On March 20, 2025, Hirogawa Town in Wakayama Prefecture celebrated the completion of a significant new embankment that honors a rich legacy of tsunami disaster prevention. The initiative was inspired by the heroic actions of Goryo Hamaguchi, a merchant from the Edo period, who famously saved villagers from a tsunami during the 1854 Ansei Nankai earthquake by setting fire to rice sheaves as a warning signal. This act not only saved lives but also led to Hamaguchi investing his personal wealth into building protective embankments for the community in the aftermath of the disaster.
The town's latest efforts echo Hamaguchi's commitment to safety, culminating in the construction of a new 130-meter-long embankment on the grounds of a local junior high school. This structure aims to bolster tsunami disaster prevention, serving both a practical purpose and as a educational tool for future generations. To further engage the community, a ceremonial planting was orchestrated, where around 800 local elementary and junior high school students took part in the planting of 5000 saplings, including kuromatsu species, along the newly built embankment.
This event not only marks the physical enhancement of the town’s defenses against potential tsunamis but also symbolizes its collective memory and respect for its history. Participating students dug holes and gently placed saplings into the earth, showing a tangible connection between their actions and the community's historical narrative.
A young elementary school boy who took part in the planting expressed his thoughts with heartfelt sincerity: "I planted the tree with gratitude to Hamaguchi, who protected the town, and hope the new embankment will protect the town from tsunamis." His words encapsulate the spirit of the event, highlighting the significance of historical awareness and the hope for a safer future.
Throughout the commemorative ceremony, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of purpose, as students were reminded of the importance of community and preparedness against natural disasters. The initiative serves as a living testament to the town's enduring commitment to safeguarding its residents against the forces of nature, particularly tsunami threats that have shaped its historical focus.
In this way, Hirogawa Town honors its past while actively working to ensure the safety of its future. The combination of historical reverence and proactive measures reflects a community deeply engaged in both remembrance and responsibility. As the planted trees grow, they will not only enhance the embankment’s strength but also serve as a green reminder of the efforts taken to protect the town from future calamities.
Overall, the event was a powerful blend of education, history, and community spirit. It bridged generations, establishing a dialogue between the past and future while aligning with the ethos of disaster preparedness. The new embankment stands strong, supported by young saplings whose roots will grow deeper, just as the town’s commitment to safety and remembrance cultivates a resilient spirit in every generation.
