Build Back Better Tohoku

May began with Golden Week, a collection of four national holidays spanning over a week.  This long holiday is one of the busiest holiday seasons with many taking the opportunity to travel around Japan and abroad.  With the passing of this long holiday, people are now back to their normal routines.

Recently we heard news of the first confirmed piece of debris from the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami arriving to the state of California.  More than 25 months after the event, the event remains present as 221,000 tons of debris is predicted to reach the west coast by this Fall.

At MakiBiz, a number of events have been held in the past month, along with our regular business consultations.  The Park for All project is moving forward, MakiBiz staff have participated and given a number of seminars and events, and we have launched a Request for Proposal to support small businesses.  See below for news, project updates, and opportunities! As we approach summer, temperatures are warming and becoming more comfortable.  

We hope you enjoy this warming weather!

Best,

Architecture for Humanity

MakiBiz has issued a Request for Proposal.  This program will support the rebuilding of small businesses and entrepreneurs who were affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.  If you are, or know of anyone in need of a construction grant to rebuild their business in Tohoku, please encourage them to apply.  Details (Japanese) can be found on the MakiBiz facebook page and on this flyer.

On the weekend of April 6-7, MakiBiz staff participated in a symposium on rebuilding titled, "Miyagi Rebuilding Voice Earthquake Disaster Rebuilding Symposium 2013: Thinking Support and Collaboration from Local Rebuilding - The voice of Kitakami, Ishinomaki."  14 organizations and individuals (including Architecture for Humanity) participated by presenting their rebuilding activities, which was followed by a round table discussion raising issues and concerns on rebuilding.  This event provided a platform for people to exchange honest opinions and thoughts around the subject.

KYSIN-no-kai released a vision package for Park for All in the recovering village of Kamaishi.  With a different site due to issues with the previous location, the Park for All will now accompany a cluster of temporary houses and a large temporary school in a valley away from the sea.  Check out the new sketches here.

People who lost their homes will be required to move out of their government subsidized temporary housing units and into permanent housing in the near future.  Addressing concerns and considerations people will when looking at housing options, a series of five seminars were held over the past month and a half.  Lead by our design fellow, Akinobu, these seminars were held free and open to the public at our MakiBiz office.  Look forward to a more detailed report to come!