East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami DisasterJapan Committee for UNICEF
Emergency Relief and Reconstruction Support
Three-Year Report—Building Resilient Communities with Children©日本ユニセフ協会/2013/satomi matsui

unite forchildrenForeword
The Japan Committee for UNICEF (JCU) has for years endeavored to disseminate important information about children in developing countries and UNICEF’s various assistance programmes there,
as well as to fundraise to support those programmes. Unprecedented damage caused by the East
Japan Earthquake, however, forced us to ask ourselves what we could do to help, and we wasted notime in contacting UNICEF Headquarters in New York.
UNICEF Headquarters decided to dispatch Japanese experts working at UNICEF offices all over theworld to the affected areas in Japan, and JCU followed by launching a campaign to provide emergency relief supplies to shelters and other facilities in those areas. Thanks to the cooperation ofcountless companies, groups, and three prefectural JCU associations, we were able to successfully
secure relief supplies and transportation despite a dire situation, where much needed supplies andfuel were in short supply across the country. We also received more than ¥4.7 billion in donations
from across Japan and other countries. Over the next six months, we then expanded our response
campaign beyond just the provision of emergency relief supplies to encompass six areas, including
the implementation of: 1) health and nutrition; 2) education; 3) psychosocial support; 4) child protection; 5) and child-friendly reconstruction plans.
Three years have now passed since that unforgettable day. As a member of the UNICEF family, we arededicated to fulfilling our obligation to support children in developing countries—our traditional
mission. As you will read in this report, in the affected areas we continue to support local reconstruction efforts with the cooperation of domestic experts, specialist organizations, and local governments.
I would again like to extend my sincere gratitude to our friends both in Japan and overseas for yourcontinued support.
March 2014

Ryoko Akamatsu
Chairperson
Japan Committee for UNICEF

Six Approaches to Emergency and Reconstruction Support

Build Back Better
Rebuild areas to be child-friendly; places that allow children to feel safe and at ease when they return.

Psychosocial Support
Education
Goal: Rebuild and reopen schools,
preschools, and kindergartens as quickly as
possible.
Activities: Distribute stationery and schoolsupplies; provide new facilities, furniture,and equipment; support transportation
services to and from schools andkindergartens; and other services.

Health and Nutrition
Goal: Resume and restore health careand nutritional services for mothers andtheir children.
Activities: Dispatch experts; distribute food,nutritional supplements, equipment, andsupplies; and disseminate information.

3

5

2

Emergency Relief Supplies
Goal: Provide supplies to emergency sheltersand other centers.
Items supplied: Water, food, School-in-a-Box
Kits, Recreation Kits, and other supplies.

4

1

6

Goal: Strengthen the psychosocial support systemfor children.
Activities: Donate books, furniture, and equipment tocreate Child-Friendly Spaces; dispatch experts to study
provision of psychosocial care for preschool children;and other related services.

Child Protection
Goal: Comprehensively strengthen child protection
systems to protect children in vulnerable situations,such as orphans, children who have lost a parent, or
children in families suffering from poverty.
Activities: Dispatch experts; awareness-raisingefforts; host training sessions; conduct advocacy
activities at the national, prefectural, and municipal
levels*; and provide other related services.

Child-Friendly Reconstruction Plans
Goal: Ensure the opinions of children are reflected inmunicipal reconstruction plans, and expand the
support for children and child-rearing.
Activities: Mobilize experts and conduct advocacy
activities.*
Our focus in 2013 centered on
the above-mentioned initiatives 4–6.

* Advocacy activities include working with partner organizations,conducting surveys, providing information, raising awareness, andmaking policy recommendations to municipal governments.

Our Goals and Approach
Under the banner “Build Back Better”,
JCU continues to assist the affected areasbuild resilient communities.

Since JCU launched its emergency assistance campaign in March 2011, a single principle has
constituted the foundation of our efforts: Build Back Better. Through reconstruction efforts we strive
to build an environment for children that is superior to what existed before the disaster.
In 2013, ground leveling work and other construction efforts shifted into full swing. However, thepounding hammers and heavy machinery are not the sole drivers of reconstruction; children play
an integral role in many ways. As we promote Child-Friendly Reconstruction Plans, we have noticed
that children who once followed the lead of their adult role models have grown to take ownership of
their own future. Today, the same children proactively and passionately voice concrete ideas for theircommunities.
Meanwhile, children continue to live in an environment that is very much still “temporary”. News
reports continue to indicate an increasing number of child abuse consultations. The adults whom arerelied on to support and protect these children are reaching the point of exhaustion. New kinds ofassistance are needed to support psychosocial support and child protection.
In March 2015, the 3rd World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction will be held in Sendai, Miyagi.
The conference will focus on building a resilient society in order to minimize damage incurred bynatural disasters. As UNICEF Headquarters engages in disaster preparedness and reconstruction
efforts in preparation of this conference, we will continue to strongly advocate incorporating efforts
to protect children—who account for over half of the victims of the world’s natural disasters—andthe importance of giving them a major role in the building process.
JCU will continue its assistance campaign in the affected areas so that the Build Back Better concept
becomes a reality for the children there, and so that the towns where children live, and the children
themselves, are more resilient to future natural disasters.

Contents
Our Goals and Approach..................................................1

Child Protection ...............................................................9Review of Programme: A Three-Year Look.....................2
Regional Casualty and Damage Report......................... 2
Donations and Programme Areas................................. 3

Child-Friendly Reconstruction Plans ............................ 10

Highlights of the Three Years...........................................4
A Quantitative Look at Tohoku in 2013...........................6
Psychosocial Support ......................................................7

1

Education........................................................................13
Supporting the Children / From Support Sites...........14
Three-Year Income and Expenses Report.....................16
Programme Contributors...............................................17
Cooperating Corporations and Organizations.............. 17

Review of Programme: A Three-Year Look Note: Expense figures include planned expenses.
Emergency Relief Supplies

Psychosocial Support

Expenses: ¥187,309,517
Water, underwear, clothes for children etc.
* See the JCU One-Year Report for details.

Health and Nutrition
Expenses: ¥949,672,502• Number of municipal bodies that resumed infant healthcheckups: 18 (Iwate: 4; Miyagi: 14)• Number of infants who underwent health checkups:
Approx. 27,000 (Iwate: 4,000; Miyagi: 23,000)• Number of children who received influenza vaccinations:
Approx. 140,000 (2011–2012)
Approx. 140,000 (2012–2013)• Number of children able to receive complete preparedschool lunches due to the provision of utensils and support
for school lunch preparation centers: 15,216 (Miyagi)• Number of children who received supplemental food(school snacks) support at preschools and kindergartens:
Approx. 830 (Iwate: 25 facilities)

page 7

Expenses: ¥576,100,471• Number of participants in Play Therapy Seminars/
Psychosocial Care Trainings: 3,233(Iwate: 1,209; Miyagi: 1,860; Fukushima: 164)
• Number of parents and children receiving psychosocial carefrom Fukushima Society of Certified Clinical Psychologists:
14,579 (8,444 adults, 6,135 children)• Number of books delivered by UNICEF Children’s Mini
Library Project: Approx. 330,000• Number of children participated in UNICEF Children’s Bus
Field Trips: 4,485 (Iwate)• Number of children participated in Let’s Play! The Outdoors
Playtime Project: 53,463 (Fukushima)• Number of parents and children participated in Fukushima
Child Recuperation Project*: 6,710*JCU bears a portion of expenses for the project and arranges events forpreschool childrenChild Protection

page 9

Expenses: ¥92,498,577• Number of Child Assault Prevention (CAP) specialists: 117• Number of participants in CAP Workshops: 13,540(7,286 adults, 6,254 children)• Number of trainees who took training for Father
Supporters: 459(Iwate: 208; Miyagi: 134; Fukushima: 117)
• Number of events held by Father Supporters: 33(Iwate: 13; Miyagi: 17; Fukushima: 3)• Number of Papa Stations: 107(Iwate: 33; Miyagi: 31; Fukushima: 43)

Regional Casualty and Damage Report
Miyagi Prefecture

Iwate Prefecture[Population before the earthquake]*1• Children between 0 to 15 years old: 141,059(between 0 to 6 years old: 57,936)• Mothers with children under 6 years old: 35,770[Population before the earthquake]*1• Children between 0 to 15 years old: 36,103(between 0 to 6 years old: 13,217)• Mothers with children under 6 years old: 7,431

Note: 16 municipalities in coastal Miyagi

Note: 12 municipalities in coastal Iwate[Regional Casualty and Damage Report]*• Deceased: 5,086• Missing: 1,145• Completely destroyed homes: 18,460• Partially destroyed homes: 6,563[Regional Casualty and Damage Report]*2• Deceased: 10,449• Missing: 1,299• Completely destroyed homes: 82,889• Partially destroyed homes: 155,099[JCU Programme Areas][JCU Programme Areas]2

