Japanese students share earthquake experiences

MOSES LAKE - Almost two years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake.

But many who live in the earthquake's epicenter in the Tohoku region continue rebuilding efforts today.

About 150 high school students from the earthquake and tsunami affected areas of Japan visited Big Bend Community College Thursday. Students from Otsuchi and Kozuketa high schools in the Iwate prefecture of Japan spoke about their experiences with Big Bend students.

One student from Otsuchi High School shared the daily routine of people who sought out shelter in the school's gymnasium after the 9.0 magnitude earthquake resulting and tsunami.

They would have to wake up at six and wait for the daily distribution of food and water, she said. Their days were filled with exercise, meals and down time, she said.

Most of the people were back in bed by 10 p.m., she said. Occasionally, Japanese celebrities would come by the shelter to life their spirits.

"I played soccer with a famous Japanese soccer player," she said.

Another student talked about the letters of support that came from people all over the world after the earthquake.

"I got a letter from my friend Noah," she said. "I have never met him, but I would like to because I want to thank him for writing to me."

She said it was surprising to see that people she had never met cared about what was going on in her town.

The students, from seven different schools, are participating in the Kizuna Project run by the Japanese government, said Mari Maruyama, of The Laurasian Institution in Seattle. Maruyama's group works closely with the Japanese consulate in Seattle, she said.

The goal of the Kizuna Project is to promote global understanding of Japan's revival efforts in response to the earthquake, she said.

As part of the project, students will engage in English language training and cultural experiences, said Maruyama. They will also give presentations on the earthquake-affected areas and on the progress of revival efforts, she said.

"The students are here to share their experiences during the March 11 tragedies as well as to absorb life in the U.S.," she said. "The whole hope with this program is to show students different ways of doing things here and for them to go back to their country and help their region rebuild."

Big Bend President Terry Leas said the program is important because it helps build better relationships between the United States and Japan.

"It gives us a better understanding of each other's cultures," he told students. "So not only will you learn from us, but we also have an opportunity to learn from you."

The Consulate General of Japan in Seattle is also planning on marking the second year anniversary of the earthquake with their "Shout out to Japan! Cheers from Seattle" event on March 10.

The event will offer participants a chance to learn about Japan's recovery from the earthquake.

According to the consulate's office, progress is being made in reconstruction efforts. Housing has been provided to all of the 320,000 people displaced by the earthquake and tsunami, according to a press release from the Japanese consulate's office.

More than 90 percent of the hospitals and 77 percent of the schools closed due to the disaster have since reopened as well, according to the release.