On March 9, 2025, surfers and local residents gathered at Koizumi Beach in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. This memorial service aimed not only to honor the victims but also to reinforce community bonds and resilience.
The gathering saw approximately 80 participants, including surfers and community members, engaging in activities like beach cleanups and discussions about emergency evacuation protocols. Participants took time to reflect, offering flowers to the sea and sharing moments of silence for their lost friends. Kotaro Watanabe, Vice President of the Motoyoshi Surfing Club, expressed the collective sentiment, stating, "We mourned for our friends whom we lost," emphasizing the deep emotional connection shared by everyone present.
The memorial service is part of broader efforts to educate the public on disaster preparedness, especially following the devastation experienced during the earthquake when families were separated, and communities were shattered. Notably, this event also serves to remind survivors and younger generations of the importance of remembrance and preparedness.
Across town, Kesennuma Shokai, established over 100 years ago, has been pivotal to the recovery efforts since the earthquake. The company operates service stations and has historically been known as the region's energy source. The 2011 earthquake severely impacted Kesennuma Shokai as 13 out of 15 of its service stations were destroyed by the tsunami. Employees were affected, yet the company managed to step up, providing gasoline manually at two stations spared from the disaster as people rushed to secure fuel.
Reflecting on those challenging times, Shigeru Kikuta, the Mayor of Kesennuma City, noted, "The reconstruction process was long and harsh, but Kesennuma Shokai led the way," highlighting the company's commitment to supporting the community, particularly its fisheries industry, which faced its own set of challenges post-disaster.
Kesennuma Shokai sets exemplifies how businesses can evolve and adapt to the community's needs. They have embraced sustainability within their operations, launching projects like wood biomass power generation and recycling systems known as "Recycle Moa." These initiatives not only aim to provide energy but also contribute to environmental conservation, which is becoming increasingly important amid global climate change concerns.
Today, motivated by disaster lessons, Kesennuma Shokai is working on the "Smart Yorozuya Concept," which aims to transform its service stations to serve as community bases addressing various local needs. Naoya Takahashi, the Sales Department Manager at Kesennuma Shokai, shared the company’s ambition, stating, "Our aim is to be a company providing many joys and to achieve our dreams of energizing Kesennuma." He highlighted how the company plans to adapt to future demands, including community assistance programs and the expansion of service offerings catering to aging populations.
Overcoming the challenges of 14 years since the earthquake, this memorial service and the accompanying community-led initiatives shine as reminders of the resilience and determination found within the residents of Kesennuma. Each year, the commemoration reinforces the importance of acting together as one community, honoring the past, and building a sustainable future.
Looking toward the future, there is recognition of continuing challenges like aging populations and decreasing numbers. Mayor Kikuta noted the deep-rooted relationships within the community, acknowledging the contributions of various local businesses and organizations. He remarked, "The reconstruction process has been demanding but has led to progressive changes for our community. It is empowering to see local efforts leading prosperity as we collectively move forward."
This annual event serves as more than just remembrance; it aims to inspire concluding action for safety and preparedness. It emphasizes the importance of community bonds during times of distress, assuring residents and survivors of continuous support and community engagement.