News

The international section of student volunteer group SCRUM organised a visit to the coastal town of Minamisanriku from February 6 - 7, just ahead of the 8th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Fifteen students - including nine from countries as diverse as Italy, Morocco, China, Taiwan, Indonesia and the United States - spent two days engaging with local residents, learning how the disaster affected their lives, and about the on-going recovery efforts in the town

The students heard anecdotal accounts of that fateful day in March 2011 from local storyteller Seietsu Sato. They played modified mini-golf with a group of elderly residents, and entertained children at the Togura nursery centre.

"It was an extremely valuable opportunity to learn what happened and understand the residents' feelings through talking to them," said tour planner Yuki Sanjo, a first year student with the Faculty of Arts and Letters. "I think having the international students there also had a refreshing and energizing effect on everyone."

SCRUM members visit disaster-affected areas in Tohoku all year round. Trips with a slightly more international focus are organised two or three times a year. Upcoming international activities include workshops on the Great East Japan Earthquake, and a tour of Arahama in May.

Anyone interested in taking part can contact SCRUM on email, or follow them on social media.