1. Sendai, 2. Ishinomaki, 3. Osaki, 4. Tome, 5. Kurihara,
6. Kesennuma, 7. Natori, 8. Tagajyo, 9. Shiogama, 10. Tomiya,
11. Iwanuma, 12. Higashimatsushima, 13. Shibata,14. Shiroishi, 15. Watari, 16. Rifu, 17. Kakuda, 18. Kami,
19. Misato, 20. Taiwa, 21. Ogawara, 22. Shichigahama,
23. Wakuya, 24. Minamisanriku, 25. Yamamoto, 26. Marumori,
27. Matsushima, 28. Zao, 29. Murata, 30. Onagawa,
31. Kawasaki, 32. Osato, 33. Shikama, 34. Ohira,35. Shichikashuku

1. Morioka, 2. Oshu, 3. Ichinoseki, 4. Hanamaki, 5. Kitakami,
6. Miyako, 7. Takizawa, 8. Ofunato, 9. Kamaishi, 10. Kuji,
11. Shiwa, 12. Ninohe, 13. Tono, 14. Hachimantai, 15. Yahaba,
16. Rikuzentakata, 17. Yamada, 18. Shizukuishi, 19. Hirono,
20. Otsuchi, 21. Iwaizumi, 22. Nishiwaga, 23. Sumita,
24. Noda, 25. Tanohata, 26. Fudai

2

Donations and Programme Areas
Child-Friendly Reconstruction Plans

page 10(As of December 31, 2013)

Expenses: ¥264,680,902• Number of children participating or living in project areas:
41,765 (Otsuchi, Iwate; Ishinomaki, Miyagi; Sendai, Miyagi;
Soma, Fukushima)

Education

Emergency relief donations received by the Japan Committee
for UNICEF
From within Japan:¥3,532,545,738
From outside Japan:¥1,212,946,130

page 13

Disbursement of Donations by Programme Pillars

Expenses: ¥2,624,964,835
Back-to-School Campaign• Number of children receiving essential back-to-schoolsupplies: 26,376(Iwate: 17,540; Miyagi: 6,906; Fukushima: 1,930)• Number of students / schools receiving supplies andequipment: 33,461 / 642(Iwate: 10,380; Miyagi: 21,621; Fukushima: 1,460) /(Iwate: 48; Miyagi: 488; Fukushima: 106)

On-Site Operations of Programme 1%

Activity Reports and Public Relations 2%
Child Protection 2%

Provision of Emergency Relief Supplies

4%
5%
12%

Child-Friendly
Reconstruction Plans
Psychosocial Support

20%

Health and Nutrition

Back-to-Preschool and Kindergarten• Number of children / preschools and kindergartens
receiving supplies or equipment support: 4,284 / 73
(Iwate: 1,976; Miyagi: 2,214; Fukushima: 94) /(Iwate: 38; Miyagi: 34; Fukushima: 1)

Education

54%

Note: Donation disbursement percentages are calculated based on total
amount received including the expected expenses. (See page 16 forthe Income and Expenses Report.)

Rebuilding Preschools and Kindergartens Project• Number of children and returning to preschools andkindergartens: 994*
(Iwate: 216; Miyagi: 673; Fukushima: 105)
• Number of preschools and kindergartens receiving
reconstruction support: 14(Iwate: 4; Miyagi: 9; Fukushima: 1)

19
12
10
14

26
25

21

7
1

18

*As of the end of February 2013

24

15

6
11
20

4
22

13

17

9

5
23
2

16

8

3
6
5

Fukushima Prefecture

33[Population before the earthquake]*1• Children between 0 to 15 years old: 77,906(between 0 to 6 years old: 30,901)• Mothers with children under 6 years old: 18,144

20

23
19

34

32

10
1

27 12
16
9
8

31

7
29
13 11
21
15
14
17
25

Note: 10 municipalities in coastal Fukushima

24

4

3

18

2

30

22

28
35

[Regional Casualty and Damage Report]*2• Deceased: 3,057• Missing: 226• Completely destroyed homes: 21,190• Partially destroyed homes: 73,021

3

15

14

[JCU Programme Areas]30

1. Iwaki, 2. Koriyama, 3. Fukushima, 4. Minamisoma, 5. Date,
6. Shirakawa, 7. Nihonmatsu, 8. Soma, 9. Motomiya,
10. Nishigo, 11. Yabuki, 12. Miharu, 13. Ishikawa,
14. Inawashiro, 15. Kawamata, 16. Tomioka, 17. Kori,
18. Kunimi, 19. Otama, 20. Shinchi, 21. Futaba, 22. Hirono,
23. Tamura, 24. Iitate, 25. Naraha, 26. Kawauchi, 27. Okuma,
28. Namie, 29. Katsurao, 30. Aizuwakamatsu

1718
5

10
6

19

7

2

12 23

11 13

26

20
8

24

4

28
29

27
16
26
25
22
1

21

Notes:
1. Programme areas areindicated according to
the administrative
boundaries of the local
municipalities.
2. The numbers on themap correspond with thecities indicated in “JCU
Programme Areas.”*1. FY2010 Population Census of Japan (Ministry of Internal Affairs andCommunications)*2. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency’s (FDMA) report on the Great East
Japan Earthquake (No. 148) (September 9, 2013)3

Highlights of the Three Years
Emergency Assistance

Provision of emergency
supplies, health andhygiene assistance tomothers and children, andnutritional support.

Post-disasterMonth 2
Expanded support
for reopening schools,
preschools, andkindergartens, andpsychosocial support.

Post-disasterMonths 3–6
Support for the resumptionof basic government
services for children.

• Back-to-School Campaign Phase I
a. Provision of school supplies, such as school bags andstationeryb. Provision of desks, chairs, computers and other electronic
devices, equipment, portable toilets, and other necessities
to primary and junior high schools• Provision of nutritional school lunches and snacks to schools,
preschools, and kindergartens• Provision of learning toys, desks, chairs, eating utensils, andother goods to preschools, kindergartens, and after-school
care centers• Psychosocial Supporta. UNICEF Children’s Mini Library Project: Children’s books
received from all over the country are combined into sets
and distributed to preschools, kindergartens, and homesb. UNICEF Children’s Bus Field Trips: Began offering bus field
trips that give children a chance to play outside or enjoy
various fun activities at safe locations
c. E xpansion of support by clinical psychologists to Play
Therapy Seminars / Psychosocial Care Trainings• Back-to-School Campaign Phase II
Assistance for purchasing school goods for primary andjunior high school students, including gym clothes, Japanesecalligraphy tools, paints, and supplementary materials• Assistance for opening junior high and high school interscholastic athletic meets• Provision of materials for health checkups at schools• Support for full-scale restart of mother and child health careservices, such as health checkups for babies and vaccination
programmes• Support for rebuilding preschools, kindergartens, facilities fordisabled children, and after-school care centers• Support and advocacy for construction of child-rearing
support centers on temporary housing and other sites• Implementation of child abuse and domestic violence prevention campaigns

4© JCU/R.Grehan

Post-disasterMonth 1

• Procurement and distribution of supplies including drinking
water, children’s clothes, hygiene products, and shoes• Health services for mothers and children including breastfeeding assistance• Launch of psychosocial assistance by establishing ChildFriendly Spaces, and offering of Play Therapy Seminars / Psychosocial Care Trainings• Advocacy for alternative care based on international standards targeting children orphaned as a result of the disasterReconstruction AssistanceMid- to Long-term Assistance as the Foundation for Reconstruction

Post-disasterMonths 6–12

Post-disasterYear 2–3• Support for rebuilding preschools, kindergartens and otherchild care facilities• Psychosocial Support1) Dispatch of psychologists and construction of consultation centers2) Fukushima Child Recuperation Project3) Tegami Project4) Prayer Tree Project• Child protection
1) Child Assault Prevention (CAP) Workshop2) Child abuse and domestic violence prevention campaigns(information sharing and awareness building using radio
commercials, etc.)
3) Single-Father Household and Fathering Assistance Project4) Training series on household risk and child protection5) Assistance for foster families
6) After-school programme assistance7) Training for strengthening community networks for childabuse prevention• Child-Friendly Reconstruction Plans
1) Ishinomaki: A Children’s Town
2) Otsuchi’s Future Classroom Workshop
3) Furusato Soma Children’s Reconstruction Council
4) The Future of Shichigo Village – Vision for the community
on my 20th birthday• Support for children forced to evacuate Fukushima prefecture• Assistance for dispatching child caregivers• Subsidy assistance for influenza vaccines

During the period of 6 to 24 months after the disaster, JCU
worked with its prefectural associations in Iwate, Miyagi, andFukushima, as well as Japanese experts and specialist organizations to support various efforts launched in partnership withlocal governments, organizations, and residents. These
efforts are focused in three areas: psychosocial support, childprotection, and Child-Friendly Reconstruction Plans. Pleasesee pages 7–15 for more information.  

5© JCU/2011/K.Goto

Post-disasterYear 1–2• Health assistance, such as the dispatch of obstetricians andgynecologists, providing dental examinations, building temporary health centers, and subsidizing influenza vaccines• Support for dispatching child caregivers• Support for rebuilding preschools, kindergartens, and otherchildcare facilities. Focus of assistance transitioned from
temporary facilities to permanent buildings• Psychosocial Support
1) Play Therapy Seminars / Psychosocial Care Trainings
2) Dispatch of clinical psychologists
3) Tegami Project4) Prayer Tree Project• Child Protection
1) Child Assault Prevention (CAP) Workshop2) Child abuse and domestic violence prevention campaigns(information distribution and awareness building using
radio commercials, etc.)
3) Single-Father Household and Fathering Assistance Project• Child-Friendly Reconstruction Plans
1) Otsuchi workshop and park construction2) Report on the Great East Japan Earthquake by the Childrenof Soma

A Quantitative Look at Tohoku in 2013
Psychosocial Support
A survey of child guardians: The state of children before and after the disaster*1
More than 10% of children in affected areas#1 present symptoms that suggest post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). A
similar survey of symptoms related to PTSD also presented comparative figures, and when the two surveys are combined
the ratio of affected children surpasses 20%.

