Almost five years have passed since the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and resulting tsunami struck the Pacific coast of northeast Japan, causing one of the most devastating natural disasters in recorded history. Hands On Tokyo is dedicated to continuing its support for the rebuilding and recovery in Tohoku through providing meaningful volunteer opportunities and relief efforts.
Major damage occurred over a wide area along the Pacific coast of Japan due to the events of March 11, 2011, primarily in the seven prefectures that account for 50% of Japan's fisheries production (Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki, and Chiba). Hands On Tokyo is dedicated to supporting the people in the most heavily affected areas to rebuild their lives through meaningful volunteer support.
Hands On Tokyo sends volunteers and makes economic development related donations and grants to support residents in the affected region to rebuild their lives. We are currently focused on supporting communities in Yamamoto-cho and Ogatsu-cho (Miyagi prefecture), including farmers and residents of temporary housing units. Your donation will help to rebuild these communities.
Without a rapid rebuilding of infrastructure in the affected areas, the municipalities along the Pacific coast of Japan run the risk of population flight and further decrease the tax base. Moreover, the loss of municipal and private community centers has resulted in a fracturing of the traditional network of families and neighbors since March 2011. With many families still living in randomly assigned temporary housing, the importance of building a safe cultural hub is of paramount importance.
