A journey to recovery CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 04 When a large earthquake and tsunami hit the northeastern In this document, we report on the strategy, the partners, coast of Japan on March 11, 2011, it deeply moved the whole and projects selected – and most importantly, the results PREFECTURES 06 of JTI – its management, its employees, and its business achieved. As you read about the varied programs and the PROJECTS AND PARTNERS 14 partners. In the spirit of solidarity, the Japan Disaster Relief benefits they have delivered, it will become clear that your PEOPLE 32 Fund (JDRF) was set up and within a few weeks it had raised support has made a real difference to the lives of numerous over CHF 5 million. individuals and communities in Japan. PREPAREDNESS 44 POST-IMPLEMENTATION 48 The JTI Foundation is our corporate foundation that has On behalf of the people who received your support, I would specialized in disaster aid for over a decade. It was chosen like to thank again those who have made possible all that to administer the Fund, with a mandate to help the victims has been achieved. of the disaster in clearly demonstrable ways.

Pierre de Labouchere President of the Board of the JTI Foundation and CEO of JTI

1 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS 2 Distribution Introduction After the March 11 tragedy in Japan, the JTI Foundation’s priority of support: has been the transparent and effective use of donations, with the aim of providing relevant support to the victims of the disaster. Beneficiaries’ views on what needed to be done and how, have been critical in guiding our response.

Since a national recovery plan takes time to develop and implement, 31.7% our programs had to focus on medium-sized projects rooted in local EMERGENCY RELIEF communities and developed together with local partners. Over time, two key themes have emerged in our choice of projects. First, the assistance to the most vulnerable: the elderly, the persons with disabilities and the rural communities. Second, a focus on long-term economic revitalization: paying particular attention to innovation and 68.3% creating employment opportunities. LONG-TERM RECOVERY This report accounts for the actions we have taken on your behalf. You will see that we have built strong partnerships, some of which will outlive the Japan Disaster Relief Fund itself.

We hope you will agree that your contributions have been effectively translated into action, and have delivered concrete results. During the last two years, we have experienced great appreciation from individuals and communities affected by the disaster, and many people have demonstrated dignity, strength, and even optimism in the face of enormous challenges. It is on their behalf that I sincerely thank you for your support and your trust.

Stefan Rissi Managing Director the JTI Foundation

3 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS INTRODUCTION 4 1 Prefectures AREAS AFFECTED BY THE DISASTER

On March 11, 2011 a total of 21 Japanese prefectures were affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Most seriously hit were Fukushima, Iwate and Miyagi. This section explores the characteristics of these regions to better understand the scale of the disaster and the challenges faced by the victims.

The JTI Foundation projects in northeastern Japan

IWATE Ofunato MIYAGI Otsuchi Onagawa Miyako Shiogama Yamada Kesennuma Kamaishi Minami Sanriku Rikuzentakata Ishinomaki Yamamoto-cho Ayukawa (Ishinomaki) FUKUSHIMA Higashi Matsushima Soma

5 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PREFECTURES 6 FUKUSHIMA

Fukushima is one of three Further inland, the region of Aizu THE LEGACY OF FUKUSHIMA 1 prefectures most damaged by is a mountainous area famed In the immediate aftermath of the events of March 11, 2011, for its scenic lakes, lush forests the tsunami, floodwaters coursed and the one closest to Tokyo. and snowy winters. Much of the through the Fukushima 1 nuclear As was the case with Iwate and prefecture – some 13 percent – power plant between Okuma-cho Miyagi prefectures, it was the is reserved for national parks. and Futaba-cho, causing the coastal population of Fukushima emergency generators that are that was most affected by the Fishing is an important economic vital to cooling the plant at times earthquake and tsunami. mainstay along the coast, as is of crisis, to fail. As a result, the agriculture in the central valley. outer housings of three of the six Fukushima is divided by mountain The prefecture is also noted for reactors at the site overheated ranges that run broadly parallel its power-generation industry and exploded. Subsequently, fires FUKUSHIMA to the coast. Hamadori, the and – in the context of the 2011 or partial meltdowns followed at a coastal region, is relatively flat disaster – it is for the crisis at the total of four units. and was most damaged by the Fukushima 1 nuclear power plant tsunami. Inland, the Nakadori that the prefecture is unfortunately As a result of the disaster, a large region is the agricultural heart remembered. number of residents were forced of the prefecture and home to to leave their homes and an its capital, Fukushima City. evacuation cordon was established around the facility. The explosions saw leaks that resulted in increased radiation levels across Japan.

PROJECTS IN FUKUSHIMA

IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE TO DISASTER VICTIMS AAR JAPAN THROUGHOUT THE PREFECTURE PEST CONTROL NICCO SOMA

7 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PREFECTURES 8 IWATE

Iwate is situated in the larger region dependent on their catch. The The JTI Foundation support of Tohoku and to the north of Miyagi, prefecture – with a population of has targeted those segments another prefecture devastated by around 1.36 million – constitutes of Iwate’s population and the events of March 11. Iwate’s only a little over one percent of the economy most severely affected capital is Morioka. country’s total. As a result, Iwate by the catastrophe, including is by Japanese standards relatively fishermen, internally displaced Much of the prefecture is unpopulated. Only Hokkaido, the people, the elderly and persons mountainous, and forestry has island to the north, has a lower with disabilities. IWATE been one economic mainstay population density. In common over the years. The region is with many other parts of rural noted for its indigenous beech Japan, the prefecture also faces trees. The fishing and seafood progressive depopulation, which industries were particularly badly even before the recent disaster damaged by the tsunami, resulting has posed serious social and in great economic hardship both economic challenges. for fishermen and those onshore

PROJECTS IN IWATE

SUPPORT TO THE OFUNATO PWJ OFUNATO FISH RETAILER ASSOCIATION SUPPORT TO THE OFUNATO PWJ OFUNATO SMALL BUSINESSES SUPPORT TO THE OFUNATO PWJ OFUNATO AREA WOMEN’S COALITION REBUILDING COMMUNITY KNK OFUNATO CENTERS IN OFUNATO CITY OTSUCHI COMMUNITY STATION TMN OTSUCHI SANRIKU SEAFOOD GYOZA WORKSHOP TMN OTSUCHI 100 SANTA CLAUSES TMN OTSUCHI, OFUNATO IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE AAR JAPAN MIYAKO, YAMADA, KAMAISHI, TO DISASTER VICTIMS RIKUZENTAKATA PEST CONTROL NICCO MIYAKO, TANOHATA, YAMADA, OTSUCHI, KAMAISHI, OFUNATO, RIKUZENTAKATA