● Symptoms suggesting PTSD (child guardian survey)
Showing sudden signs of alarm, arousement,
or confusion when remembering the disaster
Changing the subject or physically leaving when faced with aconversation topic or news that is reminiscent of the disaster● Symptoms related to PTSD (child guardian survey)
Shift toward greater dependency

3.0

Often showing no expression or appearing aloof

9.1

Children who present any one of
the symptoms listed above

New fear of going outside

1.5
0.8

Children who present any one of
the symptoms listed above

14.1
0

5

10

15

4.4

Decrease in school attendance

1.5

Sensitivity to noise or easily agitated

10.7

Inability to perform tasks alonethat were previously performed alone

6.2

20%

12.9
0

5

10

15

20%

#1 Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Chiba

Child Protection
In the three affected prefectures, a total of
1,571 children lost one of their parents tothe disaster and 254 children lost bothparents and were orphaned. In Miyagi and
Fukushima, large increases have also been
observed in the number of child abuse consultations at child consultation centers andthe number of consultation requests on
domestic violence.

Iwate

Miyagi

Fukushima

Total

Children who lost a parent (as of January 2014)*2

488

921

162

1,571

Children orphaned (as of January 2014)*

94

136

24

254

Number of child abuse cases responded bychild consultation centers*3
Compared with last year

376
-16

1,199
+34

311
+52

1,886
­—

1,504
-259

701
+84

1,444
+83

3,649
—

2

Number of domestic violence cases responded
by prefectural consultation centers*4Compared with last year

Child-Friendly Reconstruction Plans
More than 160,000 people still live in temporary housing or have evacuated outside of their home prefecture. Moreover, many
temporary facilities are still used to accommodate children’s needs.
● No. of evacuees
Post-disaster Day 3*5

Currently*6(March 14, 2011)(As of January 16, 2014)

Approx. 470,000#2

270,306 #3

Evacuees outsideof the prefecture*6

Evacuees in temporary
housing*7

Three prefecture total: 56,944  Iwate: 1,486  Miyagi: 7,094  Fukushima: 48,364

No. of residents:
102,650 #4
No. of temporary units:
46,275 #4(As of January 16, 2014)(As of October 2013)#2: Total evacuees confirmed in
Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima,
Ibaraki, and Tochigi (as reported
by prefectural disaster response
divisions).
#3: National total.
#4: Cabinet Office.
Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima,
Ibaraki, Tochigi, Chiba, and Nagano.

● Percentage of public housing units being constructed (as of the end of November 2013)*7
Total number of public housing units indicated as required by prefectures: 21,811• No. of public housing units completed: 509 (2%)• No. of public housing units being constructed (land has been secured): 13,231 (61%)● Percentage of public school facilities restored (as of the end of November 2013)*7
Total number of schools that have requested, or plan to request, public school facility recovery assistance: 2,310
No. of schools that have completed recovery projects: 2,161 (94%)● Percentage of child care facilities that have completed recovery (as of the end of February 2013)*5
Total number of child care facilities that have implemented, or plan to implement, disaster assessments: 701
No. of child care facilities that have completed recovery project construction work indicated in disaster assessments: 580 (83%)

  *4: FY2012/FY2011 Number of Consultations relating to Spousal Violence at Spouse
Violence Consultation Support Centers (Gender Equality Bureau, Cabinet Office)(July 24, 2013 / July 2, 2012)*5: Reconstruction: Current Status and Initiatives (Reconstruction Agency) (November
29, 2013)
  *6: Number of Evacuees Nationwide (Reconstruction Agency) (January 28, 2014)*7: Current State of Reconstruction (Reconstruction Agency) (January 17, 2014)*1: FY2012 Survey Report on Psychosocial Care for Children During Disasters (Ministryof Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) (July 2013)*2: Iwate Prefecture Children and Families Division, Miyagi Prefecture Child-Rearing
Support Division, and Fukushima Prefecture Children and Families Division (as ofJanuary 2014)*3: Number of Child Abuse Consultations at Child Consultation Centers in FY2012(preliminary figures)  (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) (July 2013)6

Psychosocial Support
Children who have experienced natural or other disasters normally suffer from a significant degree of anxiety as a result of
the shock of losing something precious or sudden environmental changes. The affected areas of the Tohoku region are
no exception, where even today, three years after the disaster, there are many reports of such anxiety and shock. In
order to heal psychological wounds and overcome difficult
memories, children must receive love and assistance fromadults as well as appropriate long-term care. However,
although nearly three years have passed since the disaster,
many of the facilities and services available in the affectedareas are still temporary. Moreover, there are growing levelsof stress and anxiety that differ from the challenges faced
directly following the disaster. The adults looked on to support
children have become visibly impacted by the situation.
JCU launched a psychosocial support campaign directly
after the disaster in order to restore a sense of normalcy inchildren’s lives, which had been instantly taken away by thedisaster. The campaign includes providing children with safe
places to play (UNICEF Child-Friendly Spaces) and extending
assistance to teachers at preschools and kindergartens whogive their everything to support the children. Today, JCU continues psychosocial support through: 1) assistance for establishing local systems; and 2) direct psychosocial assistanceprovided by psychosocial care experts.

themselves. Participants havecommended thetrainings on thepracticality of its
contents immediately usable intheir own interactions with children, and on therefreshing insights Many participants positively voiced their intent toincorporate the training into their daily work
offered throughthe self-care play methods. From 2012, higher-level professional training has also been offered to psychologists at children consultation centers and at the Iwate Child Care Center.
In 2013, training workshops were held a total of 78 times
in Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima for 820 participants (including children and parents at affected facilities).

Direct Assistance

I For Children in Fukushima

There are proven methods to engage and play with childrenthat effectively facilitate recovery from traumatic stress.
However, adults who interact with children on a daily basis,such as at preschool or kindergarten, have not always been
trained in such skills or knowledge. Initially provided to childcaregivers and kindergarten teachers, today JCU provides
training opportunities for parents as well as local government
staff and community groups involved in child and child-rearing
assistance in order to boost the fundamental capacity ofcommunities to support their children. These trainings havebeen available since the disaster and incorporate easily implementable skills and knowledge. They respond to direct
requests from local governments and are implemented inpartnership with the Japan Association for Play Therapy. Clinical psychologists are dispatched to serve as instructors at
each of the trainings, where they introduce from an expert
perspective ways to interact with children working to overcome difficult experiences, useful play methods for restoringa sense of comfort, and ways for adults to also take care of

In Fukushima, since June 2011 JCU has partnered with the
Fukushima Society of Certified Clinical Psychologists to dispatch clinical psychologists and child caregivers to places
where families gather, such as regular infant checkups, andto the Child Recuperation Project. These clinical psychologists provide psychosocial care for parents and children.
In response to a request from the Fukushima Prefectural
Government, JCU has also partnered with NPO YAMAGATACHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT CIRCLELAND in Yamagata,where more than 5,000 Fukushima residents have chosen
to live due to radiation concerns. Here, JCU and its partner
work together to create places for mothers and children tomeet and provide consultative support through clinical psychologists.
Working together with the Fukushima Association for
UNICEF, JCU also implemented the “Let’s Play! The Outdoors Playtime Project”, a bus fieldtrip project that provided
47,000 preschool and kindergarten children the opportunity
to play outside at safe locations right after the nuclear power
plant disaster. In 2013, JCU continued support for the Fukushima Child Recuperation Project, which is implemented inpartnership with the Fukushima Association for UNICEF, theFukushima Consumers’ Cooperative Union and Fukushima
University Institute of Disaster Recovery and Revitalization.

Using toys to express feelings

Children fishing for rainbow trout

Assistance for Establishing Local Systems

7

In this way, JCU continues to provide children opportunities
to play with their friends and caretakers in a safe setting,without radiation concerns, during weekends and vacations.

