Japan Earthquake Disaster Recovery

Even during the cold Tohoku winter, Peace Winds America’s recovery efforts are moving forward.  In our last report we detailed the shed construction in Takihama and Nagashizu districts of Minamisanriku.  PWA expects Phase IV of our ongoing fishing sheds program to conclude this spring, with fishing sheds completed and in place for seaweed harvest.  The timing will coincide well with the advent of the spring fishing season.  PWA will continue to update our donors on recovery of livelihoods.  We remain in active discussion with our Japan partners on the still-unmet needs of displaced tsunami survivors.  

Matching Campaign for the Fourth Anniversary of the Tohoku Tsunami
On Tuesday, March 10^th beginning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time, Global Giving will be matching at 100% all donations to Tohoku recovery projects!  Donors can double their contributions up to $1,000.  Global Giving matching funds ($30,000) are available.  Simply visit our project page on the day of the match and help our Tohoku recovery projects.  PWA extends its gratitude to our donors who have continued to partner with us, long after the tsunami has receded from the media and the public eye.  We are grateful as well to Global Giving for our long-term commitment.

Local Disaster Preparedness Events – Seattle and Sendai
Two upcoming events will be of interest to our supporters and to partners still following Tohoku recovery.  On Saturday, March 7, the Consulate General of Japan in Seattle and the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington will host Act with Japan, a panel discussion and community event revolving around strengthening communities after disaster. Information can be found here. 

March 14-18, 2015 the Japan Government and UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction will host the UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai.  PWA will be represented by Peace Winds Japan at the numerous presentations, panels, and discussions targeting lessons of Tohoku and strategies for fostering better disaster resilience.

An Update on Fishing Shed Construction in Minamisanriku--Tohoku

Phase IV of the Peace Winds America fishing sheds program is proceeding smoothly.  This year our partners had to contend with new natural hazards in addition to the yearly freeze that poses difficulty for construction.  Typhoons Phanfone and Vongfong swept across Japan dropping record amounts of rainfall and bringing powerful wind gusts.  Yet our program remains on track and will deliver sheds to fourteen more fishing families--tsunami victims.  In Takihama and Nagashizu districts, we have completed the shed foundations and are ready to begin construction.

Peace Winds America to date has completed over 100 fishing sheds.  These semi-permanent sheds provide work and storage space for local fishermen. Our program has targeted tsunami survivors still living in temporary housing who wish to return to the fishing industry.

From Tohoku, we welcome good news!   In October during the height of oyster season, the Minamisanriku fishermen in the Togura section caught particularly large, plump oysters.  With many Miyagi Prefecture fishermen reporting undersized oyster catches, we are delighted that Minamisanriku will benefit from the higher prices its jumbo oysters bring.  Our fishing sheds provide a base of operations to capitalize on this good news.

Gratitude at the Year End

As we bid farewell to 2014, PWA expresses its sincere gratitude to our supporters. We deeply appreciate those who have helped us keep our long-term commitment to Tohoku.