On 11 November, around 300 people gathered for a one day film and talk event attended by Governor of Miyagi Yoshihiro Murai, the prefecture in Japan hit hardest by the 2011 tsunami and earthquake, was held in London at SOAS reflecting on the events of 2011 and looked at how lives are being rebuilt for those affected by the disaster. The day included a screening of the documentary film The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom (outside link), a 2012 Academy Award-nominated documentary (Short Subject), directed by British documentary maker Lucy Walker, filmed in the immediate aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami which happened on 11 March 2011. The film also portrayed how the “Survivors in the areas hardest hit by Japan’s recent tsunami find the courage to revive and rebuild as cherry blossom season begins. A stunning visual poem about the ephemeral nature of life and the healing power of Japan’s most beloved flower.”
The screening was followed by Governor of Miyagi Yoshihiro Murai updating on the current situation of the area and his vision of the road to reconstruction. There was a panel discussion to talk on what support can be provided from UK to Tohoku, and how to raise awareness of the fast-changing needs of the support for recovery in the disaster hit area. The panel discussion also gave good examples of how the British volunteer spirit continues to provide the cornerstone of activity by groups in the area. Guests and audience members congregated in the hall outside the theatre for a post event reception and networking. The event was organised by Sakura Front (outside link) and TERP London (outside link)while being hosted by the Japan Research Centre at SOAS and jointly supported by a variety of Japan related organisations in London, including JLGC.
In the evening of 12 November, another event was held at the Embassy of Japan, introduced by Ambassador Hayashi, again with a presentation by Governor Murai, followed by reception focusing on produce from the region including sake, sushi and other regional specialties. Invited members of the audience also included some members of the UK emergency services, who had worked in the Tohoku region in the aftermath of the tsunami and earthquake in March 2011.
