Beauty is More Powerful than Tragedy

Dear Family and Friends,

Recently two Japanese men were beheaded by ISIS. The news has stunned this country into greater determination to follow a constructive path of building hope where there seems to be none, of providing humanitarian aide where it is most needed, of trying to forge a path towards peace in this troubled world of ours.

In light of the intensity of recent tragedies, it seems almost disrespectful to write about the goings on in this region of Japan, Tohoku. But then again, I am reminded of the words of Fareed Zakaria, who said: “Terrorism is an unusual tactic. It doesn’t work if we are not terrorized. Bouncing back and returning back to normalcy are ways of ensuring that terrorism does not have its desired effect . . . So, “keep calm and carry on” is more than a slogan to wear on a T-shirt.” (The Japan News, January 24, 2015)

So with those words in mind, I refuse to let violence, brutality, and the abuse of power override acts of beauty and kindness. There is hope in the world, precisely because of ordinary people working hard to make a difference in their daily lives. So with that perspective, I will turn to some life-enhancing events taking place here in Sendai.

In autumn last year I mentioned the Charity Walk that took place here. One of the purposes of that ongoing event is to keep people connected to the rebuilding efforts going on here. It also helps participants realize how much more work needs to be done.

Much progress is indeed being made. But, unfortunately, in some arenas things seem to be almost at a standstill. For example, the initial rush of donations and support has given way to less and less concern and fewer contributions to rebuild this area and people’s livelihoods. Also many, especially older folks, are stuck in temporary complexes. 

They are unable to move on for several reasons. One is lack of available housing. A lot of work is being gone to construct new homes and apartments, but progress is slow and the demand is high. 

Also oldsters worry about taking out loans on a new home, even with the low interest the government has offered them. “Why should we get up to our necks in debt when we are on a fixed income and are not working anymore? Also we may not live to repay the mortgage. We don’t want to leave that to our kids,” they say, shaking their heads thoughtfully. But another winter is here, and temporary houses are cold and moldy, which, of course, is very bad for arthritis and aching joints.

In light of that, a few citizens’ groups have started making their appearance. They are soliciting signatures for a petition to nudge the government to work faster and more efficiently. They carry banners and place speakers on major shopping streets, announcing their concerns and asking for support.

    

Adding to efforts toward progress in this Tohoku region, there are many NGOs hard at work, too. Of course, there is the Charity Walk, but there are others as well. One of them is called SAORI. This non-profit is actually nationwide and started long before 03/11. But their chapter in Sendai is doing wonderful work for the recovery here. Essentially, the group is a cluster of women who love to weave. Their products are exquisite art pieces, but are sold at very reasonable prices. “This is our way to uplift the hearts and minds of those who suffer,” they say.

Recently SAORI noticed that contributions to the rebuilding of this area had been slipping, although they are still very needed. So these ladies sponsored a four-day event in Sendai City center. They brought in a group of enthusiastic local singers. And offered their own woven goods for sale.

But in addition to that, they have started an international project. Together with people from all over the world, they are weaving a runner that will be 311 meters long. That specific number is in honor of 03/11, the date that the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami arrived and changed the lives of so many of us forever.

Besides this 311 project, these talented ladies hold weaving classes in their Sendai headquarters. And they also go to temporary housing complexes to work with people there. “We love the symbolism of weaving,” one SAORI member told me. “When we weave, we connect threads. And when we work together with those in need, we connect lives.”

“We see ourselves as the vertical warp threads, upright and strong. We offer others the opportunity to be the woof threads, weaving both with and around us. Together we make beautiful designs. That honors the past with its tragedies, but also blesses the future with its hopes. And of course, there is so much joy in the present, too. That is because we work together as friends to create beautiful pieces of art.”

Indeed, SAORI, the Charity Walk, politically involved individuals, and others like them, are part of the warp and woof of this region now. They are making it more beautiful and hope-filled. This is not only in the physical sense, but also in the mental outlook and inner spirit of all of us who are privileged to call Tohoku home.

    

Love,
Anne