Arriving at Onagawa

My name is Rashmi! I am 19 years old and was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. I am currently sophomore studying economics and international relations at Beloit College, Wisconsin. I am originally from India but have mostly grown up in the Middle East.

I found about Asuenokibou through my Japanese friend who explained it as an excellent program to gain access and learn more about Onagawa as a town and its people. My friend and I are in Onagawa for our research on how the government of Onagawa led change and reconstructed itself post the 2011 natural disaster. We are looking forward to experiencing the changed Onagawa and interview a lot of people about their experience in either leading the change or experiencing the process of change.

My first impression of Onagawa is that it is very intricately planned out with lots of community member support, which is very impressive. I think that there is a lot of communication between the citizens and the administration where they are helping each other in building a new Onagawa. I hope to explore more of this town tomorrow!