Tohoku TOMODACHI Alumni Gathered to Learn about the Great East Japan Earthquake and for an Evening of Networking

The TOMODACHI Alumni Gathering in Tohoku was held on Saturday, February 8 in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture.

The first program was a visit to the Ishinomaki City Okawa Elementary School Ruins in Ishinomaki City, to hear the story of Mr. Toshiro Sato, who is active as a storyteller. In his story, Mr. Sato shared his “real thoughts and feelings” of that time, which could not be obtained from the Internet or other sources.
Some of the participating high school and university students commented,
“I had studied about the Great East Japan Earthquake in school classes and books, but it was a new discovery to be able to feel the thoughts of the people who suffered from the disaster at that time and how they are living now.”
“I felt that the earthquake was in the past, but after listening to Mr. Sato’s talk, I realized that the effects of the earthquake are still continuing and that it is by no means over. “

In the second part, a gathering party was held at Captain Kangaroo Ishinomaki. In the opening session, participants learned about the origins and history of TOMODACHI. It was also a time for participants from various TOMODACHI programs to introduce the programs they have participated in and share their areas of interest.
Afterwards, participants had a wonderful time eating very large and delicious hamburgers.
This program was an event that created new connections among participants.