Report on Door-to-Door Surveys at temporary housing complexes
Tohoku HELP in cooperation with the NPO “Egao” (Helping People Smile) have continued to conduct door-to-door survey at temporary housing complexes.
Egao has been enthusiastically conducting detailed surveys at a number of temporary housing complexes having visited 2,000 units to date.
To date Tohoku HELP has been unable to obtain accurate information concerning the present addresses of non-Japanese living in temporary housing complexes. Without this information Tohoku HELP is finding it difficult to create a support plan for those persons. Therefore it is an imperative to first obtain this information. Accordingly the door-to-door visits at temporary housing complexes have been continuing to enable us to understand the living conditions of non-Japanese.
When we started these door-to-door surveys we sought solely to establish the household’s status by asking “Are there any non-Japanese residents living here?” However it was recognized that in addition it was also necessary to ask further questions relating to “Elderly persons living alone”, “Child abuse” and “Persons with disabilities.” This information now provides the basis not just for providing general support but also needs based support.
Based upon the report concerning the December surveys, we particularly focused on isolating the information gathered concerning non-Japanese residents. We are happy to provide the following report and would like to thank all those who supported the activities outlined below.
(Report by Naoya Kawakami January 26, 2012）
Activities Report on the “Non-Japanese Disaster Victims Support Project”
(December 1 - December 31)
NPO “Egao” (Helping People Smile)
12/02 Minamisanriku Town
Heisei no Mori temporary housing complex (246 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (60 bags) to Mr. Chiba, the residents’ association chairperson.
Given the large number of households it is difficult to establish a sense of community. The head of the evacuation center was subsequently appointed as the chairperson of the residents’ association. Residents’ association fees of 200 yen per month are being collected. As this is large temporary housing complex many volunteer groups find it difficult to provide support. Single resident households: 37. Disabled persons: 4. Non-Japanese residents: 0.
Nira no Hama temporary housing complex (1st phase 18 units occupied)
Residents’ association chairperson (Mr. Abe) not at home. Delivery of support rice (24 bags) to the residents’ representative.
With no stores available near the temporary housing complex, residents have to make a one hour one way trip to the closest town, Tome City, to buy food and daily necessities.
While there are no non-Japanese residents at the temporary housing complex, 2 live in this area. “A” (Chinese) lost his/her house and the house of O (Chinese) was inundated up to the top of the first floor. Both of these people were visited at home.
Hosoura temporary housing complex (18 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (20 bags) to Mr. Sato, the residents’ association chairperson.
Almost no relief goods delivered. At this temporary housing complex keeping communities together was a priority, so residents’ communication is good in this temporary housing complex.
While no non-Japanese residents in the surveyed temporary housing complexes, a non-Japanese “T” (Chinese) still lives in the area. *Urgently preparing for the cold winter.
12/06 Survey consideration meeting (NPO Egao)
12/07 Survey consideration meeting (NPO Egao) Miyagi NPO Plaza
12/08 Minamisanriku Town
Hiramatsu Nira no Hama temporary housing complex (2nd phase 8 units. 6 households)
Delivery of support rice (6 bags) to Mr. Onodera, the residents’ association chairperson.
Now wind buffers near the units’ entrances have been set up, although other cold weather preparations are behind schedule.
12/11 Minamisanriku Town
Yoshinosawa Privately Owned Temporary Housing Complexes (Subsequent visit)
Based on the contact details on the bags of support rice, we received a number of inquiries. It appeared that privately owned temporary housing complexes were not eligible to receive support.
The reason being that the units in this temporary housing complex were purchased rather than rented. While an appeal was made to the government, there was no response.
12/13 Joint Management Committee Meeting（Tohoku HELP）
12/15 Sendai Bar Association
Visited Ichibancho Law Office, Mr. Kikuchi. Discussion of the issues confronting non-Japanese wives in Tohoku.
12/16 Visited disaster affected areas in Yamamoto Town, Miyagi prefecture. (Visited the XX store in front of JR Yamamoto Station）
Met with supporters of the NPO Egao.
12/20 Minamisanriku Town
Dojishita temporary housing complex (1st phase 17 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (20 bags) to Mr. Sato, the residents’ association chairperson.
4 single resident households but no problems.
As there are only a small number of residents, communication was good. Cold weather preparations have been completed.
Through their local community center they have held own concerts, etc.
Iriya Junior High School temporary housing complex (32 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (25 bags) to Mr. Saijo, residents’ association chairperson (former town assembly member).
