Nagahora Genki Mura
- Tamaki Nakayama
- May 31
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 2
June 20, 2024
Nagahora Genki Mura is a community space that originally served as temporary housing after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Over time, it developed into a place where locals could come together, not only to rebuild their lives but to share what they’ve learned. Today, it’s used for neighborhood events, visitor programs, and disaster education.
During my visit, one of the staff members gave me a tour and explained how each part of the facility is meant to help people think more seriously about disaster preparedness. It’s a place shaped by loss, but also by the desire to pass on knowledge and keep memories alive in a respectful way.
There’s also a nomadic tent from Afghanistan that was once set up near temporary homes. Now indoors, it’s used as a quiet spot for group discussions.
Nearby, paper lanterns line the walls. Some carry the names of past volunteers who have passed away. They’re lit during Obon in August, when families honor the spirits of ancestors.
On the second floor of one house, a blue sign marks the tsunami’s height- 15.2 meters, just below the roof. Inside, the first floor is now a seminar room where people discuss earthquake scenarios, like whether to head home or keep walking to school during a quake. Participants exchange ideas to learn about past events and prepare for future disasters.
One part of the tour that stayed with me was a photo of the second floor taken just days after the tsunami. Tatami mats were soaked and furniture was piled in every direction.
Outside the window, I could see a yellow house that had also survived. Although its first floor had flooded, it was repaired and still stands today, serving as a reminder of everything that happened.
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