Child-Friendly Spaces: Creating a new JapaneseStandard for Disaster Relief
Many organizations participated in assistance programmesthat incorporated Child-Friendly Spaces in areas affected by
the East Japan Earthquake. Psychosocial care experts andothers who were on the front lines of assistance communicated to JCU their desire to make Child-Friendly Spaces
the standard for Japanese disaster relief, as well as theneed for a standard policy to use on the ground. JCU has
partnered with the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP) to create a Japanese version of the UNICEF
guide A Practical Guide for Developing Child-Friendly
Spaces (2010), including practical version examples fromthe Japanese experience. In November 2013, the Japanese version of the Child-Friendly Spaces Guidebook was
released at the Japanese Diet Members’ Office Building.
The guidebook was distributed to organizations providing
assistance to children mainly in theaffected areas aswell as local governments. The
guidebooks arealso being used at
NCNP training
seminars offered
to first responders, doctors, andother relevant The guidebook cover was designed by clay artist
Fujii Kakuho, who was selected from among
personnel.
many entrants in the cover design competition
The guide book
(Japanese only) can be downloaded from the following link:
http://www.unicef.or.jp/kinkyu/japan/2013_archive.html

I For Children in Iwate and Miyagi

In Iwate and Miyagi, JCU has provided much needed supplies, psychological care, and assistance in reconstruction ofaffected preschools and kindergartens, many using borrowed
spaces and temporary facilities, since the disaster. In addition
to children, a large number of adults at these locations werealso in need of psychological care. As such, JCU has partnered with the Japan Association for Play Therapy in a continued effort to extend psychological care to teachers,
guardians, and households with children who have lost theirparents in certain areas of Iwate and Miyagi.
Meanwhile, while the Kamaishi City Government established a Child Section at their offices in April 2011, the disaster made funding an ongoing problem, leaving them unable
to provide a variety of services. In 2013, JCU provided a fullrange of assistance, including screening kits needed toprovide children with psychological care, training on
the usage of the kits, othernecessities such as personal files and cabinets, and avehicle to use for outreach.

A new K-type development test tools
provided to Kamaishi Child Section

What are Child-Friendly Spaces?

Prayer Tree Project8“ECD (Early Childhood Development)
Kit” used at Child-Friendly Spaces
across the world. Each case contains
enough colorful educational toys for 50
children and can be used to transform
any location into a kindergarten orpreschool. These kits delivered muchneeded assistance to the affected areas
following the East Japan Earthquake©UNICEF/NYHQ2009-1037/Markisz

The UNICEF Prayer Tree Project has been ongoing since 2011
and is a part of JCU’s psychosocial care programme. During
the past three years, more than 3,000 designers, arts college
students, and others have participated in the creation of
special ornaments used to decorate trees in the affectedareas. In 2013, JCU worked with the Kanagawa Association
for UNICEF and volunteers to hold workshops and set up
trees in Reconstruction Village in Kesennuma, Miyagi. At thecenter of Reconstruction Village stands the eight-meter ”Kizuna-no-To” Tower—representing the height of the tsunami. On
the occasion of the third Christmas since the disaster, ornaments created by designers, art college students and local
children were used to decorate
the tower. One mother who
brought her children to Reconstruction Village to participate in
the ornament making workshop
told JCU, “This year I thought it
might be okay to start celebrating Christmas again.” Workshops were also held in Iwate
and Yamagata with the cooperation of generous local volunteers. Building on previous
years, 2013 also proved to be ayear where many children andparents were able to enjoy am e m o r a b l e w i n t e r h o l i d ay The completed Prayer Tree at
Reconstruction Village
season.

Natural disasters and armed conflict are an unfortunate frequent occurrence in the world in which we live. In light of
this, UNICEF works to secure Child-Friendly Spaces forchildren in need. Child-Friendly Spaces are safe spaces
where children can comfortably be themselves. These
spaces aim at providing children who have instantly losttheir everyday life and live in harsh conditions with opportunities to restore a normal daily routine and mend their
psychological wounds.
The spaces provide children a place to play and learn, as
well as a place to engage in, and learn about, activities that
support healthy psychological and physical growth.

6 Imperatives of Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS)❶ CFS are secure and safe environments for children.
❷ CFS provide a stimulating and supportive
environment for children.
❸ CFS are built on existing structures and capacities
within a community.
❹ CFS use a fully participatory approach for thedesign and implementation.
❺ CFS provide a diverse range of activities and support.
❻ CFS are inclusive and non-discriminatory.

Child Protection
Child Assault Prevention (CAP)The East Japan Earthquake completely changed the living
environment of children in the affected areas. Children lostfamily, relatives, and friends. Many children were forced tolive away from their houses and communities and attend
other schools. Play areas were scarce. It has also become difficult for people to actively involve themselves in child-rearing. This is particularly true for middle-age adults, who face
the challenge of trying to rebuild the foundation of their families’ livelihood, but also for grandparents and community
members who once played an active role in child-rearing. This
year, the third year after the disaster, adults and those who
support children who have lost one or both of their parents
face an ever-growing burden.
JCU provides assistance aimed at preventing violence andother potential negative impacts on life at home and childrearing caused by the growing anxiety and stress among
adults supporting children. JCU assistance also aims atstrengthening child-rearing support in the affected communities, many of which have experienced a falling birth rate andaging society prior to the disaster. Since 2011, JCU has continued assistance with a mid- to long-term view whileworking together with Japanese expert groups and local governments in the affected areas.

The Child Assault Prevention (CAP) training programme provides opportunities for children and adults who are in supporting roles for children to understand the significance andimportance of others’ human rights. The CAP programmealso helps build confidence and courage, and is implemented
with the objective of preventing violence toward children. The
CAP programme was developed in the United States in thelate 1970s and today is in place at primary and junior highschools throughout Japan. JCU has introduced the CAP programme as a pillar of its assistance in areas affected by theEast Japan Earthquake. JCU has partnered with Japan CAP
Training & Action (J-CAPTA), an organization promoting the
CAP programme in Japan, to host CAP workshops for local
children and adults at preschools, kindergartens, primary andjunior high schools, child welfare facilities, and public halls.

Child-Rearing Support for Fathers
The number of fathers taking
enjoyment in child-rearing issteadily increasing. However,workers involved in child-rearing
support still struggle to answer
important questions such as how
to empower fathers to carry out astronger parental role and how
support should be provided tothat end. Currently, there is no
sufficient social assist ance
scheme in place for single-father
households or fathers, making
this a challenge that surpasses the bounders of the affected areas alone. JCU creates opportunities to share its
knowledge and experience gained from assistance activities with individuals involved in child-rearing support acrossJapan, such as by holding symposia and making its assistance tools and materials public.

Support for Single Father Household andFathering Assistance
Following the East Japan Earthquake, various factors led tomany fathers assuming a greater child-rearing role in thefamily. However, limited assistance appears to be available
for fathers in this role.
The Single-Father Household and Fathering Assistance
Project was launched in October 2011 in partnership with the
Niiza Childcare Support Network. Through this project, fathering assistance training that imparts techniques, knowledge,
and information relating to supporting single-father households and fathers is provided to individuals working on thefrontlines of child assistance, including child caregivers, healthnurses, child instructors, local government staff, and social
workers. During the third year of the project’s implementation, JCU utilized the experience and tools accumulated overthe previous two years in Miyagi and Iwate to officiallyexpand the project to Fukushima. The number of training
workshops held in 2013 mainly in response to local government requests totaled 4, and attendance totaled 117 people.

Fathers Left Alone in Fukushima
In Fukushima, there are many
fathers living alone, as their children and spouse have moved toareas within and outside of Fukushima where radiation levels arelower. To support those fathers left
alone, an informational magazine
called “Empowering Fukushima
Fathers” has been released. The
magazine contains information
relating to child-rearing and is
distributed to fathers facing theunique circumstances of Fukushima. Fukushima-born actor
Toshiyuki Nishida voiced a message of encouragement toFukushima fathers through JCU: “The circumstances are
difficult for parents and children alike, but it is importantthat the feelings of parents who are concerned with protecting their children are communicated.” Fathering assistance tools used in the three affected prefectures,
including “Empowering Fukushima Fathers (Japaneseonly)”, can be downloaded from the following link: http://
www.unicef.or.jp/kinkyu/japan/2013_archive.html

Training workshops in Soma and other cities focused on explaining thechallenges unique to Fukushima in addition to those common among all
affected areas

9Another outcome of this partnership is to train new CAP specialists. CAP specialist training is provided for teachers, local
government staff, and other individuals working and interested
in working for children . Between April and December 2013, a
total of 227 CAP workshops were held in Iwate, Miyagi, andFukushima for 5,320 people (2,509 children and 2,811 adults).

themselves—faced an increasingly difficult situation.
In September 2012 in Kesen, Iwate, JCU launched theFoster Family Support Project in cooperation with the Japan
National Council of Family Support Center, its local family
support center Taiyo, foster family support organizations, andother partners. Through the project, awareness raising andtraining are provided to social workers and other local assistance providers. In 2013, the programme was also launchedin Kesennuma, Miyagi. In August 2013, JCU partnered with
the Iwate Foster Family Association to provide foster parents
with a much-needed opportunity to rest and recuperate aswell as an opportunity for foster children to get together.

Speak to Someone:
A Radio Commercial by Ogi Mama
In August 2011, as many people still suffered the hardshipsof long-term life at shelters, JCU released a series of radio
commercials raising awareness on the importance of notifications to child consultation centers in order to preventthe mounting stress of that situation from leading to violence and abuse to children. These commercials were provided to FM stations in the affected areas. In 2013, amidst
continuous reports of increasing cases of child abuse in
the affected areas, a radio message recorded by special
guest Ogi Mama (a character played by education critic
Naoki Ogi) was broadcasted by FM stations in the affectedareas in the Tohoku region.

