The Great East Japan Earthquake Three years on from the earthquake disaster
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Association for Aid and Relief, Japan
The Great East Japan Earthquake
Three years on from the earthquake disaster
Apr. 2013 - Mar. 2014
Taking advantage of its refined mobility as an NGO, Association for Aid and
Relief, Japan (AAR Japan) has continued its relief activities to support the
survivors in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Today, AAR Japan still continues its efforts across the three prefectures of
Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima, with the aim to foster independence of persons
with disabilities (PWDs) as well as to protect the well-being of those affected
by the disaster.
Together with expressing our heart-felt gratitude to the individuals, corpora-
tions and organizations that have supported AAR Japan, this report entails
our endeavors over the last three years.Activities during the third year 2013. 4. 1 - 2014. 3. 31
Product Creation by PWDs
The Great East Japan Earthquake caused extensive damage to buildings and equip-
ment of facilities for PWDs that were located in the disaster-affected areas.
Not only to assist PWDs regain their previous way of life, but to also further pro-
mote their involvement in the larger society, AAR Japan has been implementing
interventions, both in tangible and intangible forms, in the effort to establish a con-
ducive working environment for PWDs as well as to cultivate their sense of joy of
simply being able to work.
Creating hot-selling products
Development of new products at social
welfare facilities
In order to raise the wages of PWDs at social wel-
fare facilities and vocational training workshops,
AAR Japan helped to develop new products that
appeal to the consumers’ demand. In cooperation
with designers and consulting companies,
we hosted a competition that gathered
new product ideas, which could be modi-
fied, manufactured, and commercialized at
social welfare facilities for PWDs.
A person in charge of making embroidered
accessories said, “Every morning when I
wake up, the first thing I think about is the
type of embroidery design I’m going to try
that day.” 5 new types of products were
invented through our support, and their
sales began in February 2014 under the
brand name “ ”.
Sales promotion
Development of brochures and a web page
For the purpose of making the products made
at social welfare facilities more known among
the public, we helped in the development of bro-
chures and a web page that introduced 23 social
welfare facilities.
Hosting sales fairs
We hosted sales fairs of products made at social
welfare facilities a total of 23 times in Tokyo and
various locations across the Tohoku area. Many
companies cooperated with us by offering venue
space, among others.
2 the Great East Japan Earthquake Activity ReportCreating hot-selling products
Development of popular bento boxes
In order for social welfare facilities, which make
and sell bento boxes or manage cafes, to be able
to come up with attractive menus, AAR Japan or-
ganized cooking classes with culinary expert Ms.
Chinami Hamauchi. We held a cooking class once
in each of the 3 prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi, and
Fukushima, where staff members and users of 34
facilities participated. Participants are utilizing the
recipes learned from Ms. Hamauchi to develop a
new menu at the respective social welfare facility.
Development of delicious baked goods
A new waffle recipe was created with the help of
Mr. Takayuki Kumagai, a renowned pastry chef,
and introduced at a social welfare facility for
PWDs in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture. The facil-
ity users say “we are eager to satisfy the taste
buds of many people with this new product.”
Hosting seminars for product development
AAR Japan hosted seminars on business models
of manufacturing and sales of tofu, in addition
to resourceful ways of thinking on creating hot-
selling products. A total of 9 seminars were held
across the Tohoku region, in which staff members
of social welfare facilities participated.
Assistance for social welfare facilities
for PWDs to restart their activities
Provision of vehicles and equipment
AAR Japan assisted 39 facilities for PWDs with
the installation of necessary equipment for pro-
duction such as sewing machine, weaving ma-
chine, and oven. Moreover, we provided 4 facili-
ties for PWDs with vehicles to be used for pick-up
and drop-off of facility users, and reconstructed
the buildings at 8 facilities.
Additionally, we supplied facilities that engage
in food production with a total of 22 radiation
dosimeters, 23 bacteria examination instru-
ments, and 1 metal detector.
Ensuring the safety of products will help the ex-
pansion of sales channels including major super-
markets.
Association for Aid and Relief, Japan (AAR JAPAN) 3Activities during the third year 2013. 4. 1 - 2014. 3. 31
For a physically and mentally healthy living
AAR Japan has been promoting a physically and mentally healthy living of those
living in disaster-stricken areas so that they can live toward a more hopeful future.