While there were no non-Japanese residents living alone, there is one disabled resident. For that reason 3 ramps were installed. Support organizations don’t visit often.
Mortar construction. Includes insulation material, double-glazing. While Iriya Elementary School temporary housing complex is nearby, there is no exchange, etc. between the residents of the two temporary housing complexes. As the residents came from scattered areas, it is difficult to create a new sense of community.
Sakurasawa temporary housing complex (16 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (20 bags) to Mr. Takahashi, the residents’ association deputy chairperson.
Residents make and sell “Octopus-kun” (a mascot). There are 2 non-Japanese residents (Chinese), both employed. One is the wife of the residents’ association chairperson.
12/21
Mr./Ms. S (Tohoku Gakuin University Instructor. Resides Ishinomaki) Mr. /Ms. K (Taiwa Town Lifelong Study Dept. Executive of the Ishinomaki Japan-China Friendship Association) Mr./Ms. K (Counselor for the Miyagi International Association) Mr./Ms. O (Instructor at a Chinese school in Japan)
Meeting to consider establishing lines of communication with the Chinese community.
Minamisanriku Town
Temporary housing complex at Kamiwarizaki Camp Site (31 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (20 bags) to Mr. Goto, the residents’ association chairperson.
At this temporary housing complex keeping communities together was a priority, so residents’ communication is good. Initiated by the residents’ association, a Christmas party will be held. 2 single resident households.
Tsunomiya temporary housing complex (20 units occupied). Persons living locally in their own homes that are still under repair (12)
Delivery of support rice (25 bags) to Mr. Goto, the residents’ association chairperson. Local residents (12 bags)
Establishment of a group leader system for each unit block, with the group leaders handling the block residents’ own matters. At this temporary housing complex keeping communities together was a priority, so residents’ communication is good. Through the prefectural fishing cooperative, jobs cleaning up debris were offered. One person in each household has this job.
Ms. M, the Filipino wife of a Japanese, lives in the temporary housing complex. Also within the community, 2 siblings S who came from China to Japan as trainees in the seafood processing industry are also residents. 1 single resident household.
Shizugawa Shizen no Ie temporary housing complex (81 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (40 bags) to Mr. Sudo, the residents’ association chairperson.
The directors of the residents’ association are mainly in their 30’s. Using IT they are conducting their own activities. As they are not just prioritizing their own former neighborhoods, they are also helping a large number of households, making management difficult.
Ms. S, the Chinese wife of a Japanese, lives in the temporary housing complex.
12/22 Prof. Ejiri (Tohoku Fukushi University)
Meeting to discuss issues concerning temporary housing complexes.
12/23 Minamisanriku Town
Yamanokamidaira temporary housing complex (28 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (18 bags) to Mr. Yoshida, the residents’ association chairperson.
This temporary housing complex is the only one within the town that provides welfare facilities. This temporary housing complex was the last of 60 constructed. In 10 shared units, 18 households. Management commissioned to a social welfare foundation. This temporary housing complex caters solely for the elderly.
Relief goods were delivered to welfare facilities but not to the temporary housing complex. On December 22 heaters were finally delivered.
Dojishita Nakanomachi temporary housing complex (2nd phase 12 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (15 bags) to Mr. Sato, the residents’ association chairperson.
The chairperson was originally a public servant at the local town office. With many middle aged residents, most are employed. Being a small temporary housing complex there is a community spirit.
Temporary housing complex in Iriya Elementary School (18 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (20 bags) to Mr. Miura, the residents’ association chairperson.
While there are no single residents as there are many elderly, the staff of the community association tries to maintain communication with those elderly people. The temporary housing units have finally been insulated. There is one disabled person for whom a ramp has been installed.
12/25 Minamisanriku Town
Hadenya temporary housing complex (21 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (20 bags) to Mr. Miura, the residents’ association chairperson.
Within the community while there were approximately 80 houses prior to the tsunami, these were all washed away. Topographically plots are small, so unlike other temporary housing complexes there are some with one unit only. Through the internet they distribute information and receive support.
One non-Japanese resident lived in the community but is now in temporary housing in Tsunomiya.
There are many elderly most of whom were employed by the local fishing cooperative as oyster shuckers. The co-op is still yet to decide future policy, so these people cannot plan for their future livelihoods.
Mitobe temporary housing complex (18 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (18 bags) to Mr. Matsuoka, the residents’ association chairperson.
