Grief remains but smiles return after the tsunami
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Hospitals and clinics have been rebuilt, including several supported by the Red Cross. Reconstruction of permanent housing is beginning and those remaining in temporary accommodation are being made as comfortable as possible.
"Life is continuing to get back to normal and we are seeing more smiles on people’s faces. They are doing more gardening, growing vegetables and other new activities," said Keiko Shimomoto, who runs the Japanese Red Cross’ psychosocial support program that works mainly with elderly survivors at Miyoko, in Miyagi Prefecture.
Psychosocial workers say that those they are working with seem happier and more active and communities are now able to look after those who remain vulnerable, however some activities are ongoing.
"People in the prefabricated housing have started asking us to organize some activities or events, such as outdoor noodle eating parties or barbeques," said Takeshi Inoue, director of operations at the Miyagi Red Cross chapter. "At the beginning, the Red Cross did all the organizing, but gradually, things are changing."
Now, the Red Cross provides the ingredients, but residents themselves take a greater sense of ownership over the events, organizing teams to prepare the food.
"Sometimes when a person decides to move out of the community, they ask the volunteers for their information, such as mobile phone number – they want to keep a contact with them, even if they leave," Inoue said.
In face of the shared anxieties and the divisions, the Japanese Red Cross Society continues to work to bring support to the communities. Many of the basic activities offered remain the same, but there are some new additions, such as movie events, cross country skiing-style ‘Nordic Walking, and day trips to hotels in nearby cities.
Through these activities, staff and volunteers hope people can live through these difficult times and help to take care of each other.