Training Assistance for After-School Care Staff
During the third year following the disaster, a stable lifestyleand close relationship with adults become important components of child assistance. In light of this, after-school carecenters are looked on to fulfill a major role. Since April 2013,
JCU has supported training opportunities for Kesennuma’s
after-school care staff to improve their skills in response to therequest of the Kesennuma City Government (Miyagi). This programme was implemented in partnership with the Miyagi
After-School Care Emergency Assistance Project and with thecooperation of the National Association for After-School Care.
In 2013, trainings were held seven times, and shuttle busses
were provided for training workshops in Sendai and other locations to facilitate staff attendance.

Assistance for Foster Families
Areas affected by the East Japan Earthquake had experienced a declining birth rate and aging population since before
the disaster. Many families taking care of children orphanedby the disaster were
either elderly or individu a l s w i t h o u t ch i l d r e a r i n g ex p e r i e n c e .
Moreover, while communities had not yet
fully recovered from thedamage incurred by thedisaster, many foster On September 15, 2013, reports on foster familyfamilies that had sup- assistance and other initiatives were delivered
ported orphan children by JCU partners from Iwate, Miyagi, andsince before the disas- Fukushima at the International Foster Careter—and the children Organization (IFCO) World Conference in Osaka

Participants attempting to punch through a newspaper page. This is a lighthearted exercise incorporated into the training agenda to allow participants
to relieve stress and pent up frustration

Child-Friendly Reconstruction Plans
process. Meanwhile, in Soma, Fukushima, where JCU had
been assisting the restart of school, schools began usingclass time to provide students with opportunities to think
about reconstruction and disaster preparedness. Further, thisconcept was integrated into the city’s reconstruction plan.
Since the second half of 2011, JCU has partnered with
grand prize winners Takenaka Corporation, urban development specialists from Yamagata University, the Soma City
Government (Fukushima) and the Japan Adventure Playground Association to assist Child-Friendly Reconstruction
Plans. Based on the framework outlined on the following
page, JCU provides ongoing support for concrete activities
that fall under three main pillars of assistance: 1) community
reconstruction and study; 2) reconstruction and mini cities;
and 3) reconstruction and adventure playground. JCU continues to implement activities to share the opinions and ideas
generated from the three programmes with local governments (Hometown reconstruction networks).

UNICEF is active in more than 190 countries and territories
throughout the world. UNICEF support goes beyond traditional assistance where children are only aid recipients by creating opportunities for children to participate in various
processes and incorporating their opinions and ideas in assistance schemes and policy.
As assistance programmes pushed into full swing in theareas affected by the East Japan Earthquake, based on thisconcept of assistance, in May 2011 JCU supported the “International Competition for the Disaster Recovery Plan after theGreat East Japan Earthquake: Support for Wisdom andDreams”. The international competition was hosted by the
Association for Children’s Environment and over 500 people
from Japan and abroad, spanning children to area experts,
submitted their reconstruction plan ideas. The grand prize
went to a submission by Takenaka Corporation that proposed
exactly what JCU was looking for: a plan that positioned children from the affected areas as key actors in the reconstruction

10(1) Community Reconstruction and Study

Concept Diagram for Child-Friendly
Reconstruction Plan Assistance

I Soma, Fukushima

The Soma Board of Education (Fukushima) believes that providing children the opportunity to consider the future of theirhometown will contribute to reinforcing what they learn inschool and deepening their appreciation for life, as well as
allow for the imagination and energy of the children to fuelreconstruction efforts. As such, the Soma Board of Education
announced a new initiative: “Children Considering the East
Japan Earthquake”. JCU has supported this initiative since2011 upon request from the city of Soma. The initiative ispositioned as an official reconstruction activity within thecity’s reconstruction plan.
For the initiative, the city’s entire community of 15 primaryand junior high schools have used class time to encouragechildren to share their experiences and ideas from the disaster and to learn about the challenges their community faces
since the disaster. This is a process that allows them to consider the future of their hometown. On November 22, 2013, a
total of approximately 800 children—all 30 classes from allapplicable grades—attended the third annual report meetingalong with the Soma City Mayor and community residents.
Many presentations by children at the past two years’ events
focused on current concerns, hopes for reconstruction, andwords of gratitude. This year, however, the students presented with a stronger confidence and their presentations included concrete recommendations for reconstruction.
Some student groups learned about schools and community disaster-preparedness facilities and then presented
designs for disaster-resilient spaces. Others visited fisheryand agricultural associations and then presented on theimportance of countermeasures to harmful rumors and public
relations ideas that target consumers. All presentations wereoriginal and imaginative and highlighted the children’s appreciation for their nature-rich hometown as well as their determination to take hold of their own futures.

Reconstruction entails rebuilding from scratch, and is thus
a long-term undertaking. Based on a sincere reconstruction
philosophy that positions children as leaders of their towns’
reconstruction, the framework includes two curricula andfour assistance programmes that target two objectives:
1) healthy growth for children; and 2) hometown
reconstruction.

Two assistance objectives: 1) healthy growth forchildren; 2) hometown reconstruction
2011

Urban developmentfrom zeroYoungchildren

2021

Urban development
participation empowers
childrenChildren2031

New adults lead urban
development efforts

Reconstruction
together withchildren

Objective 1
Healthy
growth forchildrenHometown
affection andreconstruction

Adolescents• Towns where youth continue to live and work(community)
Sincerehometownreconstruction

Objective 2• Community-based ongoing urban development(NPOs, etc.)

Hometownreconstruction• A new landscape created by community members(community pride and beautification)• Cross-industry partnerships with diverse membership(creating new industries)

2 curricula and 4 assistance programmes
2 curricula

4 assistance programmes
1. Community reconstruction
and study

Curriculum 1:

2. Reconstruction andmini cities

Reconstruction:play, learning

3. Reconstruction andadventure playground

Reconstruction
togetherwith children

Implementing Entity

NPOs,
etc.

Local
governments,
etc.

(Education
administrations)

4. Hometown reconstruction
networks

Curriculum 2:＋

Reconstruction:practice

Child participation inreconstruction
Urban development regulations(Urbandevelopment
administrations)

4. Hometown reconstruction networks
Local government

Imaginary“client”

SchoolReconstruction
Community reconstruction
implementation 1. Request forand study
consideration
plan(workshops, etc.)
Chief/staff,
consultants, etc.
3. Report meeting
5. Reflection of
concrete plan

2. Survey,
deliberations,planning

Presentations at the “Furusato Soma Children’s Reconstruction Council”
Child“researcher”

I Sendai, Miyagi

The coastal Wakabayashi district of Sendai was catastrophically damaged by the tsunami. However, the area surrounding
Shichigo Primary School evaded the heavy damage sufferedby neighboring areas. This area is currently undergoing significant changes due to the construction of new permanent
housing for affected residents and a new subway station.
Responding to a request from Shichigo Primary School tocreate an opportunity for the school’s children to think about
their hometown’s future, at the end of 2012 JCU supported aworkshop entitled “The Future of Shichigo Village – Vision forthe community on my 20th birthday”. Additional workshops
were held for sixth-year students from the same school
where they built models of what they hoped their towns
would look like in 10 to 15 years time.
The 2013 presentations showed a level of concretenessnonexistent in the city plans they presented just a year

4. Evaluation

1. The local government assumes the role of the imaginary “client” andsubmits a request to each school for consideration of theme-based
reconstruction plans.
2. Children assume the role of child “researchers”, receive the request
for deliberations and conduct planning.
3. Children provide recommendations to the local government (chief/
staff).
4. The local government evaluates the possibility of implementing therecommendations as well as other measures and then provides
feedback.
5. The local government employs experts and others to reflect thechildren’s recommendations in specific reconstruction projects.
Excerpt from materials produced by Takenaka Corporation andYamagata University.

11

purchase products or services produced by other children.
Children had fun while learning about social systems and thetrue meaning and importance of work.
In 2012, the children tended to rely on adults for support
and guidance. In 2013, however, even during the preparatory
stages that took place during summer vacation when children
visited stores and held meetings, a change became apparent
in their approach to the process. Many children presented
greater autonomy in proactively leading the initiative. The
momentum will not cease with this event alone; preparations
are underway for a 2014 event so that the initiative becomesa contributing process to the growth of children and reconstruction of their town.

before. Their proposed initiatives were also more
concrete and realistic.
Before the workshop, students took to the town’s
streets to sur vey thecurrent conditions. Their
models not only included
their desired changes to Children consider the future of theirhometown, asking the question: “Whattheir community, but their should be preserved and what could beideas for heritage that improved?”should be preserved andnot changed as well.

I(3) Adventure Playground
Otsuchi, Iwate

The lack of safe places for children to play has become anincreasingly serious problem following the disaster. In many
affected areas, locations of new housing and businesses have
yet to be identified even today as Japan approaches the threeyear mark since the disaster, leaving few places for children tosafely play. The affected areas continue to face difficult conditions. JCU has partnered with the Japan Adventure Playground
Association to extend assistance that provides children with
opportunities to engage in normal play activities. This isachieved not through parks and other facilities made available
by adults, but through “play parks” that children use to createplay activities, as well as delivery of “play cars” loaded withtools that children can use to create their own activities. Since
2012, JCU has dispatched “play leaders” to facilitate opportunities for children to play. Meanwhile, in affected areas of Iwate,
JCU works together with local residents to secure play parksand other safe play spaces in reconstruction plans.
In October 2013, the Reconstruction Agency selected
activities using play leaders and play cars conducted by theJapan Adventure Playground Association in the affected areas
as a pilot project for “A New Tohoku”. JCU will continue towork to increase the number of available play cars and train
new play leaders so that play opportunities can be extended
to children in a wider range of communities in the future.