The residents all know each other. Based on a request made over the internet, support was provided to set up a common room where the elderly residents could gather at the temporary housing complex.
2 high school students have been disseminating information concerning this temporary housing complex over the internet.
Iwasawa temporary housing complex (38 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (20 bags) to Mr. Omori, the residents’ association chairperson and Mr. Suzuki, the group leader.
All residents are employed and the focus is on creating further communication at the temporary housing complex. It is desired to put in place IT hardware such as PCs in the common room. There is one large family with too many family members for a temporary housing unit so they were forced to rent an additional apartment in the neighboring town.
This family must pay all of that portion of its living expenses.
12/26 Visit to the chief priest Chiba at Housenji temple in Kesennuma Motoyoshi (Chairperson of Motoyoshi Japan-China Friendship Association)
We requested that their association establish a line of communication with the Ishinomaki Japan-China Friendship Association for their respective Chinese communities.
【Intermediary Reports】
For the last four months we have been conducting surveys of non-Japanese disaster victims. In particular while conducting these surveys, from November onwards we delivered “Rice for hope” to temporary housing complexes in Minamisanriku. Regardless of whether Japanese or non-Japanese we listened to the opinions of all those we were able to give “Rice for hope”. Non-Japanese disaster victims were living locally together with friends. We felt that local residents regardless of nationality recognized they were in the same circumstances and there was a shared sense of community.
However unfortunately within the disaster affected towns the structure of society has been destroyed and the opportunities for employment eliminated. Many people to find employment to ensure a living have moved to neighboring towns or other prefectures. This is the major issue confronting the residents who still live in the town.
In particular non-Japanese residents are finding it difficult to find work.
They are asking: What do I need to do to continue living in this town?
My husband has died, how can I raise my children?
My husband lost his job due to tsunami or earthquake, how can I support my family?
The application of national and prefectural laws, ordinances, etc. to non-Japanese residents is unclear and there are many administrative barriers.
Tohoku HELP hopes to maintain close personal ties with non-Japanese residents.
We believe that a society in which Japanese and non-Japanese residents live together as a single community is beneficial to all!
January 12, 2012
NPO Egao (Helping People Smile)
Yoshinobu Chiba
PS: At present the Minamisanriku Town survey has almost been completed. From now the survey areas will move to Ishinomaki and Sennan.
Egao has been enthusiastically conducting detailed surveys at a number of temporary housing complexes having visited 2,000 units to date.
To date Tohoku HELP has been unable to obtain accurate information concerning the present addresses of non-Japanese living in temporary housing complexes. Without this information Tohoku HELP is finding it difficult to create a support plan for those persons. Therefore it is an imperative to first obtain this information. Accordingly the door-to-door visits at temporary housing complexes have been continuing to enable us to understand the living conditions of non-Japanese.
When we started these door-to-door surveys we sought solely to establish the household’s status by asking “Are there any non-Japanese residents living here?” However it was recognized that in addition it was also necessary to ask further questions relating to “Elderly persons living alone”, “Child abuse” and “Persons with disabilities.” This information now provides the basis not just for providing general support but also needs based support.
Based upon the report concerning the December surveys, we particularly focused on isolating the information gathered concerning non-Japanese residents. We are happy to provide the following report and would like to thank all those who supported the activities outlined below.
(Report by Naoya Kawakami January 26, 2012）
Activities Report on the “Non-Japanese Disaster Victims Support Project”
(December 1 - December 31)
NPO “Egao” (Helping People Smile)
12/02 Minamisanriku Town
Heisei no Mori temporary housing complex (246 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (60 bags) to Mr. Chiba, the residents’ association chairperson.
Given the large number of households it is difficult to establish a sense of community. The head of the evacuation center was subsequently appointed as the chairperson of the residents’ association. Residents’ association fees of 200 yen per month are being collected. As this is large temporary housing complex many volunteer groups find it difficult to provide support. Single resident households: 37. Disabled persons: 4. Non-Japanese residents: 0.
Nira no Hama temporary housing complex (1st phase 18 units occupied)
Residents’ association chairperson (Mr. Abe) not at home. Delivery of support rice (24 bags) to the residents’ representative.
With no stores available near the temporary housing complex, residents have to make a one hour one way trip to the closest town, Tome City, to buy food and daily necessities.
While there are no non-Japanese residents at the temporary housing complex, 2 live in this area. “A” (Chinese) lost his/her house and the house of O (Chinese) was inundated up to the top of the first floor. Both of these people were visited at home.