9 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PREFECTURES 10 MIYAGI

Miyagi is located between Iwate The southern part of the prefecture As a result of the severe to the north and Fukushima borders Fukushima, and farmers damage to coastal areas, in the south. Much of the long in parts of Miyagi were subject the JTI Foundation has focused southeastern coast looks over to a government ban on beef a large part of its resources Sendai Bay, while the coastline movements over the summer of on projects in this prefecture to the northeast is more jagged 2011, in the wake of fears about – including those in the city of and mountainous. radioactive contamination. Ishinomaki, and the townships of Onagawa and Kesennuma. Sendai is also the largest city The coastal area of Miyagi was capital of the province, and home devastated by the tsunami that MIYAGI to many of its manufacturing followed the scale 9.0 earthquake. industries, which include In Miyagi as a whole, around electronics and food-processing. 10,000 people were killed or reported missing in the aftermath Agriculture and fisheries play of the disaster. Around 340,000 an important role in the local buildings were damaged or economy. The prefecture produces destroyed, at an estimated cost around 5% of the country’s rice, of CHF 80 billion. and a quarter of its oysters.

PROJECTS IN MIYAGI

REHABILITATION, PARTIAL SRC ONAGAWA RECONSTRUCTION AND TRANSFORMATION OF THE ONAGAWA TOWN HOSPITAL “FUYUMIZUTAMBO” SUSTAINABLE NICCO SHIOGAMA, KESENNUMA, REHABILITATION OF RICE FIELDS ISHINOMAKI, MINAMI SANRIKU CO-ORDINATION OF RELIEF IFSA ISHINOMAKI AND ASSISTANCE KESENNUMA TOURISM AND PWJ KESENNUMA FOOD-PROCESSING VENTURE COMMUNITY CENTER AND REFURBISHMENT AAR JAPAN ONAGAWA OF THE ONAGAWA HOT SPRING FACILITIES IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE AAR JAPAN YAMAMOTO-CHO, TO DISASTER VICTIMS AYUKAWA, (ISHINOMAKI) PEST CONTROL NICCO KESENNUMA, MINAMI SANRIKU, ONAGAWA, ISHINOMAKI, HIGASHI MATSUSHIMA

11 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PREFECTURES 12 2 Projects & Partners The JTI Foundation sought to address immediate relief and long-term socio- economic recovery. Through this section, 16 projects and 8 partners illustrate the achievements accomplished with the JTI Foundation’s support.

13 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PROJECTS & PARTNERS 14 EARLY ASSISTANCE FOR VULNERABLE VICTIMS GAMBARO MEANS COURAGE!

PROJECT: Immediate assistance to disaster victims in Fukushima, PROJECT: Gambaro! Cash grants to disaster victims Iwate and Miyagi prefectures PARTNER: JT Group Human Resources PARTNER: Association for Aid and Relief, Japan (AAR Japan) LOCATION: Tokyo and wider Japan LOCATION: Various locations in Fukushima, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures START DATE: July 2011 START DATE: July 2011 END DATE: August 2011 END DATE: December 2011 GR ANT: CHF 910,624 GR ANT: CHF 420,832

This project was the first funded in the Second, the project provided a OUR PARTNER The JT Group employs nearly 25,000 The distribution and size of the grants was aftermath of the March 2011 disaster. number of vehicles specially modified AAR Japan is a specialist in the people in Japan – over 1,000 of whom made on the basis of need. As a result of this Its particular significance lies in the for transporting the elderly located in field of delivering emergency relief were directly affected by the disaster. program, employees and their families were way the JTI Foundation and AAR Japan temporary shelters – making it possible assistance in the aftermath of large- On the initiative of the company’s supported in their endeavor to recover lives sought to identify victims of the disaster for vulnerable individuals and groups scale disasters. Established in 1979 senior managers – and in a considerable resembling their pre-disaster routines, both with very distinct needs: in this case, to visit local hospitals, or meet with as a non-governmental organization show of solidarity – the Gambaro personal and professional. Distribution the elderly and people with disabilities. friends and family outside their (NGO) its broader remit includes initiative allocated CHF 910,624 to of the funds was completed in August 2011. This has remained a consistent feature evacuation centers. providing assistance to people with employees affected by the disaster. of our programs, which have continued disabilities, action on mine hazards, to focus on the needs of those not 1,400 residents of evacuation centers the prevention of infectious diseases, generally targeted by large-scale and temporary shelters received and public awareness campaigns. disaster relief programs. emergency relief items as a result. In addition, 12 specialized vehicles AAR Japan is active both in Japan This emergency relief project had two were delivered to 10 welfare centers and internationally, with operations specific aims. First, the provision and and institutions catering to people in 14 countries beyond Japan. In distribution of necessities to vulnerable with disabilities. Consequently, AAR 1997, AAR Japan was jointly awarded individuals living in temporary shelters. Japan was able to provide support the Nobel Peace Prize as a member These included food and basic to 1,050 disadvantaged individuals organization of the International nonfood items. and their families. Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL).

15 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PROJECTS & PARTNERS 16 GETTING A FISHING COMMUNITY BACK TO WORK WOMEN AT WORK

PROJECT: Support to the Ofunato Fish Retailer Association (OFRA), PROJECT: Support to the Ofunato Area Women’s Coalition (OAWC) revitalisation of a local industry PARTNER: Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) PARTNER: Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) LOCATION: Ofunato, Iwate prefecture LOCATION: Ofunato, Iwate prefecture START DATE: March 2012 START DATE: August 2011 END DATE: May 2012 END DATE: December 2011 GR ANT: CHF 16,054 (balance left from the Support to the Ofunato project) GR ANT: CHF 251,335