For a healthy living (Building Healthy Communities Project)
Looking forward to the growth of vegetables
At 8 temporary housing complexes and their surrounding
communities, AAR Japan assisted the establishment and
management of vegetable gardens. Conversations be-
tween the participants became lively with comments like,
“I planted spinach and garland chrysanthemum,” “That’s
great! Well, what should I plant?” Along with words of en-
couragement, the grown vegetables can be shared among
the participants.
Massage and active listening
With the help of occupational therapists and physiothera-
pists, we conducted massage and calisthenics sessions a
total of 87 times. This activity has become very popular
among those who are prone to lack of exercise due to liv-
ing in temporary housing complexes. At the same time,
counselors also visit and conduct active listening sessions
while the participants wait to receive massages. Having the
opportunity to voice their thoughts can play an important
role in healing the evacuee’s emotional wounds.
Economy class syndrome prevention
In cooperation with the Morioka City’s municipal office and
Morioka municipal hospital, AAR Japan has implemented
activities to promote the health of people living in the
coastal area of Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures. People living
in cramped spaces of the temporary housing complexes
are prone to suffer from lack of exercise that could lead to
economy class syndrome. Thus, medical teams made visits
to temporary housing complexes to conduct prevention
screening, reaching out to a total of 1,248 people. Addi-
tionally, we supplied medical equipment that is necessary
for medical check-up.
Hosting of community interaction events
We conducted various events that tempted people living in
temporary housing complexes to go out, such as folk song
concerts, magic shows, stretch classes, and movie shows.
Through such events, participants can refresh their minds
by reuniting with old friends and spending time together.
We conducted 54 events in total.
4 the Great East Japan Earthquake Activity ReportFor a safe living
Installation of security lights
We installed 57 security lights in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture
and Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. In areas where there is an
increase in population due to the movement of households following
the disaster, installation of security lights by the local government
cannot keep up with the demand. A chief of a residents’ association
stated, “After 1000 days from the disaster, I finally feel that ‘recon-
struction’ is taking form.”
(Cooperative project with Support 21 Social Welfare Foundation)
Walking side by side with people in Fukushima
Staff members of AAR Japan’s Soma office continue to visit every
residence in all of the temporary housing complexes in Soma City to
carefully listen to the concerns of each resident. Moreover, we con-
duct night patrol and active listening activities.
Safe water to children
We delivered drinking water and fruits to 6 kindergartens in Fuku-
shima Prefecture. Water is also used by making milk for babies.
Playground for children (Building Healthy Communities Project)
Setting up playground equipment and library spaces
We set up indoor playground equipment and library spaces at 12
facilities for children with disabilities in Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushi-
ma Prefecture. These facilities act as new playing spaces for children
whose community parks were washed away in the tsunami, or those
whose outdoor activities are limited due to radiation contamination.
Nishi-Aizu Waku-Waku Kids’ School
We organized “Nishi-Aizu Waku-Waku Kids’
School” 5 times for children who cannot freely
play outside because of the effect of radiation con-
tamination along the coast of Fukushima Prefec-
ture. This is an overnight event where we provide
children and their guardians with the opportunity
to play without worry in Nishi-Aizu City, which is
located in the western part of the prefecture.
One mother said, “I am very pleased that my son,
who had not been able to make friends after mov-
ing homes following the disaster, can fully enjoy
the camp activities. We participate every time
because I can exchange information with people
who are placed in the same situation.”
Association for Aid and Relief, Japan (AAR JAPAN) 52011. 3. 11 - 2013. 3. 31
Activities during the first and second year
Delivery of relief supplies
In 1,606 locations, to 180,000 individuals
Drawing from our experience in overseas disaster relief that PWDs
and the elderly are prone to be overlooked during a disaster, AAR
Japan implemented its activities focusing on these two population
groups. Adult diapers and retort food were well received at social 2011/3/21
welfare facilities.
Soup kitchens
In 73 locations, 25,000 meals
Mobile clinic
Recipients of medical check-ups 817 individuals
2011/5/3
AAR Japan organized mobile clinics with a medical team led by Dr. 2011/5/30
Toshiaki YASUDA, a local medical practitioner, and implemented
health-related services including check-ups for chronic illness, pre-
vention of infectious diseases, and provision of psychological sup-
port through counseling in Ojika Peninsula, Miyagi Prefecture.
Delivery of daily essentials to victims in Fukushima
22,599 families
Daily essentials including kitchenware and basic furniture were dis-
tributed to all households in temporary and subsidized housing com-
plexes across 13 municipalities in Fukushima Prefecture.