In Otsuchi, efforts are underway to rebuild several affectedprimary and junior high schools into a single integrated structure. Since October 2012, JCU has supported three “Future
Classroom” workshops where children proposed ideas for their
new school. In March 2013, JCU compiled and submitted areport regarding the initiative to the Otsuchi Town Government.
The report includes a record of the three workshops and asubsequent opinion exchange held between the children. It
also presents a list of reconstruction recommendations
based on a suggested design policy crafted with technicaland expert input to incorporate the children’s ideas. A separate version of the report was also drafted for the childrenthat includes commentary by experts on their proposedmodel and feedback to each idea.
The Otsuchi Board of Education expressed their positive
intent to realize the children’s ideas: “We really hoped toreflect the children’s ideas in the design specification document, but we had trouble incorporating them ‘as is’. We weredelighted to see that their ideas have been compiled submitted in the form of a design policy proposal.” When Otsuchi
opened their public search for contractors for construction of
the integrated school in spring 2013, the report was includedin the announcement as a reference document. JCU-delegated experts continue to support this construction project asadvisors in order to realize the construction of a school thatreflects the opinions of its children.

Night Lighting Returns to Minamisanriku
The Shizugawa district of Minamisanriku, Miyagi wasseverely affected by the East Japan Earthquake. Before thedisaster, children from youth sports associations in the areapracticed after school at Matsubara Field, a facility withnight lighting. That field was destroyed by the tsunami, andas many schools currently utilize temporary facilities, thechildren have been forced to commute to fields located far
away for practice. This creates an immense burden for children’s parents, who must drive the children to the faraway
locations. This has also forced some children to quit or giveup joining teams. Minamisanriku residents are sincere in
their wish to provide a place for their town’s children to
enjoy sports, which are an important community pastime.
In response to strong requests from the town’s residents,
JCU decided to support the installation of night lighting at
the field of Shizugawa
Primary School. At 6:00
p.m. on July 31, thetown once again
enjoyed hearing theenergetic cheers of
their town’s children as
they played on theschool’s newly lit field.

(2) Mini Cities
In 2012, nearly 1,700 children took part in an event called “Ishinomaki: A Children’s Town”. The event drew on the ideas,
dreams, and energy of children to provide special play andlearning stations where children interacted within the framework of a mini city. The event is implemented by NPOs, civicorganizations, local shopping areas, and other groups. JCU continued its support of the event’s implementation again in 2013.
Despite the rainy weather, the 2013 event attracted morethan 1,000 children during its two days. Children were able totry their hand at jobs theywant to do in the future atmock offices and stores,
including hospitals, banks,
bakeries, and television stations. At the event, children
searched for mock job
vacancies and then used
the money saved through
A UNICEF House makes an appearance
doing that “work” (stone
in 2013. Children worked on public“makis” ser ved as the relations and as shop staff “selling”
s p e c i a l c u r r e n c y ) t o UNICEF greeting cards

12

Education
After a natural disaster or other major event that causes significant changes to the environment, UNICEF’s number-one priority is quickly returning children to school. The role of theeducational environment—including schools, kindergartens,
and preschools—goes beyond learning alone. It plays theimportant role of restoring a sense of normalcy in children’s
lives. Further, the return of students and teachers to schools
and the start of a new semester communicate that normalcy
to the greater community.

Facilities to Support Children and the GreaterCommunity

I Onagawa, Miyagi

Onagawa, Miyagi suffered tremendous damage from the East
Japan Earthquake, with nearly 70% of its buildings being
washed away by the tsunami. The few remaining areas wereused for temporary housing and other essential facilities,
depriving children of safe places to play. JCU supported theconstruction of after-school care centers in order to secure
places to play for children after school. These trailer housefacilities have been dubbed “Orange Houses”, and as of 2013
three were available (one was donated by actor Masatoshi
Nakamura to Onagawa) for targeted purposes: 1) legal consultations for local residents; 2) child-rearing related assistanceactivities; and 3) school counselor consultations. In this way,
the facilities are being used to provide vital services to boththe children and adult community. Onagawa Town staff told
JCU, “We really needed space to conduct individual consultations, so these facilities are tremendously appreciated.”

Preschool and Kindergarten Reconstruction
Assistance Project
Responding to requests from local governments in Iwate,
Miyagi, and Fukushima, JCU has extended assistance for thereconstruction and large-scale refurbishments to preschool
and kindergarten buildings, child welfare facilities, and healthrelated facilities. JCU has supported the reconstruction of 14
permanent and temporary facilities based on three fundamental principles: 1) creating child-focused environments aswell as child participation; 2) building spaces that provide asense of warmth and comfort; and 3) connecting communities with nature. All of these facilities were completed by theend of January 2013. In 2013, architects visited each of the
facilities they helped
design and confirmed
how they were being
used. In Iwate, Otsuchi
Preschool and Takekoma
Preschool both received
new temporar y schoolbuildings in 2013 andwe r e a b l e t o r e s t a r t
A graduation ceremony held at Asahi
classes in their new, comKindergarten’s new building infortable facilities.
Minamisanriku in March 2013
Name of Facility

NumberofChildrenResidents are very grateful for the precious space provided by Onagawa
Orange Houses

I Futaba, Fukushima

Fut aba, Fukushima wasforced to evacuate as a town
to the former school buildingof Kisai High School in Kazo,
Saitama. There, in August
2011 JCU supported the creation of the “Futaba Hiroba”, aspecial space where children Futaba Hiroba takes up a corner of
can play. The evacuation former Kisai High School’s gymnasium
shelter closed in December 2013; however, the Futaba Government plans to utilize the equipment and materials provided by
JCU at a new child facility planned for construction in Iwaki,
Fukushima in accordance with the transition of the town’s
administrative functions to Iwaki.

Completion Date

1

Otsuchi Preschool (Otsuchi, Iwate)77

May 2011

2

Kirikiri Preschool (Otsuchi, Iwate)

43

August 2011

3

Himawari Preschool(Ishinomaki, Miyagi)

91

November 2011

4

Sanpo Preschool (Iwaki, Fukushima)

105

November 2011

5

Midori Kindergarten (Otsuchi, Iwate)

56

January 2012

6

Takekoma Preschool(Rikuzentakata, Iwate)

40

March 2012

7

Oshika Area Preschool(Ishinomaki, Miyagi)

31

June 20128

Inai Preschool (Ishinomaki, Miyagi)

81

July 2012

9

Asahi Kindergarten(Minamisanriku, Miyagi)

51

July 201210

Fuji Kindergarten (Yamamoto, Miyagi)

110

August 201211

Mother’s Home (Kesennuma, Miyagi)

33

September 201212

Makisawa Kibou Preschool (Former
Ikkeijima Preschool Kesennuma, Miyagi)

26

September 201213

Ashinome Kindergarten Child-Rearing
Support Center (Kesennuma, Miyagi)

179

December 2012

14

Watari Child Care Center (Watari, Miyagi)

71

December 2012

I Minamisoma, Fukushima

After the disaster, four primary schools in the Odaka district,which was designated as an evacuation area, were forced tomove to temporary school buildings built on the grounds of
two schools in Minamisoma. In spring 2013, the decision wasmade to integrate the four schools into a single temporary
location at Kashima Junior High School while Minamisoma
began the construction of laboratories and other specialclassrooms. Responding to a request from the Minamisoma
City Government, JCU has subsidized the purchase of materials for use in these special classrooms.

As of the end of February 201313

Supporting the Children / From Support Sites
The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, a UNICEF
Goodwill Ambassador, extends a musicalmessage of encouragement to children from
Soma, Fukushima

Public Relations and Advocacy
Advocating Policy at the National Level

The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra has provided immense
support since the East Japan Earthquake through activities suchas charity concerts. A quintet that visited Miyagi in 2011 returned
for two days between September 21–22, 2013 to visit Soma,
Fukushima. There, they toured primary schools heavily damagedby the disaster to attend reopening ceremonies and teach musicclasses as guest instructors, using their world-renowned music
talents to bring smiles to the faces of children.
© JCU/2013/G.Bando

As a member of the Great East Japan Earthquake Child
Assistance Network, JCU organizes child assistance opinion
exchanges at the National Diet Members’ Building. As of
November 2013, JCU has held the “Discussion on Great East
Japan Earthquake Child Assistance” a total of 10 times since
the meeting started in May 2011. On these occasions, JCU
has taken the opportunity to report on its activities in theregion, and in doing so discuss and coordinate with affected
local government and civil society organizations active in theaffected areas.

Soccer star Makoto Hasebe visiting the newly
completed Asahi Kindergarten
Soccer star Makoto Hasebe supported the reconstruction of
Asahi Kindergarten in Minamisanriku, Miyagi using among
others, the royalties from his book “Kokoro o totonoeru: Shorio taguriyoseru tame no 56 no shukan” (Train Your Spirit: 56
Practices to Becoming a Winner). He had visited the school
twice, once in 2011 and again in 2012, before visiting again in
June 2013 to meet the children at their newly completed
school, where he was greeted with an immensely energetic,“Welcome back!”

