Descriptions:
Ahead of the 13th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, preparations have begun for a commemorative event at Okawa Elementary School in Ishinomaki City, a site left behind by the earthquake. At Okawa Elementary School, the tsunami killed 84 children and teachers. This event has been held by children’s families for two years now, and this year it is celebrated for the third time. On the 9th, about 10 people, including families of the victims, installed bamboo lanterns made by volunteers on the grounds of Okawa Elementary School. Takahiro Shimomo, who lost his second daughter, who was in fifth grade at the time, said, “If you think about and feel the preciousness of life, I think your feelings for dead children will reach you.” Okawa General Incorporated Association Kazutaka Sato, co-representative of Bamboo Akari: “I am sure that each of us remembers what happened 13 years ago and has different feelings, but I think it would be a good opportunity to do it again if Each of us had the feeling that we had to save lives that could be saved.” On March 11, 108 bamboo lanterns will be lit, the same number of children who were registered at the time of the earthquake.