Hosoura temporary housing complex (18 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (20 bags) to Mr. Sato, the residents’ association chairperson.
Almost no relief goods delivered. At this temporary housing complex keeping communities together was a priority, so residents’ communication is good in this temporary housing complex.
While no non-Japanese residents in the surveyed temporary housing complexes, a non-Japanese “T” (Chinese) still lives in the area. *Urgently preparing for the cold winter.
12/06 Survey consideration meeting (NPO Egao)
12/07 Survey consideration meeting (NPO Egao) Miyagi NPO Plaza
12/08 Minamisanriku Town
Hiramatsu Nira no Hama temporary housing complex (2nd phase 8 units. 6 households)
Delivery of support rice (6 bags) to Mr. Onodera, the residents’ association chairperson.
Now wind buffers near the units’ entrances have been set up, although other cold weather preparations are behind schedule.
12/11 Minamisanriku Town
Yoshinosawa Privately Owned Temporary Housing Complexes (Subsequent visit)
Based on the contact details on the bags of support rice, we received a number of inquiries. It appeared that privately owned temporary housing complexes were not eligible to receive support.
The reason being that the units in this temporary housing complex were purchased rather than rented. While an appeal was made to the government, there was no response.
12/13 Joint Management Committee Meeting（Tohoku HELP）
12/15 Sendai Bar Association
Visited Ichibancho Law Office, Mr. Kikuchi. Discussion of the issues confronting non-Japanese wives in Tohoku.
12/16 Visited disaster affected areas in Yamamoto Town, Miyagi prefecture. (Visited the XX store in front of JR Yamamoto Station）
Met with supporters of the NPO Egao.
12/20 Minamisanriku Town
Dojishita temporary housing complex (1st phase 17 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (20 bags) to Mr. Sato, the residents’ association chairperson.
4 single resident households but no problems.
As there are only a small number of residents, communication was good. Cold weather preparations have been completed.
Through their local community center they have held own concerts, etc.
Iriya Junior High School temporary housing complex (32 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (25 bags) to Mr. Saijo, residents’ association chairperson (former town assembly member).
While there were no non-Japanese residents living alone, there is one disabled resident. For that reason 3 ramps were installed. Support organizations don’t visit often.
Mortar construction. Includes insulation material, double-glazing. While Iriya Elementary School temporary housing complex is nearby, there is no exchange, etc. between the residents of the two temporary housing complexes. As the residents came from scattered areas, it is difficult to create a new sense of community.
Sakurasawa temporary housing complex (16 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (20 bags) to Mr. Takahashi, the residents’ association deputy chairperson.
Residents make and sell “Octopus-kun” (a mascot). There are 2 non-Japanese residents (Chinese), both employed. One is the wife of the residents’ association chairperson.
12/21
Mr./Ms. S (Tohoku Gakuin University Instructor. Resides Ishinomaki) Mr. /Ms. K (Taiwa Town Lifelong Study Dept. Executive of the Ishinomaki Japan-China Friendship Association) Mr./Ms. K (Counselor for the Miyagi International Association) Mr./Ms. O (Instructor at a Chinese school in Japan)
Meeting to consider establishing lines of communication with the Chinese community.
Minamisanriku Town
Temporary housing complex at Kamiwarizaki Camp Site (31 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (20 bags) to Mr. Goto, the residents’ association chairperson.
At this temporary housing complex keeping communities together was a priority, so residents’ communication is good. Initiated by the residents’ association, a Christmas party will be held. 2 single resident households.
Tsunomiya temporary housing complex (20 units occupied). Persons living locally in their own homes that are still under repair (12)
Delivery of support rice (25 bags) to Mr. Goto, the residents’ association chairperson. Local residents (12 bags)
Establishment of a group leader system for each unit block, with the group leaders handling the block residents’ own matters. At this temporary housing complex keeping communities together was a priority, so residents’ communication is good. Through the prefectural fishing cooperative, jobs cleaning up debris were offered. One person in each household has this job.
Ms. M, the Filipino wife of a Japanese, lives in the temporary housing complex. Also within the community, 2 siblings S who came from China to Japan as trainees in the seafood processing industry are also residents. 1 single resident household.
Shizugawa Shizen no Ie temporary housing complex (81 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (40 bags) to Mr. Sudo, the residents’ association chairperson.
