We have continued to receive a number of kind offers of assistance both from in Japan and abroad. On the back of such support, we are determined to take steps forward together, in order to regain our hometown, “Sendai, the City of Trees” and to create a city full of hope—one that is more safe and secure than ever before.

• Click the link below to view a video of Sendai’s restoration.

PR Video of Sendai’s Restoration (This is a link to sendaitabibiyori’s channel on YouTube: The video will open in a separate window.)( External link )

Steps toward recovery and restoration (full list)

December 2011<< January 2012 >>February 2012

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Dontosai Festival

Participants of "Hadaka Mairi (naked pilgrimage)" walking around the Sacred Fire

On January 14, “Dontosai” festivals were held at many shrines in Sendai. Dontosai is a traditional Shinto ritual event which is held during the “koshogatsu” Chinese New year (from January 1 to January 15).
All the New Year’s decorations are brought from each household and burned. People put their hands together and wish for good health.
Approximately 90,000 people, more people than ever before, visited Osaki Hachiman Shrine this year. About 120 groups and 2,800 individuals participated in “Hadaka Mairi” (naked pilgrimage). The participants walked around the sacred bonfire in the freezing cold weather.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Sendai City Coming of Age Ceremony

Participants of the ceremony

Sendai City Coming of Age Ceremony was held at Sendai City Gymnasium in Taihaku Ward.
Among 11,168 new adults (as of November 30, 2011) in Sendai, 6,800 people participated in the ceremony. A representative expressed his/her determination for the future. He/She said “People around the world continue to pray for the disaster victims and to show their support. I learned the importance of helping each other and I also felt the warmth of the bond between people. I will never forget to be thankful for everything and move one step forward to the future as a new member of society.”

Friday, January 6, 2012

New Year’s Firefighters Performance

Ladder climbing performance by the Firefighters of 7 volunteer fire departments in Sendai City

 The Annual New Year’s Firefighters performance was held at a Shiminhiroba (citizens’square) in Aoba Ward.
1,150 people from Sendai City Fire Bureau, volunteer fire departments, self-defense forces, women’s Fire Prevention Club, participated in the event to show a part of the disaster drill that they have been practicing. They committed to continuously working on disaster preparedness in consideration with what they have learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake.

 

December 2011<< January 2012 >>February 2012