120 junior high and high school students from Soma who participate inschool wind instrument clubs were invited to attend the concert

Three UNICEF Photo Exhibitions©JCU/2013/satomi matsui

Three photo exhibitions continued a tour of fourteen locations
across Japan in 2013. These exhibitions were: 1) “Children
and the 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami – UNICEF atwork”, an exhibition comprised of photographic records of thedisaster taken by news agencies and photographers as well
as photos of the JCU programme; 2) the “EYE SEETOHOKU” exhibition, presenting photos of the affected areas
taken by affected children; and 3) “Happy Birthday 3.11”,
which presents photos of children born on the day of thedisaster and their families.

From the Affected Areas“Seeing the wonderful new school building and its rich natural environment
was profound because it was the realization of the support from so many
people who had graciously purchased my book” (Makoto Hasebe)Children Reaching Out to Say “Thank You”

United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF Goodwill
Ambassadors Manchester United meet withchildren who have evacuated their hometowns
in Fukushima

In 2013, the UNICEF House in Tokyo received visits from large
number of children, including from Daiichi Junior High School
and Akasaki Junior High School in Ofunato, Iwate, Hebita
Junior High School in Ishinomaki, Miyagi, as well as Onagawa
Junior High School in Onagawa, Miyagi. At the UNICEF
House, the children extended messages of gratitude for JCU’s
assistance and expressed their strong determination to use
their youth and energy to revitalize their communities.

©JCU/2013/M.Miura

On July 22, 2013, players
from famous English soccer
team Manchester United—ateam that supports children
around the world together
with UNICEF—visited Fukushima children temporarily
living in Kanagawa prefecture. They were received at
Fukushima Café (Yokohama) Children presented the playersby the children, who present- with tea and traditional Fukushima
ed the players with a song sweets
and traditional Japanese tea. The players returned the gesturewith free tickets to their upcoming exhibition match along witha strong message about the importance of dreams.

Third-year students representing Hebita
Junior High School present a song
about their local community

14

A traditional fisherman’s flag
presented to JCU by Daiichi JuniorHigh School, Ofunato

Iwate: Making New Friends

play programme. As such, in
2013, 239 events were heldfor 9,524 people. Since activities started in 2011, the total
number of people participatingin these events totals 63,385.
W ith immense backing
from our supporters, we have Children smiling as they play with
been able to assist the recu- animals during an event of theperation of a great number of Fukushima Child Recuperation Projectchildren and parents. Our account balance for the period
beginning April 2013 and ending December 2013 indicates
total revenues of ¥69,069,395 and expenses of ¥52,069,246.  
In Fukushima, JCU supports the Fukushima Society of Certified Clinical Psychologists and CAP Fukushima. Together withthese organizations, we are conducting deliberations with theChild-Rearing Section of the Fukushima Prefectural Government in order to strengthen ties with the prefecture.
At present, children are unable to enjoy playing outside ona regular basis, which has led to a growing obesity problem. I
am hoping to create facilities in the Fukushima suburbs whereradiation levels are low, where we can regularly monitor levels
and ensure children always have a place to play outside freely.

Ms. Ayako Fujiwara,
Secretary General, Iwate Association for UNICEF
In 2013, the Iwate Association for UNICEF has continued its
assistance programme in close cooperation with JCU. This
year, a large number of children participated in summer vacation film screenings, board game events, flower planting, thePrayer Tree Project, and other activities.
Exchanges were held for the third time with the Otsuchi
Agudomame Kids’ Chorus and the Morioka City Kyara Hall
Boys’ and Girls’ Choir. On July 27 an interactive concert washeld at Otsuchi Shiroyama Gymnasium. Each event provided
an opportunity for guests to sing together, reinforcing theirconnection and solidarity, and making for both a fun and meaningful concert. At the Morioka City Kyara Hall Boys’ and Girls’
Choir 20th anniversary concert scheduled for February 2014,
children will attend a presentation of the children opera “Gauche
the Cellist”. In the effort to provide full support for psychosocial support and child protection programmes, wewill continue partnerships
with CAP Iwate and CAP
Ria (created after thedisaster) in order to do
everything possible torestore smiles to theMorioka City Kyara Hall Boys’ and Girls’
faces of affected children
Choir July 2013 Concert
in Iwate.

Japanese UNICEF Staff Dispatched
to Provide Support
Noriko Izumi, Nigeria Office; Naoko Imoto, Haiti Office; Yuko
Osawa, Yemen Office; Mariko Kagoshima, Honduras Office;Masahiro Kato, Afghanistan Office; Osamu Kunii, Somalia
Office; Yoko Kobayashi, Sri Lanka Office; Yuji Taketomo,
Afghanistan Office; Maki Noda, Iraq Office (formerly with
the Cambodia Office); Miho Fukuhara, New York Headquarters; Suguru Mizunoya, Kenya Office; and Tadashi Yasuda,
Vietnam Office.

Miyagi: Communicating Children’s Ideas
Ms. Eiko Igarashi,
Secretary General, Miyagi Association for UNICEF
We are now at the point where we must speak of the East
Japan Earthquake as something that happened three years ago.
While we are making progress toward recovery, many of theaffected areas are still just cleared, empty spaces. It is vital that
we communicate the success stories of those overcoming
adversity in the affected areas before what happened nearly
three years ago is forgotten as a thing of the past. The road torecovery should be traveled while taking special care to remember, not forget, the importance of life, kindness, and warm-heartedness that we have all learned as a result of experiencing theearthquake and tsunami. We will continue to implement JCU’s
programmes together with thevarious partners we have worked
with since the disaster. We will
also be making efforts at disseminating and implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Childin accordance with the event“Toward Practicing and Disseminating the United Nations Con- Children learning about society
vention on the Rights of the Child: through play at “Ishinomaki: A
20 years since ratification, calling Children’s Town”
on Japan 2013–2015”.

* Refers to activities undertaken within the half-year from March 2011

Iwate in the Third Year
UNICEF Tanzania Office, Health Manager,
Mr. Tadashi Yasuda©UNICEF/TANZANIA/2013/THOMAS LYIMO

At the time of the East Japan
Earthquake, I was working at
the UNICEF Vietnam Office.
As news about the disastergrew clearer, I felt a strong
calling to return to Japan to
help. I can still rememberthat feeling even today. Then,I r e c e i ve d o r d e r s f r o m Today, Mr. Tadashi Yasuda works
to protect children in Tanzania
UNICEF Headquarters totravel to Iwate as an expert to provide emergency assistance.
The activities I conducted together with JCU prioritized speed
and, as a result, we were able to meet the needs of local governments as they gradually restored their capacity to provide
assistance. Participating in emergency relief in my own
country made me realize the strength of Japan in terms of its
response to affected survivors and local governments. This
was a tremendous relief and made me very proud.
I used my summer vacation in 2013 to revisit the affectedareas with my family, as I wanted to teach my children about
the disaster. Standing in contrast to the breathtaking natural
beauty of Iwate, the mountains of debris that had crowded
the area after the disaster had since been replaced withgrassy vacant lots. That was a painful indicator of the long
path to reconstruction. It was also a reminder of the small
number of children in the affected areas. I have now beentransferred to the UNICEF Tanzania Office to work again on
assistance for developing countries. I pray from the bottom of
my heart for the rapid reconstruction of the Tohoku region andhave great expectations for the programmes of JCU.

Fukushima: Supporting Children throughOutside Play Opportunities
Mr. Kazuo Sato,
Secretary General, Fukushima Association for UNICEF
The Fukushima Child Recuperation Project continued to be
implemented in 2013. Between April and December 2013:
weekend events were held a total of 86 times for 2,918 individuals; recuperation events were implemented 6 times for 489
preschool-age children; 29 plans were implemented to facilitate
the reception of 827 Fukushima residents in other prefectures;and 5,290 individuals at 118 schools participated in the outside15

Three-Year Income and Expenses Report[Income] (March 14, 2011 to December 31, 2013)

(Units: Yen)

*1. Donations, including those directly contributed by overseas individuals, corporations,organizations, and other bodies.
*2. UNICEF national committees exist in 36 developed countries and territories aroundthe world and serve as pipelines for private contributions to UNICEF. Since March
2011, 16 of those committees (Australia, Austria, Canada, the Czech Republic,
France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, The Republic ofKorea, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States) havecontributed donations to JCU.

IncomeFrom JCU’s domestic operations expenses account

100,000,000
3,532,545,738

Donations received in Japan*1
Donations received from overseas*2

1,212,946,130

Total

4,845,491,868[Expenses] (March 14, 2011 to December 31, 2013)

(Units: Yen)

Expenses

Item / Details(to Dec. 2013)

Planned
Expenses*9

Planned
Expenses*9(to Dec. 2014)(from Jan. 2015)

Total

A. Emergency Relief Programme Expenses
1. Emergency Relief Supplies

Supplies Procurement Support

180,300,028

00Technical Support*3

7,009,489

00

7,009,489

Subtotal

187,309,517

00187,309,517

Restarting Health Checkups andSupplies Procurement Support

53,724,008

0

0

53,724,008

Nutrition Support Project

26,942,676

0026,942,676

Mother and Child Health (Breast feeding and pregnancy support,
vaccinations, facility building, etc.)