The directors of the residents’ association are mainly in their 30’s. Using IT they are conducting their own activities. As they are not just prioritizing their own former neighborhoods, they are also helping a large number of households, making management difficult.
Ms. S, the Chinese wife of a Japanese, lives in the temporary housing complex.
12/22 Prof. Ejiri (Tohoku Fukushi University)
Meeting to discuss issues concerning temporary housing complexes.
12/23 Minamisanriku Town
Yamanokamidaira temporary housing complex (28 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (18 bags) to Mr. Yoshida, the residents’ association chairperson.
This temporary housing complex is the only one within the town that provides welfare facilities. This temporary housing complex was the last of 60 constructed. In 10 shared units, 18 households. Management commissioned to a social welfare foundation. This temporary housing complex caters solely for the elderly.
Relief goods were delivered to welfare facilities but not to the temporary housing complex. On December 22 heaters were finally delivered.
Dojishita Nakanomachi temporary housing complex (2nd phase 12 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (15 bags) to Mr. Sato, the residents’ association chairperson.
The chairperson was originally a public servant at the local town office. With many middle aged residents, most are employed. Being a small temporary housing complex there is a community spirit.
Temporary housing complex in Iriya Elementary School (18 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (20 bags) to Mr. Miura, the residents’ association chairperson.
While there are no single residents as there are many elderly, the staff of the community association tries to maintain communication with those elderly people. The temporary housing units have finally been insulated. There is one disabled person for whom a ramp has been installed.
12/25 Minamisanriku Town
Hadenya temporary housing complex (21 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (20 bags) to Mr. Miura, the residents’ association chairperson.
Within the community while there were approximately 80 houses prior to the tsunami, these were all washed away. Topographically plots are small, so unlike other temporary housing complexes there are some with one unit only. Through the internet they distribute information and receive support.
One non-Japanese resident lived in the community but is now in temporary housing in Tsunomiya.
There are many elderly most of whom were employed by the local fishing cooperative as oyster shuckers. The co-op is still yet to decide future policy, so these people cannot plan for their future livelihoods.
Mitobe temporary housing complex (18 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (18 bags) to Mr. Matsuoka, the residents’ association chairperson.
The residents all know each other. Based on a request made over the internet, support was provided to set up a common room where the elderly residents could gather at the temporary housing complex.
2 high school students have been disseminating information concerning this temporary housing complex over the internet.
Iwasawa temporary housing complex (38 units occupied)
Delivery of support rice (20 bags) to Mr. Omori, the residents’ association chairperson and Mr. Suzuki, the group leader.
All residents are employed and the focus is on creating further communication at the temporary housing complex. It is desired to put in place IT hardware such as PCs in the common room. There is one large family with too many family members for a temporary housing unit so they were forced to rent an additional apartment in the neighboring town.
This family must pay all of that portion of its living expenses.
12/26 Visit to the chief priest Chiba at Housenji temple in Kesennuma Motoyoshi (Chairperson of Motoyoshi Japan-China Friendship Association)
We requested that their association establish a line of communication with the Ishinomaki Japan-China Friendship Association for their respective Chinese communities.
【Intermediary Reports】
For the last four months we have been conducting surveys of non-Japanese disaster victims. In particular while conducting these surveys, from November onwards we delivered “Rice for hope” to temporary housing complexes in Minamisanriku. Regardless of whether Japanese or non-Japanese we listened to the opinions of all those we were able to give “Rice for hope”. Non-Japanese disaster victims were living locally together with friends. We felt that local residents regardless of nationality recognized they were in the same circumstances and there was a shared sense of community.
However unfortunately within the disaster affected towns the structure of society has been destroyed and the opportunities for employment eliminated. Many people to find employment to ensure a living have moved to neighboring towns or other prefectures. This is the major issue confronting the residents who still live in the town.
In particular non-Japanese residents are finding it difficult to find work.
They are asking: What do I need to do to continue living in this town?
My husband has died, how can I raise my children?
My husband lost his job due to tsunami or earthquake, how can I support my family?
The application of national and prefectural laws, ordinances, etc. to non-Japanese residents is unclear and there are many administrative barriers.
Tohoku HELP hopes to maintain close personal ties with non-Japanese residents.
We believe that a society in which Japanese and non-Japanese residents live together as a single community is beneficial to all!
January 12, 2012
NPO Egao (Helping People Smile)
Yoshinobu Chiba
PS: At present the Minamisanriku Town survey has almost been completed. From now the survey areas will move to Ishinomaki and Sennan.
