On the first day, I visited Watari town, Miyagi Prefecture and joined an Ashiyu service offered by the NPO Rescue Stock Yard (RSY) and the Nippon Foundation Road Project.

　About 500 households of survivors lived in the Public Zone Emergency Temporary Housing in Watari town. The vast site was covered with gravel and prefabricated buildings were neatly lined up. I thought it was not easy for the residents to find their own units because all the streets and the houses looked very similar.

　On that day, the Ashiyu service was offered at the common room No.1. I walked around the housing units and invited the residents to the service. I accompanied the residents sitting by the Ashiyu and listened as they spoke.

　Now, am I the only one to have the impression that Tohoku people are composed, quiet and do not talk much? Probably because of that preconception, I had expected them to let their stories out bit by bit, while having their feet soaked in hot water and each of their hands massaged by the volunteers. To my surprise, however, words burst out of them as if whatever thoughts and feelings that had been repressed inside them at last found a way out.

Watari Temporary Housing (Upper)
and the guide map (Lower)

“In the shelter, I’ve cooked for the victims since soon after the disaster. Cooking for about 500 people was really tough. I, myself, lost my house and lived in the shelter, but worrying forever gets you nowhere. I wanted to do something for other people. Now I am working as a cooking staff at Ichigokko¹ restaurant and offering meals to the evacuees free of charge and to the volunteers for 300 yen. Sorry, I can’t offer you a meal because the restaurant is not open today. Next time, be sure to call me before you come. I will prepare harakomeshi cooked rice, our specialty and nukazuke pickles for you. I’m sure you’ll like them.” She actually gave me her telephone number.