By Karl Yanagisawa | Programme Coordinator
Soma Fireworks Festival has been held every year with a prayer for restoration and commemoration of the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster victims. This year, the festival was held on August 9th at Soma Koyo soccer field, Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture. Soma City and neighboring communities organize this event together to reunite the people who have scattered for evacuation and relocation. In support of their motive, AAR Japan has been involved in the planning of this event since 2011.The festival involves not only fireworks but also karaoke tournament, concert, games, and other shows. There are also many stalls that sell local food and products.
This year, AAR Japan organized superhero live show for children. Unfortunately, rain was sprinkling in the morning, and we were worried that we might need to cancel the event. Staff and children prayed for good weather all morning. In the end, sky must have heard our wishes. It stopped raining before the scheduled time for the superhero show. Many children gathered in front of the stage to see their favorite superheroes they always watch on TV. Children all cheered and shouted with joy when the superheroes finally appeared on stage, and their excitement reached its peak when their heroes battled with villains. The smiles on children’s faces told us that this event was a success.
After the superhero show was another fun event for the children, handshake event with the superheroes. Children ran up to their favorite superheroes and made a long line to shake hands with the heroes who they thought only existed on TV. It was very heartwarming to see manychildren running back to their parents to share their excitement as soon as they finished shaking hands with the heroes.
Three and a half years have passed since the 3.11 the Great East Japan Earthquake. A number of disaster survivors have moved into their new homes in Soma City, and we can feel that the restoration is on its way. On the other hand, concerns over radiation effect are still present; and the stress on children’s body and mind is never too light under such circumstance. AAR Japan will continue the activities to support the children of Soma City
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