This project helped the Ofunato Fish local families, and providing a stimulus OUR PARTNER Support to the Ofunato Area Women’s In this framework, PWJ, together to activity which positively influenced Retailer Association (OFRA) to rebuild to the town’s economy as a whole. Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) is a non- Coalition (OAWC) is part of the with the JTI Foundation’s support, their morale. This project is nowadays the fish-processing infrastructure at the governmental organization (NGO) greater support to the Ofunato Fish developed a program which aimed outliving the JTI Foundation’s support badly damaged port of Ofunato ahead Such revival of OFRA’s economic dedicated to supporting people in Retailer Association (OFRA). While to improve OAWC member’s social as OAWC members continue to manage of the all-important season for Sanma activity enabled the association to distress, threatened by conflict, poverty, implementing the project with OFRA, as well as economic wellbeing. their business independently. fishing. Sanma are a popular local relocate to a permanent facility and or other turmoil. Although headquartered PWJ assessed the need to provide delicacy, and the related mail-order donate the temporary tent, set up with in Japan, PWJ is active in 11 countries specific support to Ofunato women The project provided seafood processing business is a major source of seasonal the JTI Foundation’s support, to another and is emerging as an increasingly affected by the March 11, 2011 disaster. facilities, which helped Ofunato women income for the community as a whole. association in need, the Minamisanriku significant emergency relief organization, generate additional earnings to restart a Fishing Product Association (MFPA). demonstrating considerable expertise OAWC used to be working prior to business in a challenging post-tsunami As a result of the JTI Foundation’s in disaster response subsequent to the the disaster in the oyster processing environment. This project also ensured support, OFRA shipped 18,725 boxes This project has been the subject of March 2011 catastrophe. business and was mainly composed that the greater community would benefit of Sanma fish throughout Japan during an independent post-implementation of spouses of oyster and seafood from such business recovery as OAWC the 2012 season, generating sales of report – for more details of how it farmers from the Ofunato area. The sold their products in the Sanriku more than CHF 675,000 in just two met its objectives see page 49. tsunami destroyed most of the oyster Toretate Market. Beyond the economic months. and seafood farming facilities leading factor, support to OAWC helped to a great loss of income for these women affected by the 2011 disaster 23 OFRA members and 49 small fish communities. gain greater confidence and a return shops operating under the umbrella of the Association benefitted from the project, securing the income of 200

17 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS SECTION 5: PROJECTS & PARTNERS 18 A VERY REAL HAZARD SUPPORTING THE WORK OF VITAL VOLUNTEERS

PROJECT: Protecting the population from pest outbreaks PROJECT: Co-ordination of relief and assistance PARTNER: Nippon International Co-operation for Community Development PARTNER: Ishinomaki Future Support Association (IFSA) – formerly the (NICCO) Ishinomaki Disaster Recovery Assistance Council (IDRAC) LOCATION: Various municipalities: Fukushima, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures LOCATION: Ishinomaki, Miyagi prefecture START DATE: September 2011 START DATE: October 2011 END DATE: November 2011 END DATE: March 2013 GR ANT: CHF 356,355 GR ANT: CHF 180,254

In the aftermath of the earthquake field visits by teams of experts, OUR PARTNER Ishinomaki city was devastated by the The program, which was due to OUR PARTNER and tsunami, local authorities and purchasing pesticides, sharing NICCO was established in 1979 as the earthquake and tsunami, which left more conclude in October 2012, has been IFSA was established on the request the population at large were challenged information on outbreaks at the Kampuchean Refugee Relief program, than 3,100 residents dead or missing. extended to March 2013. Through of the Ishinomaki City Social Welfare by vast quantities of debris, mud and commune level, and deploying and changed its name in 1993 to reflect Some 53,000 buildings were damaged, IFSA’s activities, information on Council in the aftermath of the a severely damaged infrastructure. pesticides where needed. its wider mandate. It now focuses on of which 22,000 were completely disaster relief and recovery projects earthquake and tsunami to co-ordinate Clearance of major public areas required four core areas: disaster relief assistance, destroyed. Of a total of 163,000 has been shared with all actors local disaster management initiatives many months of effort. During this time, 500,000 people live in the cities and building self-reliance, the protection inhabitants, 110,000 were directly involved in supplying aid relief in in areas including immediate relief, extremely high summer temperatures, towns of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima of the rural environment, and capacity affected by the disaster – while around a timely and transparent manner. emergency response, economic and resulting increased levels of prefectures covered by this program – building. On 27 October, 2011, Yomiuri 30,000 people lost their livelihoods as a revitalization, transportation, health, humidity created the perfect conditions all of whom have directly or indirectly Shimbun, Japan’s best-selling daily result of subsequent economic disruption. In another significant initiative, IFSA food, water, and sanitation. Since then, for harmful pest outbreaks. benefitted from reduced threats to their newspaper, awarded NICCO with the has organized a cadre of volunteers IFSA has worked to align the programs health. As important, the expertise 18th Annual Prize in recognition of its This project provided funding from to teach visitors the importance of of 342 international and local non- NICCO’s pest control project was and experience gained through this pest control initiative, and for the three October 2011 for five IFSA personnel improving disaster preparedness governmental organizations (NGOs) initiated with the Japan Pest Control project will be incorporated in municipal decades NICCO spent supporting who had previously worked on a volunteer across the country as a whole. and has been central in volunteer Association and a number of local contingency plans – better preparing international relief operations. basis. These dedicated staff members You can read more about this activity – with as many as 3,000 partners. Pest control experts are communities in Tohoku for the threat have been vital to the co-ordination of aspect of IFSA’s work in the feature volunteers active on any single day. deployed in 10 municipalities where of future natural disasters. volunteer activity. on ‘Preparedness’ on page 46. pest outbreaks had occurred or were threatened. Specific deliverables included

19 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PROJECTS & PARTNERS 20 TRADITIONAL FARMING TECHNIQUES REVISITED MEDICAL FACILITIES THAT MEET FUTURE NEEDS

PROJECT: Rehabilitation support to rice fields affected, with the application PROJECT: Rehabilitation partial reconstruction of the ‘Fuyumizutambo environmental conservation method and transformation of the earthquake and tsunami-affected Onagawa town hospital PARTNER: Nippon International Co-operation for Community Development (NICCO) PARTNER: Swiss Red Cross (SRC) LOCATION: Ishinomaki, Miyagi prefecture LOCATION: Onagawa, Miyagi prefecture START DATE: December 2011 START DATE: March 2011 END DATE: February 2013 END DATE: April 2012 GR ANT: CHF 187,024 GR ANT: CHF 210,000

