Welcome to Onagawa (24/7/17)

Hello all,

My name is Joshua, and I come from the Caribbean island of St Lucia. This is my first time in Japan-I’ve been an intern in Tokyo for the past couple weeks- and today is my first day in peaceful Onagawa.

I must say, although St Lucia has had it’s fair share of natural disasters, 3.11 had damage far more extensive, and I was fairly nervous to be a part of the Temporary Migrant Program.

Without a doubt, this town is truly a Community Reborn. I have been amazing impressed by not just the infrastructure and the amenities available, but also the high spirits and warm embrace of everyone who I’ve met here. Add that to the fresh sea blast, a view dotted with fishing vessels and rolling hills in the backdrop, you really have a perfect Instagram post 😉 haha!

But seriously, the planning of the town as explained to Takashi and I today, was really enlightening, and I’m sure there is a bright future ahead. Especially when meals here at 明神丸　(Myojinmaru) can produce smiles like these.

The rest of our day was meeting Kuriya-san and his team at Soap and Fragrances store (more pics from this tomorrow) and learning about his operations that Takeshi and I will be helping to expand.

Finally, there was a party at a nearly bar to welcome everyone involved in the temporary internship program. It was nice to meet many people making a positive difference in the lives of others.

I look forward to learning more about Onagawa, helping the town grow, and also embracing the optimistic energy that lives here.

Signing off,
Joshua Runako Daniel