2011/8/5
Delivering kindness from across the country
Hand-made tote bags delivered 10,543 bags
Chocolate 4,843 boxes
In response to suggestions made by the disaster survivors that a
tote bag would be useful when going to school or to organize relief
supplies that were provided, a large number of handmade bags with
2012/12/19
messages attached were donated after a nation-wide call out for
their creation.
Several people also contributed to the “Heart-Warming Chocolate
Campaign” where messages of support from the public were at-
tached to boxes of AAR Japan’s charity chocolate and delivered to
the disaster area.
6 the Great East Japan Earthquake Activity ReportReconstruction of Facilities for the elderly and PWDs
71 locations
AAR Japan conducted reconstruction of facilities for elderly
and PWDs and senior care centers, and provision of necessary
equipment in cooperation with local contractors. This helped
the PWDs in disaster areas reunite with their fellow colleagues
and resume their former activities and job.
2012/1/20
Vehicle provision
44 vehicles
Assistive and standard vehicles were provided to facilities
and local municipal office throughout the Tohoku region to be
used for pick-up and drop-off services for facility users and
as a means of transportation for those partaking in recovery 2013/1/15
efforts.
2011/11/2
Container housing project
57 containers
AAR Japan provided prefabricated container houses which can
be used as both residence and shops.
Hosting of Community Interaction Events
Rehabilitation and active listening 132 times
Community interaction events 129 times
We hosted lots of events combining programs such as reha-
bilitation, concert, active listening and handcraft class. 2013/3/3
Distribution of radiation dosimeters
11 devices
To measure the contamination level of outdoor-grown harvests
and food items that they consume daily, radiation dosimeters
were installed at support centers of temporary housing com-
plexes and public halls in Soma City 2012/12/3
Association for Aid and Relief, Japan (AAR JAPAN) 7Financial Report AAR Japan The Great East Japan Earthquake
Income (Unit: JPY) 2011. 3. 11- 2012. 2. 29 2012. 3. 1- 2013. 3. 31 2013. 4. 1- 2014. 3. 31
total 2,199,908,982 424,132,437 652,566,662
Domestic and Overseas Donations,
Oversea Grants 962,784,174 418,126,749 649,566,662
Domestic Grants 1,237,124,808* 6,005,688 3,000,000
* Includes the grant of 1,173,824,808 JPY from Japan Platform
The length of data collection period varies from year to year
Expenditure (Unit: JPY) 2011. 3. 11- 2012. 2. 29 2012. 3. 1- 2013. 3. 31 2013. 4. 1- 2014. 3. 31
total 1,659,333,103 575,606,457 698,536,567
Reconstruction of Facilities for the
Elderly and Persons with Disabilities 380,973,275 232,031,823 264,161,585
Supporting Marketing Expansion of
Products Made by Persons with Dis-
abilities 800,668 35,700,231 199,092,744
Installment and Provision of Play-
ground Equipment – 81,163,561 90,212,500
Health Promotion Activities – 27,694,584 71,768,969
Building Healthy Communities Project 21,944,852 68,851,893 30,747,036
Distribution of Radiation Dosimeters – 42,869,614 12,244,397
Vehicle Provision 49,258,459 10,982,588 11,292,417
Patrol Activities – – 4,872,799
Delivery of Relief Supplies (Food
Items) 43,681,472 3,218,131 3,113,644
Security Lights – – 5,515,945
Delivery of Daily Essentials to Disas-
ter Survivors in Fukushima 756,050,653 203,025 0
Delivery of Relief Supplies (Non-
Food Items) 246,403,023 53,591,671 0
Container Housing Project 69,336,086 11,575,971 0
Others 8,879,554 – 0
Administration 82,005,061 7,723,365 5,514,532
Administration
Building Healthy Communities Project
Health Promotion Activities
4%
10%
38%
Installment and Provision of Play-
ground Equipment
13% Reconstruction of Fa-
cilities for the Elderly and
Persons with Disabilities
Supporting Marketing Expansion of Prod-
ucts Made by Persons with Disabilities
29%
We appreciate your kind support.
AAR Japan will plan its future activities with focus on assistance to those in Fukushima Prefecture, as well as PWDs and the elderly in
the disaster areas in all these prefectures.
Association for Aid and Relief, Japan
7F MIZUHO BLDG., 2-12-2, KAMIOSAKI, SHINAGAWA-KU, TOKYO, 141-0021 JAPAN
Tel. +81-3-5423-4511 FAX. +81-3-5423-4450 www.aarjapan.gr.jp/english 201409You can also read