Agriculture is an economic mainstay Environmental and biological analysis MORE ABOUT NICCO’S WORK The Swiss Red Cross’s project has Services for the elderly will be much A JOINT INITIATIVE of the Tohoku region, and rice is one is also done in conjunction with experts NICCO’s project to reintroduce the played an important role in revitalizing improved as a result of this program – This project brought together three of the key crops – its cultivation also from Tohoku University. ‘Fuyumizutambo’ rice growing technique Onagawa’s infrastructure by redeveloping with greater emphasis on primary care; Swiss-based organizations: Swiss has deep and historic significance for sees preselected local farmers given a local hospital badly damaged by water and services such as home nursing Solidarity, the Swiss Red Cross and the local community. NICCO’s project Initially, 4 farmers from model farms the opportunity to cultivate higher-quality and mud from the tsunami. This work and rehabilitation. In addition, parts of Caritas Switzerland, who worked in aims to assist local paddy farmers in in Miyagi prefecture benefitted directly rice, which is both more profitable and included adapting the facilities to better the hospital complex were turned into co-operation with the Japanese Red restarting agricultural activities using the from this project, while 70 other more environmentally friendly. NICCO meet the future needs of the population, residential units for elderly people who Cross Society to rebuild and refurbish environmentally friendly ‘Fuyumizutambo’ local farmers were invited to attend has four-years of experience in using and specifically those of elderly residents. lost their homes in the tsunami. the hospital. It builds on a tradition method of rice cultivation at 4 ‘model workshops and training sessions. this method in Shiga prefecture, which of collaboration between Swiss and farms’. The resulting rehabilitation of Moreover, 200 volunteers who has demonstrated a wide range of The JTI Foundation’s contribution Based on available patient data, the Japanese disaster relief agencies their paddy fields is designed to help participated in ‘Fuyumizutambo’ benefits, including improved biodiversity. focused on providing equipment, hospital’s management anticipates established at the time of the 1995 local farmers with both the economic and workshops are spreading the knowledge In addition to its Japanese projects, furniture and fittings at the site, which 85,000 patient-visits annually. Elsewhere Kobe earthquake. cultural revitalization of their communities. they gained. If successful, rice grown NICCO has a successful track record was inaugurated as the Onagawa Town in this report, Kaoru Cho, the hospital’s Project activities include site clearance with the ‘Fuyumizutambo’ method will of implementing this type of eco-farming Community Health and Elderly Welfare Chief Nurse, talks about her experience using volunteers from universities expand among forward-thinking farmers model in Malawi, Jordan, Israel Center at a ceremony in April 2012. of the disaster, and the challenges throughout Japan, de-salinating paddy and take root in the area. and Palestine. Due to a shortage of medical facilities around rebuilding the local community fields, planting, and harvesting with in the district of Ishinomaki after the – see page 34. local farmers and local not-for-profit disaster, rebuilding the Onagawa hospital organizations. was a high priority.

21 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PROJECTS & PARTNERS 22 A BOOST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES A CIVIC RESOURCE FOR THE BEST AND WORST OF TIMES

PROJECT: Support to Ofunato small businesses, generating economic revival PROJECT: Rebuilding Community Centers in Ofunato City affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami PARTNER: Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) PARTNER: Kokkyo naki Kodomotachi (KnK) Japan LOCATION: Ofunato, Iwate prefecture LOCATION: Ofunato, Iwate prefecture START DATE: March 2012 START DATE: June 2012 END DATE: October 2012 END DATE: 2016 (JTI Foundation component December 2013) GR ANT: CHF 464,025 GR ANT: CHF 640,000

Ofunato’s commercial heart was badly Direct beneficiaries of this project Ofunato, in the southern part of Iwate KnK and the Ofunato municipality will OUR PARTNER damaged by the March 11 disaster. include 116 small shop owners, all of prefecture, was one of the worst affected take charge of a second phase, running Kokkyo naki Kodomotachi (KnK) was Out of 1,786 small businesses, 1,150 them members of their local Chamber of cities. Among other public facilities, 34 between 2013 and 2016, overseeing established in 1997 with a mission to were damaged or washed away by Commerce. Local suppliers and families of 132 Community Centers were partly the reconstruction of some additional promote the welfare of under privileged floodwaters. By the end of 2011, a of the shop owners indirectly benefit or completely destroyed. In light of this, 6 Centers. children across Asia. Its first modest number of shops had managed to from this project. Also, 46,000 local the city authorities drew up a recovery project launched in 2000, sought to reopen using owners’ private funds. residents and numerous visitors are plan at the end of October 2011 and Community Centers have a vital role in provide a refuge for 10 Cambodian However, 200 less fortunate small taking advantage of shops reopening, called on KnK to support the funding Japanese society: they are places where youngsters. The scope of KnK’s businesses were left struggling due and thus improving access to food and and co-ordination of rebuilding efforts. people of all ages gather to play, study, operations has since grown rapidly, to a lack of premises and insufficient other necessities. hold meetings, and organize traditional and the organization has subsequently external financial support. Multiple The JTI Foundation is supporting events. During times of natural disaster, launched long-term operations actors worked towards developing the work of KnK to rebuild these Community Centers are serving as and disaster relief projects in 10 and funding this project, including Community Centers. One semi- shelters, distribution bases and Asian countries. the municipality and the beneficiaries permanent Center with a useful life communication hubs. As a result, a total themselves. of 10 years and another permanent of 5,000 Ofunato residents from 17 local Center have been completed during communities are expected to benefit from Specific project deliverables included the 2012. The JTI Foundation will continue this two-phase project. development of common facilities at 7 to cover through 2013 and beyond, shopping areas in Ofunato, and providing the funding for the construction grants for purchasing basic equipment. or renovation of a further 9 Community Centers.

