Photo Exhibition: "The Power to Create the Future Lies in Tohoku." Smiles and Messages from the Three Disaster-Affected Prefectures

The Reconstruction Agency held the "3.11 Message Photo Exhibition: The Power to Create the Future Lies in Tohoku" at the event space in Tokyo Station's Yaesu Central Concourse from March 9th to 11th.

For about half a year, the Agency has been publishing images and messages from the three prefectures affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, which are powerfully advancing reconstruction, on its website's "Message Photo Gallery" ( https://www.power-of-tohoku.jp/gallery/ ). This gallery has introduced reconstruction efforts and the unique charms of each region, such as food and tourism.
Marking the seventh anniversary of the disaster, this exhibition featured photographs taken in the affected areas, accompanied by handwritten messages from the subjects themselves.

The opening event on the first day featured guest appearances by photographer Itaru Hirama, who has dedicated himself to recovery support activities including launching the music, art, and food festival "GAMA ROCK" in his hometown of Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture, and model Kurara Chibana, who actively participates in recovery support activities both domestically and internationally, including field visits to food-insecure regions as the UN WFP Ambassador for Japan.
Hirama, who photographed all the images in the exhibition, stated: "Here, we combined the photographs with the subjects' messages to create a single work. The messages use illustrations and colorful text, truly conveying their feelings. I felt that going through such hardship has made everyone stronger and kinder. Through this, I hope people will once again sense the energy of Tohoku."
Ms. Chibana commented, "Learning about the love everyone in the photos has for their hometowns gave me energy. Activities that connect people will become even more important going forward. I hope this spreads smiles and happiness. And I hope it expands Tohoku's future and possibilities."

Four individuals who served as models for the photographs were invited as representatives to the talk show, each presenting a message to accompany their photo.
Hiroko Omukai and Yae Nakagawa, who work as "northernmost ama divers" at the Kosode Ama Center in Kuji City, tearfully recalled the disaster: their ama diving costumes were swept away by the tsunami, and fishing became impossible due to silt deposits.
Kameyama Kiichi, who was a teacher at a fisheries high school before the disaster, spoke about his efforts for the local community. He renovated his home in a small hamlet in Ishinomaki City to open "Cafe Hamaguri-do," creating a space where people can smile.
Emi Kato of Kato Farm, an agricultural business in Fukushima City, shared a photo of herself with the message: "Rice that brings smiles is found in Fukushima." She expressed her aspiration to expand cultivation and have more people enjoy Fukushima's delicious rice.

Deputy Minister for Reconstruction Masayoshi Hamada concluded the event, stating, "The expressions and smiles in these photos are wonderful. Yet I believe seven years of various hardships lie behind them. That is what is conveyed in the messages. The disaster-affected areas must continue to confront unfounded rumors and the fading of memories. But seeing these photos, I hope they will look toward the future once more and move forward with hope. We want to continue supporting not just the construction of seawalls and public housing, but the 'human recovery' where each person can walk their own path in life."