After cleaning up the shared house we made our way to Onagawa to have one last bath at the onsen. It was a perfect and relaxing way to end the camp.
Looking back, I am really glad I had the opportunity to visit Onagawa. Understanding its recent history and being able to see how the community has responded and is developing makes the experience very meaningful. By this, I mean that hearing the stories of business owners as well as focusing on the urban development of the town really exposes how unique Onagawa has been in response to the disaster in 2011.
Though it was a tragedy, the citizens are determined to change Onagawa for the better. They are doing this by their careful structure of the town, as they have designed it in a way that will prevent a similar situation from have such an impact. Additionally, they are rebuilding their economy in a way that is meaningful to them. This is being done with original crafts, delicious food and using the public spaces to welcome its citizens and visitors.
I hope to visit Onagawa in the new year for a month long internship in the field of community development and teaching English. I hope that my contribution will be able to give and provide for Onagawa positively as well.