23 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PROJECTS & PARTNERS 24 AGILE AND RESPONSIVE MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE MOST VULNERABLE

PROJECT: Search and Rescue Team PROJECT: Otsuchi Community Station PARTNER: Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) PARTNER: Tono Magokoro Net (TMN) LOCATION: Hiroshima prefecture LOCATION: Otsuchi, Iwate prefecture START DATE: October 2012 START DATE: November 2012 END DATE: September 2013 END DATE: August 2013 GR ANT: CHF 315,000 GR ANT: CHF 585,368

Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) has Developing PWJ’s search and rescue This project will provide a Community This project addresses the specific OUR PARTNER demonstrated considerable expertise capabilities will add to the number of Station (akin to a welfare center) for needs of the vulnerable in society – Tono Magokoro Network (TMN) is a in disaster response in the wake of organizations in Japan trained in this local residents of Otsuchi. In addition the elderly and people with disabilities volunteer group established by citizens the March 2011 catastrophe – and in highly specialized activity. It will also add to the construction element, the JTI in particular as it provides a ‘hub’ of Tono, a city located an hour’s drive particular a ‘first on the scene’ approach. to PWJ’s existing competencies in other Foundation is funding training for care- for communities scattered by in the inland from the Iwate coast. During PWJ is extending its rapid response fields of disaster relief and emergency workers, including three persons with aftermath of the disaster. This initiative 2011, TMN’s priorities included providing capabilities by establishing a search and response. As a non-governmental disabilities. The project envisages the will also contribute to economic lodging, transport and equipment for rescue team – allowing it to identify and organization (NGO), PWJ will be in Community Station serving as a multi- regeneration by providing a number of volunteers. In 2012, its focus shifted recover individuals trapped in debris a position to act quickly and free of the generational, multipurpose platform for much needed employment opportunities: towards long-term economic and social in the aftermath of natural disasters. kinds of constraints that sometimes the revitalization of the local community the project should provide full-time and recovery programs. delay the deployment of large disaster temporary employment for up to 60 local PWJ’s dogs and dog-handlers train relief organizations. The focus on the elderly is particularly residents. at a purpose built center located important. This part of the community in Jinsekikogen-cho, Hiroshima This project also demonstrates the has felt the impact of the 2011 disaster prefecture. In addition to the dog JTI Foundation’s commitment to funding severely – with friends and relatives training components, the JTI Foundation initiatives that contribute significantly often dispersed during emergency has contributed to the building of a to disaster preparedness – read rehousing programs. permanent simulated disaster site with more about this on page 46. advanced training for PWJ staff and dog handlers in areas such as first aid and helicopter rappelling.

25 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PROJECTS & PARTNERS 26 AN INNOVATIVE HYBRID PROJECT A FOCUS FOR CIVIC LIFE

PROJECT: Kesennuma tourism and food-processing venture PROJECT: Community Center and refurbishment of the Onagawa hot spring facilities PARTNER: Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) PARTNER: Association for Aid and Relief, Japan (AAR Japan) LOCATION: Moune, Kesennuma, Miyagi prefecture LOCATION: Onagawa, Miyagi Prefecture START DATE: November 2012 START DATE: November 2012 END DATE: August 2013 (JTI Foundation component April 2013) END DATE: June 2013 GR ANT: CHF 415,128 GR ANT: CHF 191,000

The Tohoku region, already popular with Even before the earthquake and tsunami Onagawa’s population stood at a little fittings required to furnish a temporary tourists – 2.6 million visits annually – struck, the Tohoku region was beginning over 10,000 on the eve of the disaster; structure at the town’s famed hot spring has the opportunity to develop tourism to feel the adverse effects of an aging however, approximately a tenth of its facility. All the fittings will be moved facilities that capitalize on its abundant population – a trend reflected in citizens had been reported dead or to a permanent facility when this is agricultural and fishing resources. In its declining social and economic activity. missing not long after. Over 60 percent constructed. initial phases, this project aims to open This project goes beyond post-disaster of the town’s buildings were destroyed, a café, a small food-processing facility, economic revitalization, by addressing a and a further 25 percent were severely The Community Center will provide a a kitchen, and a floating restaurant. more general imperative to develop new damaged including Onagawa’s 3 space to rebuild a sense of community and self-sustaining businesses that meet Community Centers. for 380 citizens from 150 households The JTI Foundation initially agreed this demographic challenge. living in its immediate vicinity. The to fund the first project phase, Residents of the town still living in temporary facility at the town’s hot spring comprising the café and the kitchen/food This initiative is expected to raise temporary accommodation have will also provide 8,500 residents and as processing components. Subsequently Kesennuma’s profile among tourists prioritized the need for new Community many as 70,000 tourists with an amenity the JTI Foundation agreed to provide visiting Japan’s northeastern coast. Centers. In this framework, this project that is likely to be widely used and much additional support towards a second If successful in stimulating the local has two distinct but complementary appreciated for it’s therapeutic values. mobile kitchen, food-processing trailer tourism industry, PWJ estimates that the components. The first is to build a and related catering equipment to positive economic impact for the 70,000 new temporary Community Center for increase staff capacity and opportunities residents of the area could amount to residents of Onagawa. The second for training. CHF 2.3 million annually. involves providing all the fixtures and

27 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PROJECTS & PARTNERS 28 ECONOMIC REGENERATION ON THE MENU DELIVERING A FESTIVE CHEER

PROJECT: Sanriku Gyoza Workshop PROJECT: 100 Santa Clauses PARTNER: Tono Magokoro Net (TMN) PARTNER: Tono Magokoro Net (TMN) LOCATION: Otsuchi, Iwate prefecture LOCATION: Various towns and cities in coastal Iwate prefecture START DATE: January 2013 START DATE: December 2012 END DATE: February 2014 END DATE: December 2012 GR ANT: CHF 239,048 GR ANT: CHF 22,600

This project, implemented by TMN, It also provides employment The holiday season is a particularly The JTI Foundation specifically MORE ABOUT 100 SANTA CLAUSES will establish a kitchen, workshop opportunities for local people with challenging time both mentally and contributed to providing and distributing TMN initially launched the first and office to manufacture gyoza – a disabilities whose specific needs are physically for those who are still living gifts for 4,000 families in Ofunato and nationwide 100 Santa Clauses appeal type of dumpling typically stuffed with often overlooked at times of crisis. with the consequences of the disaster. the neighboring town of Rikuzentakata. in December 2011. Such was the minced meat or seafood. The project’s Many individuals and families across In addition to improved wellbeing for a success of the project that the number scope also includes developing new Finally, the project raises the profile Iwate prefecture continue to reside large number of families,the program of volunteers was immediately raised dumpling recipes using locally sourced of communities still living with the in temporary housing, often far from also promoted the volunteering ethos from 100 to 500. The campaign had ingredients, and training for employees. consequences of the March 2011 friends and loved ones. and raised awareness of the continuing an enormously positive psychological disaster. In addition to local sales plight of displaced families across Japan. impact by demonstrating to beneficiaries This project seeks to retain maximum channels, Sanriku Gyoza Workshop By recruiting and training hundreds that they remain in the thoughts of their economic value within the local economy products will retail more widely of volunteers from around Japan to countrymen. In 2012, TMN scaled up by involving three important economic throughout Japan – including an online distribute presents between December the program further by recruiting a total sectors: first, agriculture and fisheries; and nationwide ‘Recovery Marketplace’. 22nd and 24th, TMN’s 100 Santa of 600 volunteers. second, manufacturing and processing; In its first year, TMN anticipates that the Clauses initiative targets those for and third retail and distribution. This type Sanriku Gyoza Workshop will directly whom the holiday season poses of project is classified as rokuji sangyo – employ 16 individuals. A further potential emotional strain. The program or a ‘six-sector’ development model. 40 workers in agriculture, fisheries saw 600 TMN volunteers dressed up and forestry are expected to benefit in Santa Claus costumes distributing as suppliers. small gifts to 14,000 families – or 36,000 individuals – across the prefecture.

