From the Ship
Coming home to Ishinomaki, learning the lessons of the 311 disaster
Peace Boat called to the port of Ishinomaki for the first time in four years - a special place in our hearts.
Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture was the centre of Peace Boat's disaster relief and recover efforts following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and where thousands of Peace Boat Disaster Relief volunteers were active for the years to follow.
On March 11, 2011, a devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck the north-east of Japan, triggering a massive tsunami that claimed over 222,000 lives, washed away coastal cities, destroyed critical infrastructure and crippled thousands of businesses. Peace Boat / PBV first dispatched members to the Tohoku region on March 17, set up an operation base in Ishinomaki City and carried out diverse relief projects to help the communities for full recovery. The collaboration between the communities in the region and PBV / Peace Boat continues to date, as seen in the ship's visit during this voyage. Visit the project page here for full information.
The Pacific World's visit was the first international cruise ship to come back to Ishinomaki after the pandemic, and we were welcomed by the huge fishing flags and a performance by the local Junior Jazz Orchestra.
Voyage participants took part in learning programmes arranged by local organisations, for example to visit the memorial park now established in the devastated Minamihama and Kadonowaki areas, and learn about initiatives to pass on the experience and lessons of the disaster. Guided by the 311 Memorial Network, participants were overwhelmed by the damaged school building preserved at the Kadonowaki Elementary School, the stories of evacuees, and the artefacts and thoughts of parents on display at MEET Kadonowaki.
The hot summer day passed quickly, and the ship's departure from the port was enlivened by the Taiko drumming of Higashi-Matsushima and a fireworks display.
Thank you to the people of Ishinomaki for preparing and hosting us!
Photo: SUZUKI Shoichi