On March 9, 2025, the town of Minamisanriku, Miyagi Prefecture, witnessed a poignant moment as it unveiled a memorial monument dedicated to the 39 town employees who lost their lives during the Great East Japan Earthquake. The event drew approximately 150 attendees, including bereaved families, former colleagues, and local officials, all united to honor the memory of those who sacrificed their lives amid one of Japan's most devastating natural disasters.
The memorial, constructed on the grounds of the town hall, stands approximately 1.6 meters tall, crafted from御影石. Inscribed on the monument are the names of 37 employees, alongside the phrase "Don’t forget the day"—a somber reminder of the tragic events of March 11, 2011. The majority of these employees, 33 out of the 39, were at the town's multi-story disaster prevention building when the tsunami struck, exceeding 15 meters as it ravaged the coastline.
Reflecting on the immense loss, Takeharu Endo, who was the deputy mayor during the earthquake and is now chairing the executive committee behind the memorial's establishment, expressed his hope for the future: "I hope the installation of the memorial monument will help create a safe and secure town." This sentiment was echoed by many present, who felt it was imperative for the lessons learned from the earthquake to be passed down to future generations.
Sachiko Tasue, the widow of Shinji Tasue, who served as the town’s educational superintendent, quietly paid her respects at the monument. Remembering her late husband, she said, "He was bright and earnest, and there was nothing wrong with him. I’m relieved to see this monument come to fruition." Her emotional tribute reflects the deep sense of loss felt by many families impacted by the disaster.
Aiko Uno, sister of victim Tsubasa Uno, shared her relief at the establishment of the memorial: "It is good to have the memorial monument; I want the lessons to be passed on to future generations." Such statements are echoes of the broader sentiment among attendees, who recognize the importance of remembering those lost.
This year marks the 14th anniversary of the earthquake, and the township is taking steps to actively engage with its history and risks associated with natural disasters. The former disaster prevention building, which also absorbed the brunt of the tsunami, has been preserved as part of the area’s historical narrative, serving as both caution and commemoration. With ownership transitioning to the town last year, it is now viewed as both a monument and a site for education concerning disaster preparedness.
On the night of March 10, prior to the anniversary, lights were illuminated at the former disaster prevention building. This solemn event aimed not only to honor the lost but also to reflect on the importance of disaster readiness. Local residents shared their feelings, with one woman stating, "I hope just one ray of light brings comfort to those who have passed." Such events cultivate remembrance and serve to strengthen the community’s resilience and preparedness for future emergencies.
Meanwhile, Futaba Town, located nearby, hosted its candlelit vigil at JR Futaba Station. The heartfelt ceremony brought together residents, including twelve-year-old Nanami Usuda from Noto Town. Nanami expressed her hopes for reconstruction, declaring, "I wrote about wanting Noto to be rebuilt so we can enjoy festivals together again," showcasing the spirit of hope still alive within the region.
Community leaders, families, and former colleagues gathered for these remembrance activities not only to honor the past but also to strengthen their commitment to future safety. With experiences from the Great East Japan Earthquake still fresh, ceremonies like these provide opportunities to educate new generations on disaster preparedness and resilience.
The legacy of those who died will live on through these memorials, ensuring their stories and sacrifices are not forgotten. The town continues to advocate for safety measures, integrating the lessons from the past to build a more secure environment for all its residents. The remembrance initiatives also highlight the need for collective memory and the importance of learning from history to protect future lives.
The next few days leading to the ultimate anniversary serve as both solemn observances and powerful reminders of community solidarity and resilience. Minamisanriku continues to embody the spirit of remembrance, challenge, and hope as it honors those lost to tragedy, pledging to actively orient its future around disaster readiness.
With each candle lit and each name inscribed, the people of Minamisanriku reaffirm their commitment to never forget the lessons learned from one of Japan's gravest disasters. The town's proactive approach to communication and education about disaster preparedness aims to transform memories of loss and grief and channel them toward the creation of safe spaces for future generations.