29 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PROJECTS & PARTNERS 30 3 People In this section, project beneficiaries, community leaders and program managers talk about their experiences in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, and explain how the JTI Foundation’s support made a difference to their journey to recovery.

31 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PEOPLE 32 Onagawa’s hospital was one among many medical facilities badly damaged by the tsunami that swept through the town on March 11, 2011. With the support of the JTI Foundation and other donors – including Swiss Solidarity, the Swiss Red Cross and Caritas Switzerland in close co-operation with the Japanese Red Cross Society and Onagawa city – implemented a project to rebuild and reconfigure the hospital to better meet the needs of the local community. ONGAWA HOSPITAL: A COMMUNITY STILL COPING WITH THE TRAGEDY

Kaoru Cho, Chief Nurse at the It was freezing cold that night. We took These units are too cramped for those Onagawa Community Hospital, down everything we could find to use with specific needs, such as wheelchair recalls the night of the disaster as blankets, for example curtains and users. It’s sad to relate, but we see a – and talks about the challenges even spare doctors’ uniforms. People number of social problems resulting from still facing the town. slept wherever they could find space – the disaster – people getting diabetes the corridors were crammed with bodies. through lack of exercise – or suffering “ At the time the disaster struck, we from depression and turning to alcohol. had around 20 hospitalized patients, On March 12, we heard that an We are one of a small number of and a further 50 elderly citizens in a evacuation center had been established hospitals in this area – and we take our dedicated geriatric unit. The tsunami in the town’s gymnasium. We had to responsibility for these kinds of issues washed away an entire floor of the ask everyone to transfer there – it was very seriously. building. The place was crowded a very difficult moment – having to move with people – patients, staff and the everyone in the cold. But we had no I want to thank everyone who has emergency services. Many patients option – there simply wasn’t enough supported the renovation of the hospital, were wet – chilled to the bone – and food to go around. including the JTI Foundation. It’s now had no change of clothes. We found better organized to meet the needs of whatever we could for them – we even We’ve been in the new facility since the local community – we have a large used hospital uniforms. Food was April 2012. In fact, we managed to population of seniors around here. another pressing issue – we hold three keep the hospital open even while Thanks to your generosity, we’ve been day’s supplies under normal conditions the refurbishment was going on. We able to focus on the provision of medical – but now the place was filled with still face challenges though – not so services, and have not had to worry evacuees. We had to share what we much at the hospital, but in the wider about the rebuilding effort.” had sparingly. It was quite a desperate community. Public transportation is situation. We scavenged for food items a problem – many people use it to reach floating on the floodwaters. We broke the hospital, but we’re still reliant on open vending machines. temporary services. Many of the elderly who need to visit the hospital are now living far away in temporary accommodation.

33 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PEOPLE 34 THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY LIFE IN A POST-DISASTER RECOVERY PROCESS

KnK (Kokkyo naki Kodomotach) is a Japanese non-profit We have already had countless opportunities to see organization founded in 1997. It has extensive experience the positive impact of the project’s work. At the opening in post-disaster situations in environments as varied as celebrations for one of the Community Centers in an earthquake in Pakistan and a tsunami in Indonesia. November 2012, local residents performed a wonderful Dominique Leguillier, the Executive Director of KnK traditional dance to guests, including representatives of Japan, talks about its work rebuilding Community the JTI Foundation. Prior to the event, residents came Centers in Ofunato, with funding from the JTI Foundation. together at the Center to rehearse their performance, and repair costumes damaged by the tsunami. It was “We were approached by Ofunato municipality in November an extraordinary experience. 2011 – they were having trouble raising funds to reconstruct local Community Centers destroyed by the tsunami. These One of KnK’s key strengths is that it focuses on assisting projects weren’t eligible for government recovery grants, communities with projects that are often beyond the reach and were too large to be achievable with private donations. of official aid programs. It takes a needs-based approach, We made numerous visits to discuss the situation with local through close co-ordination with the communities it serves. residents before committing, and then we partnered with The reconstruction of these Community Centers in Ofunato, the JTI Foundation which is now generously supporting this undertaken in close collaboration with the JTI Foundation, important project. showcases the strengths of such an approach.”

To put this project in context, it’s important to understand that Community Centers play a key role in Japan’s post- disaster recovery. They are places where people get together, regardless of age, to hold meetings and organise traditional events. For children, the Centers provide an important opportunity to interact with other generations, to learn local traditions and develop a sense of ‘belonging to a community’. Two Community Centers renovated with support from the project are now actively utilized by local residents; who meet to discuss their reconstruction plans, resume their traditional cultural activities, and perhaps most importantly, enjoy chatting with neighbors.

35 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PEOPLE 36 KESENNUMA AGRI-TOURISM: THE OYSTER IS THEIR WORLD

This project sees Peace Winds Japan partner with two local not-for-profit organizations – Peace Nature Lab and Mori wa Umi no Koibito – to build tourism facilities based around the region’s abundant agricultural products, fish and seafood.

