Planting Hope –OISCA

Dear Family and Friends,

My last letter portrayed the ongoing grief that pervades Fukushima. Even now that tragedy, along with so many others worldwide, tears at the world’s soul. However, life always seems to find a balance. And the other day a beautiful example of that unexpectedly crossed my path.

In Sendai Station a photo of a newly emerging pine tree caught my eye. Since I love photography and nature, I ventured into the small show to have a look. Before long I found myself completely mesmerized. It was not only because of the fine quality of the images, but also because of their hope-filled message.

To my delight I learned about a Japanese organization that devotes itself to recovery of land through environmentally sustainable development. That, of course, includes planting trees. This admirable endeavor is called OISCA, or to be precise, the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual, and Cultural Advancement. (1) Even though their headquarters are in Tokyo and even though they have projects all over the world, OISCA has come to Miyagi to help in our post-tsunami recovery.

But before going into the wonderful work of OISCA here, please let me digress with a bit of history. Sendai was founded over 400 years ago by a shrewd, but very wise, forward-looking daimyo named Masamune Date. He established many progressive programs for the betterment of this region. One that has endured over the centuries was the planting of a forest of black pine trees all along the coast of Miyagi. The winds in this northeast corridor can be fierce, as can the storms and waves. But having a belt of trees along the sea’s edge serves as a buffer against the fierce challenges of nature.

Because of Masamune Date’s belt of forest, Miyagi had more trees along its coast than either Fukushima to the south or Iwate to the north. That advantage enabled this region to prosper for hundreds of years. However, it also meant that Miyagi sustained the greatest loss of its coastal forest during the infamous tsunami of March 11, 2011.

OISCA is an organization that is on top of world events. So as soon as they realized the extent of the damage in Tohoku, they let the local government of Natori, a small city adjacent to Sendai, know it was available if they wished assistance. (2) OISCA never forces its way into an area. Likewise, it never tells people how to do things. Rather, they offer assistance, accept invitations, and work closely with locals.

“The people have to want us and to work closely with us. Otherwise we do not go to a region,” explained Toshimichi Yoshida San, the manager of this tree-planting project in Natori. 

The Natori Coastal Forest Restoration Project is to run for ten years at the cost of a billion yen (about 10 million dollars) All the money is to come from donations. In this case all money will be entirely from within Japan. (3) “The reason is because of the paperwork involved. As it is, it is overwhelming,” explained Yoshida San with a sigh!

He continued by telling me that the Natori Project has three aspects. “One is tree planting, of course. That is the fun part. Many of the volunteers working with us lost their homes in the tsunami. So they are really eager to be part of this rebuilding. Then there is fund raising. That goes on and on. Finally there is all the organizing and coordinating. Those entail meeting after meeting, as we work to harmonize all aspects of the program. It is hard work, but we are coming along nicely.

“When I started out, I knew nothing about black pines or about a program like this. But I did a LOT of research, interviewed hundreds of government officials, farmers, and other locals. I learned so much. Now we all trust each other, so we work well together.

“And we are pleased with how things are going. The first batch of baby tress is to be planted next spring. It is really very exciting. Of course, I won’t live to see the forest in its full glory. But my grandchildren and great-grandchildren surely will. Knowing that always helps to inspire and motivate me.

“And please be sure to join us next spring. Come as a volunteer and add your efforts to rebuild Miyagi. What you and so many others do will be appreciated for literally hundreds of years.”

Without any hesitation, of course I said I would. Who could not want to be part of such a beautiful, life-enhancing project that is so close to home?

(1) Each word of OISCA’s name has a special meaning, which relates closely to its mission. The following definitions are from the Internet. “Industrial” refers to “the promotion of agriculture and other primary industries that are fundamental to human existence.” “Spiritual” is an inner experience not connected to any outer religion. It includes “the need to nurture qualities such as self-reliance, dedication for one`s own community, international brother-sisterhood and respect for Earth`s ecological integrity on which life is grounded.” And finally “Cultural represents the intent to encourage the magnificent cultural diversity that has enriched human life and the universal need to promote cultural patterns such as culture of peace.”

For further information, please visit the OISCA website. It is in both Japanese and English

(2) They chose Natori because it was one of the hardest hit areas, suffering some of the greatest loss of trees

(3) OISCA’s international programs accept worldwide donations