TOMODACHI Generation: Fumiya Otani
Fumiya Otani is a TOMODACHI alumnus from Iwate Prefecture in Tohoku.
He had an opportunity to represent over 4,600 alumni at a TOMODACHI reception, “Remembering 3.11–Five Years Later” that was held in Tokyo, attended by 200 guests.
Mr. Otani mad the following speech at the TOMODACHI Reception on March 4, 2016, “Remembering 3.11–Five Years Later”
Good evening.
My name is Fumiya Otani. I’m from Ichinohe in Iwate prefecture and have just graduated from high school.
I had the opportunity to participate in the TOMODACHI Summer 2014 Softbank Leadership Program and then as an alumni on the TOMODACHI U.S.-Japan Youth Exchange Program in the summer of 2015, which is supported by the TOMODACHI Fund for Exchanges.
It was John F. Kennedy who said “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” These words perfectly summarize why I am here today. I would first like to begin by thanking Ms. Irene Hirano Inouye for granting me the esteemed privilege of speaking on behalf of over 4,600 TOMODACHI alumni. I would also like to thank all those who continue to support the Initiative by giving their time, energy and financial resources, and thereby changing the world and giving hope to thousands of people. And how could we forget those who were severely affected by the Tohoku earthquake. Your indomitable spirit and courage reminds us that we are strong and can rise above challenging circumstances.
It has been five years since March 11, 2011; the day when everything changed. The memory of the devastation caused by the Great Earthquake still lingers in our minds. It seems like only yesterday. However, when we think back, we remember not just the difficulties but the resilience of the people from Tohoku, and the acts of kindness and compassion shown by the Japanese people and people from all over the world. This faith, that we can overcome anything has been inspired by the TOMODACHI Initiative and its countless supporters. The Initiative emphasizes hard work, empathy and the importance of making a difference through volunteerism and selfless acts of kindness. TOMODACHI has shown us the amazing things we can accomplish if we work together. Thank you for inspiring positive changes in me, in Japan and by extension, the world.
Although I am from Tohoku, I am from the “nairiku” or inland. We experienced the earthquake but were not directly affected by the tsunami. By participating in TOMODACHI programs, I made friends with some students from coastal areas, which were terribly damaged by the tsunami. As we were talking to each other, we realized that there existed a huge gap between us in how much information we had and how aware we are of the devastation the natural disaster brought about. It was then that we decided to start taking actions to close the gap. The following year, through another TOMODACHI program, I was able to visit the devastated areas of Tohoku for the first time.
Seeing the debris and talking to the people had a profound effect on me. The plight of the people in the affected area seemed even more real as my senses were engaged in pursuing the scenes. I felt my heart breaking all over again. Nevertheless, I was once more encouraged to hope. The people I spoke with were smiling and optimistic despite their troubles. In that moment, I truly learned the importance of seeing the positives side in every difficulty. I was determined now more than ever to continue trying to make a difference wherever I go.
The participants in the TOMODACHI program became friends with high school students from Japan as well as from foreign countries. I met a dear friend Caitie and other fellow members from the U.S. Together we orally tackled many social problems such as racism, prejudice and the like. Through open and honest communication, we overcame gaps and were united as one. We left, determined to build a bridge between our respective communities and the whole world. I believe that this was the goal of the TOMODACHI program and it succeeded.
Do you remember the John F. Kennedy quote I started with? It was: “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” Mr. Kennedy further added: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” Thanks to the TOMODACHI programs, the youths involved are future leaders who make a difference in this world.
Life is so uncertain and countless challenges still remain. There is no doubt that more will appear. I myself will be setting foot into a new world from April. So, I’m kind of anxious. However, I am optimistic that we can overcome any challenges that come our way. It is because I have thousands of TOMODACHI friends and supporters who continue to work together as a team, and look to the future with optimism and hope.
Thank you.