KEN MATSUDA MAKOTO HATAKEYAMA YUKI MIYAZAKI

Peace Nature Lab’s Ken Matsuda (Representative Ken Matsuda: Director), Makoto Hatakeyama (Deputy Director) “We have professional support for product marketing. and Yuki Miyazaki (Product Development) talk about Our ambition is to grow the business here, and eventually the common themes that drew them to the project. expand it to Tokyo. At the moment, we’re moving into a project implementation phase. I’d like to create something which is Ken Matsuda: fun, something people can really enjoy, and something which “We formed Peace Nature Lab in April 2012 in response to generates employment opportunities along the way.” the events of March 2011. Prior to this, we’d been involved in a variety of different ventures. Hatakeyama-san was running his Yuki Miyazaki: own organization in Kesennuma, relating to nature awareness. “I’ve been living here a long time but until the tsunami I didn’t At the time of the tsunami he was piloting his boat in the ocean. appreciate how pleasant and beautiful this place is. Sometimes His boat was washed away, and he only escaped by swimming we forget to observe what is closest to us. Many of the young to the nearby island of Oshima.” are leaving this area to live and work elsewhere. I want our project to show them the value of staying in this neighborhood.” Yuki Miyazaki: “I was working in a bookshop. At the time of the earthquake, Makoto Hatakeyama: it was my day off, so I was with my grandmother. I was safe, “I agree. As a local too, I feel it’s vital that we attract younger but the tsunami swept away my workplace – and my job. people back to the area – currently the age of most working people around here is the 50 to 60 bracket. This problem I’d been a member of Peace Winds Japan in the past, was obvious even before the tsunami – and the situation is and after the tsunami, I found myself working for them worse now. We need outside help to rejuvenate the community. again. On the staff of PWJ’s Tohoku operation, I noticed Talking to PWJ guys has been very motivating – and I want that Matsuda-san and Hatakeyama-san were up to something their inspirational approach to spread wider. interesting. I happen to have a license to cook, and got involved on that basis. While we all acknowledge the vital role of the young, it’s also important to create employment opportunities for the The seas around here are full of oysters. One of my projects 50- to 60-year olds left behind. These folk can’t realistically is to develop new recipes and new sales channels. With move away from the area, neither do they wish to. Our project expert help, we’re creating a new type of smoked-oyster recognizes this – and as part of its wider mandate – we’re dish. We have an experimental oyster-smoking facility looking to create a number of jobs for them at the Moune site.” outside our lab.”

Makoto Hatakeyama: “Matsuda-san and I were involved in emergency relief activities in Kesennuma. Peace Nature Lab was a kind of brainstorming thing we did to relax after work. We would talk about the future, nature – and oysters. We wanted to something positive and interesting – that’s why we set up Peace Nature Lab.”

37 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PEOPLE 38 MEET THE OFUNATO SMALL A FOCUS ON OFUNATO & ONAGAWA BUSINESS OWNERS COMMUNITY CENTERS

The JTI Foundation’s willingness to support long-term Community Centers are a vital resource – places for people socio-economic recovery led it to partner with Peace Winds scattered across affected areas in temporary accommodation Japan (PWJ) to help small business owners restart trading. to come together for leisure activities – and to consult on The messages and quotes below testify to the importance important local matters affecting them. In collaboration with of our support. partners KnK and AAR Japan, the JTI Foundation has been supporting the restoration or rebuilding of such Centers. Some of those benefitting from this initiative talk about the importance of these projects. MR AND MRS YACHI MR NISHIYAMA SHOP OWNERS SHOP OWNER OFUNATO OFUNATO ONAGAWA Kaneki Fish Shop, Nishiyama Gofuku Ten Store, Jinomori Hakkengai Market Ofunato Dream Market “We sell seafood and other fresh “I couldn’t have restarted my business products, and needed a large without the warm support of my refrigeration system. These are customers and wholesalers – and the very expensive. But with help from JTI Foundation-PWJ grant. With my new the JTI Foundation-PWJ grant, shop, I’ve created a comfortable and we were able to purchase a second- homely environment, so my customers YUJI MURAKAMI HIDEAKI KONDO KENJIRO FUJIKI hand fridge, and some display can come and enjoy shopping.” COMMUNITY LEADER BENEFICIARY COMMUNITY LEADER shelving we needed.” Ofunato Kamisaka Community Center Ofunato Kamisaka Community Center Kami-go Community Center “This is the first Community Center “Our Community Center is used for “This is the spot where our old to reopen in Matsuzaki district, and official events, like meetings to discuss Center was located – as you can see, MS OGAWA MR YAMAKAWA I’m hopeful it will be a spur to the upcoming festivals and other local it’s over a kilometer from the coast, SHOP OWNER GROUP LEADER completion of others in this area. The events. As things stand, old people and up a hill – yet even so, it was torn original building is 75 years old. Before and children visit the new Center most away by the tsunami. We have been Ogawa Hairdressing Salon, Massaki Fureai Market the tsunami, the base was not very often. I’m planning to use it as means playing pétanque (or boules) here in Massaki Fureai Market My shop was too small to be eligible stable – we’ve been able to replace the for getting young people who left after the meantime, and using a temporary “Most of my customers are from this for the subsidies and grants provided wood foundations with concrete, and the disaster back in touch with this Center in an apartment over the road. area – Massaki. When they heard about by the government. The JTI Foundation- added other anti-earthquake measures community. And people who’ve been We’re looking forward to the completion me reopening the boutique, many of my PWJ grants provided for a number – so now we really have a Center that’s living in remote temporary housing. of the new Center though: we plan to regular customers came straight back. of businesses in this category. fit for the future. While we had some We will hold events, or small friendly do everything here – community events, I enjoy spending time with them, but Thanks! – I wouldn’t have been able minimal resources of our own, this gatherings here to lure these people festivals, talking about things that affect when I had three customers in row, to restart my store without you. project wouldn’t have been possible back – especially those in the 20 to 40 the local community – and just quietly even I became tired of the chatting! without the support from KnK and the age group. I’d like to see our community drinking tea. I really want to thank This is not just a shopping area, but also JTI Foundation. Actually, the Center restored to the way it was before – and everyone who made this possible When I stop to think about it, the new a place for people to gather and share was completed on 14 October – for that, we need more young people.” for helping us. Look down from here shop interior almost looks and feels happy times!” but we waited for our guests from the towards the sea below. The tsunami like my previous shop. I’m also grateful JTI Foundation to visit in November for flooded this entire area, it just continued for the work done to refurbish communal the opening ceremony – the first official climbing up the road you see in front parts of the mall – having a roof over gathering here for 20 months.” of us, destroying everything. It was the stairs really helps prevent visitors terrifying. Well, now we finally have from slipping in the rain and the snow.” a Community Center close to hand – and best of all – I’ll still be able to play pétanque in the new facility!”

