Interview with Professor Gomi

I spoke with Mr. Sohei Gomi, a professor at Iwate University, about his experience with disaster relief following the 2011 disaster. At first, he believed that helping simply meant delivering supplies to those in need. However, once he got involved, he realized how much more complicated it was.

Back then, he didn’t have any connections in the affected coastal areas and wasn’t confident enough to go himself. “I thought it was enough to just send things,” he said. “But now, I think differently.” What stood out most was how much he emphasized the importance of seeing the situation firsthand: being present, observing, asking questions, and truly listening to those affected by the disaster.

He explained that disaster relief isn’t just about the quantity of supply aid. It’s not always about sending more, but rather sending what’s actually needed to the people who truly need them. Things that people often overlook—items no one thinks to donate, or support that isn’t material at all. “Sometimes,” he told me, “what people really need is someone to talk to.”

His experience made me think about how the first steps in helping others should begin with paying attention—not assuming, but observing and asking.