Support for children in disaster areas in Japan

“Kodomo-no-machi Ishinomaki 2015 (Play City Ishinomaki 2015)” was held in and around the shopping street of Ishinomaki, in 3 and 4 of October, and over 1,200 children and parents joined.

In the Play City Ishinoki, children can work in public office, shop or company providing several kinds of services, and earn money which is used only in this city.

Through the process of “city” life, children can learn lots of things in the system of town management and community, and such experience supports them to draw their dreams.

On the same day, a street party for all residents was also organized. There are various unique shops:“Owarai-geinin Takoyaki-ya (Comedian’s octopus dumplings Shop)” managed by children who are in love with comedy, “Meiro-Gakko (Labyrinthine School)” which is the school having various plays, “Kodomo Radio-kyoku (Children Radio Station)” managed by children aiming to become broadcaster, etc.

Children were working in about 30 kinds of jobs with deep joy.

Children working as managers have took part in the meeting since 5 months ago, and prepared the contents until the day together.

Some of them who joined every year positively suggested the resolutions for the issues occurred, and tried their best for this event.

Local students from junior-high schools, high schools and universities also joined and support children from preparation, as they have done in last events.

The successful of the 4^th Play City Ishinomaki let us feel that this event is being regularized in the same way as other local events, though it was launched as a support event for local community in the beginning.

Links:

• HP of this project

Lots of playgrounds were lost in Tohoku region because of tsunami damage and construction of temporary houses. Then, we deliver play materials with play kitchen car to common or open space in or around the temporal houses area. We create an opportunity for children to gather and for parents and the residents to communicate with each other.

Now, there is an emerging problem as to community breakdown which had been built for four and half years. When the construction of restoration housing completed, the limit as to relocation created conflicts among adults. Furthermore, the conflicts are making negative effects on the relations among children. Therefore, the mobile play activity for temporary houses area is of increasing importance.

At the playground of temporary houses area, children found the tadpoles being in just a rain puddle. Then, children started to make a small pond to save the tadpoles. The residents also rallied around and help the children. It was heartwarming to see.

In the centre of Ishinomaki, one of the cities suffered the serious damage due to the tsunami, large construction project of restoration houses is in progress at the moment, and the population is anticipated to grow more than the 1.5 times. Then, it will perhaps cause the residents to relocate. The children’s environment is changing significantly now. To create an opportunity of communication for children, adults and residents through the activity for children’s play has still important tasks.

Links:

• HP of this project