646,163,123

00646,163,123

School Feeds and Supplemental Food Support

128,695,355

00

128,695,355

Technical Support*3

93,147,340

500,000

500,000

94,147,340

Subtotal

948,672,502

500,000

500,000

949,672,502*10

Report P. 4
2. Health and Nutrition
Report P. 4

3. Education

180,300,028

Back-to-School

538,129,795

00Back-to-Preschool and Kindergarten

102,329,213

00102,329,213

Reconstruction and Repair for Preschools and Kindergartens

1,857,343,975

17,886,200

01,875,230,175

Junior High and High School Interscholastic Athletic Meets

67,528,498

00

67,528,498

Technical Support*3

40,747,354

499,800

500,000

41,747,154

Subtotal

2,606,078,835

18,386,000

500,000

2,624,964,835

4. Psychosocial Support UNICEF Children’s Bus Field Trips and Let’s Play! The OutdoorsPlaytime and Fukushima Child Recuperation Projects

153,672,936

39,500,000

39,500,000

232,672,936

41,972,464

200,000

042,172,464
5,146,885

Report P. 13

Report P. 7

UNICEF Children’s Mini Library Project,
Tegami Project and Prayer Tree Project

538,129,795

Supplies Procurement

5,146,88500IEC Materials, etc.*4

2,956,847

002,956,847

Technical Support*3

179,531,339

57,590,000

56,030,000

293,151,339
576,100,471

Subtotal

383,280,471

97,290,000

95,530,000

Advocacy*5

2,295,319

1,000,000

500,000

3,795,319

Report P. 9

IEC materials, etc.*4

2,021,302

002,021,302

Technical Support*3

61,966,956

12,520,000

12,195,000

86,681,956

Subtotal

66,283,577

13,520,000

12,695,000

92,498,577*11

5. Child Protection

6. Child-Friendly Reconstruction Plans
Report P. 10

Advocacy*5

3,942,405

1,400,000

1,400,000

6,742,405

Child-Friendly Reconstruction(creating play spaces and playgrounds)

67,610,301

10,240,000

9,240,000

87,090,301

Technical Support*

26,799,270

76,236,000

67,812,926

170,848,196

Subtotal

98,351,976

87,876,000

78,452,926

264,680,902

Reporting and Communication*682,313,641

2,100,000

8,600,000

93,013,641

3

7. Programme Reports and Communication 
Report P. 14

Subtotal

82,313,641

2,100,000

8,600,000

93,013,641

Total

4,372,290,519

219,672,000

196,277,926

4,788,240,445

B. On-Site Operations of Programme*7
Local Offices Rental, Communications, Transportation Expenses, etc.

33,777,596

930,000

930,000

35,637,596

Project Staff and Volunteers to Sites*8

21,385,827

114,000

114,000

21,613,827

Subtotal

55,163,423

1,044,000

1,044,000

57,251,423

Total

4,427,453,942

220,716,000

197,321,926

4,845,491,868*3.	Technical Support includes outsourcing expenses for programme or experts arranged through JCU’s partner organizations (including local publicbodies) in the implementation of its operations.
*4. IEC Materials, etc., comprises the production of information materials forthe affected people.
*5.	Advocacy consists of collaborating, organizing, and information sharing
with JCU’s partner organization (including website creation, consultation,
holding information meetings)*6. Reporting and Communication covers expenses for the production ofreports and publications, photo exhibitions, English translation of websites,
and film costs for videos and photographs.
*7.	On-Site Operations of Programme expenses are covered by the 100
million yen that was allocated by JCU for this purpose from its domestic
operations expenses at the start of disaster-related activities. Based on
auditor direction, transportation expenses for emergency relief activities,

which was included in On-Site Operations of All Activities on the six-monthreport, has been transferred to Emergency Relief Expenses.
*8. Project Staff and Volunteers to Sites expenses include living expenses andvolunteer insurance, but not salaries. Staff are considered employees of
UNICEF or JCU.
*9. Planned Expenses are amounts forecast as of January 31, 2014, and couldchange if there is a change in future conditions or the programme in thedisaster-affected area.
*10.	Reduced as a result of influenza vaccination subsidies falling below initial
forecasted costs.
*11. Forecasted expenditures were marked down in light of figures until 2013.

16

Note: This Income and Expenses Report was compiled as an easy-tounderstand summary of JCU’s programme. The report covers a 34-month
period from March 2011 (when the programme started) to December
2013. This is not JCU’s normal accounting period.

Programme Contributors
However, our programme continues, and will continue,
through partnerships with various specialist organizations, prefectural JCU associations, local government, and civil society.
Please check our website frequently for progress reports about
our various assistance activities. We are grateful for yourongoing understanding and support for JCU’s programme inresponse to the East Japan Earthquake.

The East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Emergency Relief
campaign marked the first time in nearly half a century that
UNICEF extended assistance to Japan, and it would not havebeen possible without the kind cooperation of countless individuals, corporations, and organizations. With a wish to
support children in need, people across Japan and around theworld donated generously to our campaign. JCU also received
material donations, logistical support, as well as advertisingand advocacy support for our programme from numerous corporations and organizations. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our generous supporters.
We ended our call for donations for East Japan Earthquake
and Tsunami Emergency Relief at the end of March 2013.

WebsiteEast Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Emergency Relief
http://www.unicef.or.jp/kinkyu/japan/en/2011.htm

List of Supporters and Partners (At March 31, 2013)
Cooperating Corporations and Organizations (In no particular order)

Companies and Groups Contributing ¥10,000,000 or More
AEON MALL Co., Ltd.; AEON RETAIL Co., Ltd.; ITOHAM FOODS INC.; FNS Charity Campaign (Fuji Television Network, Inc. andits 28 affiliated stations including Kansai Telecasting Corporation); MPS17; CROSS COMPANY CO., LTD.; SAGANO REALESTATE
CO., LTD.; Sharp Corporation, Sugarlady Cosmetic Inc.; Sugarlady Inc.; START TODAY CO., LTD.; Sony Corporation; DANONE
S.A.; Danone Japan Co., Ltd.; The 27th Annual Meeting of Japanese Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition; Thomas &Agnes Inc.; Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; NIPPONKOA Insurance Company, Limited; Noble Japan K.K.; B-R 31 ICE CREAM
CO., LTD.; Plenus Co., Ltd.; Sumitomo Mitsui Asset Management Company, Limited; MITSUBOSHI BELTING LTD.; YAOKO CO.,
LTD.; JAPAN POST BANK Co., Ltd.; Words & Music; WABCO Holdings Inc.
Material and Logistical Support
Cooperation was received from a wide range of corporations and organizations. Please refer to the One-Year Report for moredetails.
Grants Received for Fundraising
American Express International, Inc.; Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Organization, Corporations, and Other Bodies Cooperating in the Implementation and Operation of Support Activities
Board on Books for Young People (JBBY), Japan Association forPlay Therapy, Fukushima Society of Certified Clinical Psychologists,
Fukushima Transportation, Fukushima Kotsu Kanko, Fukushima
Junior Chamber, Fukushima Design, Fukushima Child Recuperation
Project, YAMAGATA CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT CIRCLELAND[Health and Nutrition]
Aomori University of Health and Welfare, Special Committee for
Supporting Mothers and Children Under the Stress of Natural
Disasters, Humanitarian Medical Assistance (HuMA), Genero
Technologies, DENTSU, The Japan Dietetic Association, JapaneseMidwives’ Association, Japan Primary Care Association, Hakuhodo,
HANDS, Japan Liaison Council of Breastfeeding Organizations[Child Protection]

The Japan Overseas Cooperative Association, DENTSU, Tokyo
Council of Social Welfare Child Caregiver of the Committee,
Hakuhodo

Kids’ Door, J-CAPTA, Child Family Support Center Taiyo, Japan
National Council of Social Welfare, Japan National Council of Child
Family Support Center, Niiza Childcare Support Network, Hakuhodo,
Miyagi After-School Care Center Emergency Assistance Project,
MIYAGI Child and Family Support Center[Psychosocial Support][Child-Friendly Reconstruction Plans]

Iwate Kenpoku Kanko, Iwate Kenpoku Bus, National Center of
Neurology and Psychiatry, JTB Business World Tokyo, Japan
National Council of Child Family Support Center, DENTSU, Japanese

Association of Children’s Environment, General Research Instituteof the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Takenaka Corporation,
Japan Adventure Playground Association, Yamagata University[Education]

Cover Photographs (from top left)©JCU/2013/satomi matsui

Soccer star Makoto Hasebe
visiting children at the newly
constructed Asahi
Kindergarten building

A model of an ideal town built
by a class of sixth gradersfrom Shichigo Primary SchoolChildren trying out various
professions at the“Ishinomaki: A Children’sTown” event*Unless indicated otherwise, all photos in this report are © Japan Committee for UNICEF.

17

Onagawa Junior High School
students presenting about
urban planning that saves lives
during a disasterJapan Committee for UNICEF
4-6-12, Takanawa, Minato-ku
Tokyo 108-8607, Japan
Tel: +81 (3) 5789-2011
Fax: +81 (3) 5789-2036
www.unicef.or.jp