39 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PEOPLE 40 “ When I learned about the extent of the damage from the tsunami, I knew I wanted to go and volunteer.”

COMING BACK FOR A NEW COMMUNITY STATION

Tono Magokoro Net (TMN) is a network of volunteers When I learned about the extent of the damage from based in the inland city of Tono. Established in a the tsunami, I knew I wanted to go and volunteer – demonstration of solidarity for the plight of Iwate’s but friends and teachers told me that only professional coastal dwellers whose lives were devastated by the rescuers could enter the disaster area. earthquake and tsunami, TMN has partnered with the JTI Foundation to build a Community Station in Otsuchi. I returned to the US as planned and immediately began looking for organizations with whom I could volunteer. New Yorker, Peter Porcino, talks about his journey from A friend of mine told me about Tono Magokoro Net, Japan to the US and back as a volunteer with TMN. and I signed up right away. So… that’s how I got here… and this is where I am today!” “I was born in New York and raised just outside the city. I studied Japanese Literature at Stanford University, and then received a fellowship from the Japanese government to study for a further two years in Kyoto. In March of 2011, my fellowship was coming to a close, and I was preparing to go back to the States.

41 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PEOPLE 42 4 Preparedness Much of the JTI Foundation’s resources have been allocated to projects that generate long-term economic and social benefits for communities. At the same time, the JTI Foundation has developed a second strand of projects which provide the basis for improved awareness, readiness and preparedness for future disaster.

43 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PREPAREDNESS 44 The JTI Foundation has highlighted three areas where sustained preparedness to future disaster could be fostered: pest and disease outbreaks, independent search and rescue teams, and awareness campaigns.

LESSONS EMERGING Through its support for Peace Winds’ FROM THE RUBBLE Japan Search and Rescue team, NICCO’s pest control project, conducted the JTI Foundation welcomes this in Tohoku in 2011, has been instrumental development as a small but significant in controlling outbreaks of infectious step towards improving Japan’s diseases – but most importantly, has preparedness for the kind of future demonstrated to local governments natural disasters that unfortunately across the region a model of best seem all too inevitable. practice. Public acclaim also followed the organization’s work – in a follow-up SHOW & TELL survey conducted by the Japan Pest Finally, the JTI Foundation determined Control Association (JPCA), 77 percent that resilience to future disasters is also of stakeholders highly-rated the impact achieved through people’s personal of the pest control projects. readiness to show strength when faced with very challenging events. As NICCO plans to build on the knowledge and experience accrued Through the JTI Foundation’s support, during this project, the JTI Foundation the Ishinomaki Future Support feels that this support has set a Association (IFSA) was able to launch precedent in the way local communities a ’Kataribe’ – or ‘story-telling’ program, will address similar issues in the future. which has been conducted more than 45 times, and has involved over 1,100 PREPARING FOR AN individuals. UNCERTAIN FUTURE Another project aimed at increasing Based in both IFSA’s meeting rooms preparedness is developing Peace and at various locations around affected Winds Japan’s Search and Rescue cities, a team of 11 volunteer story-tellers team. The experience of the 2011 from Ishinomaki describe their personal Great East Japan Earthquake and experiences, and brief visitors about the Tsunami suggests larger search and key lessons learned – so that they in turn rescue teams often find it more difficult can take and share this knowledge with to respond immediately to crisis family, friends and colleagues in other events than smaller and more agile parts of Japan – improving the country’s not-for-profit organizations. overall preparedness for future disasters.

45 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS PREPAREDNESS 46 5 Post-implementation Monitoring and evaluation is critical in assessing the achievements of humanitarian aid programs. Peace Winds Japan’s project in support of the Ofunato fishermen community was the first to be evaluated. All others will follow.

47 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS POST-IMPLEMENTATION 48 Over the autumn of 2012, the JTI Foundation commissioned a Japanese not-for-profit organization, the Center for Public Resources Development, to conduct the first third-party evaluation into a JTI Foundation project.

AA DETAILEDDETAILED STAKEHOLDERSTAKEHOLDER EVALUATIONEVALUATION

The Center for Public Resources In terms of the quantifiable benefits of “We conclude that it would have been Development’s (CPRD) 70-page the project, the CPRD reports that the impossible to restart sanma Fish Mail- report* was, amongst other, based project delivered wide and substantial Order sales without the support of the on interviews with 12 stakeholders, returns relative to the initial investment. JTI Foundation and PWJ. Ofunato Fish including representatives from Peace The report also features a Social Return Retailer Association members, who Winds Japan (PWJ) itself. It evaluated on Investment (SROI) methodology – are very small traders, faced the threat three areas in detail, including the a technique for measuring environmental of discontinuing their business as of project’s contribution to restoring and social value in addition to financial summer 2011. ice-making facilities critical to sanma return. Using this methodology, the processing, and revitalizing the sanma evaluators concluded that the benefit This support enabled the fishermen mail-order business. It also examined generated by the project to the wider to restart sanma Fish Mail-Order sales, the role of funding for the Ofunato community stood at CHF 2 million, with the result that they are continuing Area Women’s Coalition (OAWC). as against a total investment of just their business now. Although the yen under CHF 260,000. amount invested was modest, it had The report asked stakeholders to great economic impact across the evaluate the project’s success based The report confirms that without whole value chain of the local fish on questions around its relevance and PWJ and the JTI Foundation support, industry. The support for the women’s effectiveness, impact and sustainability, neither the fish processing nor the group of seafood processors (OAWC) and operational efficiency. mail-order business would have been not only secured jobs for women in the adequately prepared for the sanma Okirai area, but also assisted the mental Having looked at the impact of the season. In addition to the project’s recovery of those who lost everything project from the perspective of positive economic impact, the CPRD in the tsunami.” stakeholders – ranging from fish- also notes the important psychological processors through to the wider benefits the project delivered to a Ms Sachiko Kishimoto community – the report concluded fishing community mentally scarred Managing Director, that the problem facing Ofunato’s by the events of March 2011 disaster. The Center for Public fishing industry in the summer of 2011 Resources Development was not the availability of funds for *The full report is available on www.jtifoundation.org revitalization work – but the timing of their release. Money made available by the national government to individual prefectures was not being released to municipalities quickly enough to get time-critical economic recovery projects up-and-running.

49 CLOSING REPORT OF THE JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS POST-IMPLEMENTATION 50 jtifoundation.org © the JTI Foundation 2013