku Trip and other study programs are the concrete form of action to learn the reality and to form therefrom
in the mind of young people the will to promote human solidarity and mutual help; essential first step to achieve theworld peace. Dream Jiichan strongly advocates that EIC, APN and Tohoku and other study programs should be
strategically placed in the global strategy of KUMON’s lofty mission to contribute to realize the Peace of the World.

2014.3.2 3rd Tohoku Trip 1st Meeting2014.3.28 Yume and Eka’s Birthday KUMON EDUCATIONAL JAPAN CO.,LTD.
Public Relations Department
Global Network Team

Kumon Kyoiku Kaikan, 5-6-6 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa-ku,
Osaka, 532-8511, Japan
Tel:+81-6-6838-2683 Fax:+81-6-6838-2664

URL: www.immersioncamp.com

15/4/2012