TOMODACHI Alumna Wins the “New-Tohoku” Reconstruction and Creation Award

Yuki Terasaki, an alumna of the TOMODACHI Summer Softbank Leadership Program, won the “New-Tohoku” Reconstruction and Creation Award, which honors individuals and groups tackling issues in disaster-affected areas, such as the declining population and stagnant economy. Yuki was recognized in the individual category for her “Kamaishi Magnet Nurie Project” initiative, which decorates the walls of temporary housing units with colorful magnets in the hopes of increasing a sense of attachment among its residents.

Yuki originally started this project at her own temporary home, the Kamaishi Showa-Koen temporary housing complex, and later expanded the project nationwide, collaborating with students and companies from other parts of Japan. Currently, this project is expanding throughout the city of Kaimaishi, so that not only are colorful magnets decorating the walls of temporary housing units, but also the construction walls for the City Hall.

Yuki has also played an important role in stimulating the local economy by successfully organizing an event that brought singers and comedians to Kamaishi PIT, an event venue that aims to contribute to the recovery of the disaster-affected areas through entertainment, including concerts, musicals, seminars, and workshops.