I am a third year international student at AIU and I am majoring in International Relations and Politics. I previously visited Onagawa on a study trip through the AIU supporter club that I am apart of at AIU.
I became really interested in the community development project of the town. Therefore, after I heard about the opportunity to participate in the Onagawa Christmas Camp, I was enthusiastic to join. Our welcome dinner was a great opportunity to get to know the other students.
Together, we cooked and ate traditional Japanese food. The next morning we had to get up very early (5am) to hike one of Onagawa’s surrounding mountains. We arrived to the top at the perfect time to enjoy the sunrise. The mixed orange and pink tones were glittering off the clouds and reflecting off the blue ocean.
And slowly, you could see the sun beginning to light up the small town of Onagawa. After heading back down to the recreational space, we had some time to relax and eat breakfast. Soon after, we were given a presentation over what happened in Onagawa after the 2011 tsunami. Additionally, Taiki explained how the community has been developing in the last two years, and how the local businesses are working to create a sustainable community.
After some more time to relax and explore the town, we watched the cutting of salmon at the fish market. It’s a truly wonderful market filled with fresh seafood directly from the Onagawa peninsula. After this, we got to enjoy the salmon ourselves at one of the restaurants. During our meal, the waitress came by offering us more fresh salmon to add to our bowl, at no extra cost. Definitely one of the best food experiences I have had in Japan!
After lunch, we had a tour around the town, visiting the local businesses. They are all very unique, from the all cardboard-made shop to the 100% Japan made electric guitars. Business owners are all very welcoming and though the town is small, you can feel the passion that the community members have for Onagawa.
