On March 11, 2025, the world marks the somber 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, which devastated vast areas of Japan, resulting in approximately 22,000 deaths, including individuals who succumbed to evacuation-related health issues. The city of Ishinomaki, located in Miyagi Prefecture, was particularly hard hit, with 5,301 confirmed fatalities and 696 individuals still unaccounted for as the rebuilding and remembrance process continues.
Among those affected is Yui Iwaoka, currently 22, who lived through the disaster as a child. During this anniversary, she, along with fellow survivor Haruka Wakao, also 22, recalled their experiences during their formative years when the earthquake struck. Iwaoka shared, "The elementary school I attended and the entire area where I lived were severely impacted." Wakao added, "I witnessed the tsunami at the evacuation site, which remains etched in my memory.
These young adults held discussions highlighting the importance of sharing their stories to keep the memory of the tragedy alive. Wakao emphasized the role of listeners as would-be storytellers, encouraging them to share their experiences with family and friends. “People should realize disasters are not just stories on TV; they are real and can happen to anyone,” Iwaoka urged.
The children’s voices are also being channeled through initiatives like the Ishinomaki Daily Children’s Newspaper, which aims to preserve the memories and lessons learned from the disaster. Founded on March 11, 2012, the publication allows youngsters to report on local events and experiences, fostering both remembrance and community engagement. After a two-year hiatus, it is set to relaunch on the same date this year, reflecting the enduring connection between the disaster and the local community.
Abe-san, another key figure, recounted her life as a child during the disaster, recalling the feelings of confusion and fear. At just three years old, she experienced the tsunami firsthand, as her home was flooded by 15 centimeters of water. “I don't recall much but I do have memories of my friends coming over and eating snacks together to relieve the stress,” she reflected. The scars of the disaster have lingered, propelling Abe-san to document accounts for those who don’t yet understand the full scope of its impact.
Having engaged with various subjects throughout her training as a young reporter for the Ishinomaki Daily Children's Newspaper, Abe-san found her calling after interviewing those whose lives were directly touched by the tsunami, including learning about Taylor Anderson, the American assistant language teacher who perished when the waves hit. This connection not only deepened her appreciation for her community but also led her to feel responsible for passing down these stories to the next generation.
Abe-san also pointed out the disparity of awareness surrounding disasters between her peers at her senior high school and those growing up directly affected by the earthquake. Monthly evacuation drills are conducted at schools like those she attended, unlike the biannual practices at other institutions. This realization strikes her as important and highlighting the need for consistent disaster preparedness education.
“It wasn’t until I spoke to many residents and understood how the disaster shaped their lives did I realize I have the responsibility to convey these stories,” Abe-san stated, feeling proud of her ability to share perspectives unique to her generation. “I love my hometown and want to make sure these experiences don't fade away from collective memory,” she said passionately. Her aspiration to work with words, she extends, is grounded by the hope her efforts will inspire others to learn about the earthquake.
The economic effects of the earthquake persist today, and local businesses have demonstrated resilience. Some companies, like Konosuke Shoten, which produced cod roe, suffered devastating losses — two employees died, and their facilities were lost during the tsunami. Yet, the firm has turned its pain around by teaming up with local producers to create new products like sake, celebrating their recovery progress. Kimura Kazunari, the president of Konosuke Shoten, stated, “We want to repay the support we received during our recovery.”
The emotional and material impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake serves to unite survivors like Iwaoka, Wakao, and Abe-san who have continuously dedicated themselves to remembering the tragedy and educating others. Through sharing their experiences and writing, they honor the lives affected and cement the lessons learned from one of the most significant disasters of our time, making sure the echoes of March 11 are never forgotten.
With the revival of local youth-engaged journalism and first-hand accounts surfacing, the urgency to learn and educate about the past remains strong. The community’s bond only grows as they move forward together, ensuring the memories of the lost are preserved, and preparing future generations with the knowledge to prevent similar tragedies.