Volume 118 - December 1, 2016

In recent days, tiny snowflakes have fallen among the rain, marking the beginning of winter.

The Long-Awaited Opening of the Shopping Center “All”（Yamada）

On November 10th, 2016 （Thu）, a crowd of excited shoppers attended the opening of a new shopping center called “All”, in Kawamukai, Yamada. The project is part of a national program to support retail facilities in disaster-hit areas, following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

The complex is split into two sections; one contains shops, while the other contains restaurants. There are 10 businesses in total, including a supermarket （the main focus of the center）, a sembei rice cracker shop and a dry cleaners. They have all officially opened for business within the complex.

As part of the town’s recovery from the tsunami, a 3.1 hectare area around JR Rikuchu-Yamada Station （which closed after the disaster） is being redeveloped. Besides the new shopping complex, the area includes the Yamada Exchange Center, which acts as a base for community activities, and Hapine, a library and gathering spot for students.

On December 1st （Thu）, people started moving into Yamada Central Apartments, a nearby 146-room public housing complex for survivors. The construction of 40 new shops and financial institutions is also planned. The “All” shopping complex marks the start of an exciting new phase of Yamada’s reconstruction.

Ryori Fisheries Association Opens Hanamaki Store to Support the Coast

On November 4th, 2016 （Fri）, the Ryori Fisheries Association opened a store called Ryorimaru in Kinkontei, a souvenir and food market in Nishimiyanome, Hanamaki. The Ryori Fisheries Association of Sanriku, Ofunato suffered tremendous damage in the Great East Japan Earthquake & Tsunami.

Ryorimaru was established by the Ryori Fisheries Association, local fishermen, and a group of volunteer divers who cleared the seabed of debris in the wake of the disaster. Their goal was to give people living inland the chance to taste Sanriku’s fresh and delicious seafood.

The shop’s products include the well-known “Koishihama” brand of scallops, wakame seaweed, and various processed goods. Fresh seafood is served at the Ryorimaru restaurant. The lunchtime specialty is a “beachside bbq” set; at night you can enjoy a seafood rice bowl （as displayed on the shop’s sign）, as well as Japanese sake made on the coast.

Ryorimaru is drawing attention for its success in both increasing the inland market for coastal seafood, and building new links between fishermen and inland residents.

Ryorimaru （Ryori Fisheries Association）

Hours:
11:30-14:00 / 17:00-23:00
Closed on Mondays
Inquiries by phone: 0198-29-6381
Inquiries in Japanese, please.

What are the “New Tohoku” Reconstruction Awards?

The Reconstruction Agency is working to create a “New Tohoku” to act as a model for the rest of the country and the world. For this, they use the skills and know-how of local people to push forth its initiatives. Honoring these citizens for their contributions will promote these efforts more widely, both in and outside of the disaster regions.

Potential candidates: Charities, businesses, universities or private individuals who have contributed towards a “New Tohoku” over the course of the last year.

Application deadline: December 13th （Tue）

Construction of Centralized Government Offices Begins （Miyako）

On November 4th, 2016 （Fri）, a ceremony was held to mark the start of construction on a new public space that will host various public offices together, including the City Hall. The ceremony was held at the proposed site on the south side of JR Miyako Station.

The new facility will be 800m further inland than the current City Hall office, and will provide 15,590 m2 of floor space. It will be made up of a 6-story City Hall, and a 2-story building housing the Citizen Exchange Center （name subject to change） and the Miyako Insurance Center. Both buildings will be reinforced with steel, and the latter building will be able to support evacuees if necessary. The facility will be connected to the square in front of Miyako Station by a free-use evacuation route.

Masanori Yamamoto, the Mayor of Miyako, said, “Our environment is changing, and this centralized facility
will act as a starting line. We have to take care of things properly.” The construction of the centralized government building is due to be completed in July 2018.

Six Recovering Businesses Collaborate On “Salmon Tasting Set” （Otsuchi）

Fukkou Machidsukuri Otsuchi has created a Salmon Tasting Set, featuring different varieties of Otsuchi’s speciality, Aramaki-zake. It went on sale on November 10th, 2016 （Thu）.

Aramaki-zake is a traditional way of preparing salmon that dates back to the Edo era. The fish are first salted, then dried. It was developed in Otsuchi, before spreading to Edo.

The Salmon Tasting Set is a collaboration between 6 local seafood businesses that suffered tremendous damage in the disaster. It’s intended to promote knowledge of Aramaki-zake, the pride of Otsuchi, across the country.

The preparation method and amount of salt differs between the 6 types, so comparing them is a lot of fun. They’re also cut slightly thicker than normal – a defining characteristic. Takako Okamoto, from Fukkou Machidsukuri Otsuchi, said, “I hope people will become fans of Otsuchi after trying Aramaki-zake.”

Feature

Many young people are diligently helping the affected area of Sanriku move toward a full reconstruction. The section “People for Sanriku’s Future” introduces these young people and their powerful feelings.

Click the link to read about Itsuki Chumae and her quest to be an eventual Olympic athlete.

• Itsuki Chumae of Kozukata High School

Casualties and Damage in Iwate （as of October 31, 2016）

• Deaths: 4,672; Missing: 1,123
• Buildings destroyed （residences only, total/partial）: 26,075

Thank you for all of your support! （as of October 31, 2016）

Donations for survivors: Around 18.51520 billion yen （93,960 donations）
Donations for reconstruction projects: Around 19.79301 billion yen （7,902 donations）
Iwate Learning Hope Fund donations: Around 8.59694 billion yen （18,444 donations）
※ This fund is to assist in the study and daily life of affected
children by encouraging sport and study activities.

• To make a donation to aid in Iwate's reconstruction, click here.

Contact

News from Iwate’s Reconstruction, Volume 118. December 1, 2016.
Published by the General Affairs Division, Bureau of Reconstruction, Iwate Prefecture.
Phone: 019-629-6925
Editing & Printing: SYNAPSE

*News from Iwate's Reconstruction Volume 119 will be published on December 15th.