Build Back Better Tohoku

On March 11, 2011, a massive earthquake struck the Tohoku region of Japan, resulting in a tsunami that ravaged 550 kilometers (340 miles) of Pacific coastline. Any country would have been devastated by such a disaster – Japan was better prepared than most. However, it is in the event of disaster that communities need assistance in rebuilding. Since Day One, Architecture for Humanity has been working with local partners such as ArchiAid and AfH Tokyo Chapter, communities and local design and construction professionals to build back better Tohoku.

We're focusing on three branches of community reconstruction: economic development; access to sport; and support for elderly and young people in need. We are helping local shops and small businesses recover, reopen, create jobs and collectively provide a financial future for affected communities. We call these sorts of interventions "Urban Acupuncture." Localized improvements affect the health of a community much like each acupuncture needle influences the overall health of a body.

As the first year response, we started our program by listening. We enlisted design fellows from Tohoku to ask the locals directly what they needed. By listening to them and reacting swiftly to their needs, we built trusting relationships with communities. This was a very important step for us as a foreign NPO (Non-Profit Organization) before discussion of rebuilding could begin. Programs such as Honyaquake and Road Home were our responses to immediate needs.

We have completed five projects in the first nine months after the disaster, and currently several more are in design or under development for the second year of reconstruction. The following is the list of reconstruction projects that we have been working on. There were many bumps on our way, from typical bureaucratic issues to post-disaster stress within some communities, but our goal has always been the same: to rebuild sustainable communities and economies in Tohoku.

Although this was an earthquake of unprecedented magnitude, it was certainly not the first time Tohoku suffered from a tsunami. Their resiliency will certainly help the reconstruction of the region. Architecture for Humanity is honored to be able to support such an endeavor, and would like to continue working alongside the community every step of the way.

Completed Projects

Hikado Marketplace


Ohya Green Sports Park


Shizugawa Judo Juku


Paper Crane Sculpture


Akahama Covered Alley – Phase One

Current Projects


Shizugawa Fishermen's Workplace "Banya"


Deck at Kashiwagi Daycare Center


Oshika House - Women's Cooperative


Akahama Covered Alley – Phase Two

ArchiAid

Architecture for Humanity: Tokyo Chapter

What's Next

In 2012, the Japan Team continues to work with local communities to support their economic and social recovery.

People are still clearing rubble in some places. The extensive damage caused by the tsunami still prevents the national government from funding various projects. It is also affecting prefectural and town governments trying to assist to their residents in need. Architecturefor Humanity has been finding ways to work around these difficulties.

The Japan Team identified several smaller communities to collaborate with. For months after the disaster, thousands of volunteer workers and skilled laborers and tons of food and supplies from NPOs and governmental agencies poured into Tohoku. However, most aid stayed in major cities and towns. Small villages were not prioritized because many are too remote, connected only by long, winding roads along the jagged coastline. These are the areas we have reached out to assist the rebuilding of lives and communities.

The following are potential projects in such areas. With your help, it is possible for us to continue working for these people who lost a lot of things but keep their heads up toward their future. Thank you.

For the full Report, see Build Back Better Tohoku - One Year Later

Links:

• Build Back Better Tohoku - One Year Later

Earlier this week, I had a moment to catch up with Hiromi Tabei, Architecture for Humanity’s Program Coordinator for Japan, to talk about the status of Students Rebuild’s projects in the Tohoku region. Her recent visit with community partners throughout Tohoku offers insight on how the needs of Tohoku’s young people are inspiring our rebuilding efforts in Japan.

Last year, I about wrote how Architecture for Humanity and Students Rebuild create community partnerships and select which rebuilding projects to support in Tohoku. I learned that the political landscape of reconstruction is complex in Japan: While the Japanese government welcomes support and services of voluntary groups like Students Rebuild, it often requires charities to pay for projects in their entirety. Because schools in Japan are so large and expensive, and because the Japanese government’s building standards are very strict, large NGOs (non-governmental organizations) are best suited to execute most school rebuilding efforts in Tohoku. I was left with questions like, ‘Where does that leave smaller players like Students Rebuild?’ and ‘How can Students Rebuild still help to rebuild the lives of Japanese youth?’

Zac: How does Architecture for Humanity find the right youth partners who will benefit most from its support?

Hiromi:  In Japan, I think that Architecture for Humanity is better positioned to meet the needs of young people by rebuilding in smaller communities outside of big cities. In these communities, the Japanese government has fewer resources. Even modest interventions can make a big difference in the quality of life for youth and their families. Usually, the first priority of the government is to repair large pieces of infrastructure in big cities – like highways and utilities – which leaves fewer resources available for rebuilding rural livelihoods.

Zac: How does the decision to work in smaller communities impact the kind of projects Architecture for Humanity ultimately supports?

Hiromi: By working with small communities, we can talk directly with leaders and ask them to identify needs in their community. On a recent trip to Tohoku, community leaders told me that there was limited space for young people to study and socialize after school. I learned that several schools were destroyed in last March’s earthquake and tsunami, leaving students from two or even three schools to share one school – usually far from their homes. Many of the region’s libraries were also devastated, leaving students without many meeting places. For the many families who lost their homes, living in temporary government housing also means that young people often live far from their friends and relatives. This doesn’t begin to account for the everyday meeting places – the streets, the stores, the parks, the places where local kids usually meet up – that were lost in the earthquake. In that sense, rebuilding isn't just about building schools or homes, but also inspiring a renewed sense of community and belonging.

This youth and community center in Sendai was destroyed during last March's earthquake.

A classic example of temporary housing in the Tohoku region.  

Zac: The Japanese government has worked hard to provide temporary community facilities for local groups to meet and discuss community efforts. Are these spaces available for young people?

Hiromi: Many locals are quick to acknowledge that adults usually dominate community space. I’m always working with village leaders and our field staff in the region to identify projects that specifically address the needs of young people. Over the last few months, communities have made youth projects a priority. On my last trip, I received several proposals for youth centers. In the past, it wasn’t like that. I’m optimistic that leaders recognize the important role of youth space in a healthy and renewed community.

Zac: What projects are on the horizon for Tohoku’s young people?

Hiromi: Right now, we’re exploring a number of possibilities, including a community and youth center and a daycare. I expect that the money raised by Paper Cranes for Japan will allow Architecture for Humanity to build two or three youth facilities in Tohoku. Each potential site has issues that they need to sort out. For now, we’ll continue to work alongside local communities to find the most beneficial projects for young people.

Local youth hang out during the final stages of construction of the Ohya Sports Green, designed by Architecture for Humanity. The previous local sports field was removed to make way for temporary housing, leaving local youth without a place to play soccer

Lending a hand laying turf

Testing the nearly-complete field

I look forward to checking back in with Hiromi in a few weeks time. For now, Hiromi and Students Rebuild are preparing for the public unveiling of the Paper Crane Installation in Sendai Train Station. The centerpiece of the installation is a beautiful sculpture featuring 100,000 of the paper cranes folded by Paper Cranes for Japan participants. In addition, dozens of young people from across Japan will converge for a 3-day workshop following the unveiling ceremony on January 13th. At the workshop, titled "Gift by Gift for a Better World," children will make gift boxes filled with your paper cranes and decorate them. These gift boxes will be sent to schools across Japan on behalf of Rebuilders across the globe.