List of Tohoku Initiatives

This is a {preliminary} list of groups, individuals, and institutions active in the disaster hit area of Tohoku in northern Japan, or of projects elsewhere in Japan that can serve as good practice examples for reconstruction.

In its current state, it represents an unsystematic, broad collection of various projects of differing scopes and scales. In the long-run, however, we aim to provide a systematic database and map of who is doing what, where, how, and with which success in the fields of alternative energy, community building, multi-generation housing, transportation, architecture, master plans, agriculture, economic development, and art & design.

The information presented here is crowd sourced, the correctness and coherence of the data can therefore not be guaranteed.

If you like to participate you can edit and add initiatives to the list here:
Tohoku Initiatives (Public GoogleSpreadsheet)

@Rias NPO|@リアスNPO

Community Revitalisation, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Rias NPO + Cadatte are located in the Toyo Ito-designed Home for All. The organisation aims at facilitating the flow of information and initiate community revitalistation projects. (日本語 only)

Based in: Kamaishi
Active in: Kamaishi

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

3.11 Archives Reconstruction Map Center|3.11 まるごとアーカイブス > 復興地図センター

Documentation / Information, Governmental/Quasi-Governmental

Database operated by the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention. Provision of necessary information to citizens including a map with information on moving to higher ground. Also facilitates an integrative reconstruction process by providing maps necessary for reconstruction permits. Many maps are available in PDF format for printing. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tsukuba
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

3.11 Archives|3.11 まるごとアーカイブス

Documentation / Information, Governmental/Quasi-Governmental

Preserving the memories of the lost towns, recording present conditions, and facilitating the construction of a new future by building an inclusive archive; all local governments in the disaster affected regions are taking part in this project. Database operated by the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tsukuba
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Aid Takata|NPO法人陸前高田市支援連絡協議会

Community Revitalisation, Not-for-Profit Initiative

AidTAKATA has been launching a variety of fundraising initiatives for reconstruction, coordinating foreign aid, holding events for local residents, and organizing various meetings and forums, all with the objective of supporting the people of Rikuzentakata in their long-term efforts to recover and rebuild. It operates Radio FM Rikuzentakata is one of the region's only local radio stations, in order to better engage community members in the reconstruction process. (日本語 only)

Based in: Rikuzentakada
Active in: Rikuzentakada

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

AISE, Amita Institute for Sustainable Economies|アミタ持続可能経済研究所

Urban - Rural Linkage, Corporate Initiative

Project of the Amita Corporation: Revitalisation of Japanese agriculture, forestry and fisheries through job training and capacity building. Establishing of a urban - rural linkage in order to bring young urban people back to work in rural Japan.

Based in: Tokyo, Kyoto
Active in: Japan

Website Twitter Facebook

Aizu-Compufarm

Capacity Building, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Help local rural communities by providing technology and other training, as well as employment incubation. The project's vision is to reuse existing assets, retain local rural populations and traditional Japanese culture & stimulate new solutions to solve global problems. (日本語 only)

Based in: Aizuwakamatsu
Active in: Aizuwakamatsu

Website E-Mail

APCAS Tohoku Project

Physical Rebuilding, International Cooperation

Tohoku project of international disaster relief NGO that helps to winter-proof and to customise temporary housing units in Kesennuma and Ishinomaki as well as to build community facilities and organise community events. (日本語 only)

Based in: Hakodate, Sri Lanka
Active in: Kesennuma, Ishinomaki

Website Twitter Facebook

Archi+Aid|アーキエイド

Physical Rebuilding, Academic

Making use of an Japan-wide as well as international network of architects and universities, ArchiAid will create a pool of creative talent that will supply interdisciplinary expertise, providing multifaceted support for such activities as urban planning, reconstruction design consultation, and cultural and educational community care

Based in: various universities across Japan
Active in: Oshika Peninsula

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Architecture for Humanity San Francisco

Physical Rebuilding, International Cooperation

Initial projects in Tohoku that have been completed by Architecture for Humanity San Francisco together with local activists and design fellows. AfH San Francisco currently produces MakiBiz in Ishinomaki.

Based in: Tokyo, Ishinomaki, San Francisco
Active in: Kesennuma, Ishinomaki

Website Twitter Facebook

Architecture for Humanity Tokyo Chapter

Physical Rebuilding, International Cooperation

The Architecture for Humanity Tokyo Chapter was set-up to support various recovery efforts in Tohoku. It is the producer of Tohoku Planning Forum (www.tpf2.net) and helped to raise funds for the Veener House in Maeaimihama.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Kesennuma, Ishinomaki

Website Twitter

ARI, Association of Citizens for the Revitalization of Ishinomaki|石巻市復興を考える市民の会

Volunteering / Community Building, Not-for-Profit Initiative

The Association for the Revitalization of Ishinomaki is a volunteer group based in Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. We are currently involved with community restoration projects as well as providing aid to temporary housing in Ishinomaki.

Based in: Ishinomaki
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Facebook E-Mail

ArtsAid Tohoku|アーツエイド東北

Art / Design, Governmental/Quasi-Governmental

The project seeks to provide financial support for artists and artist organisations, based in Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, engaging in the disaster-affected areas in Tohoku. Ultimate objective of the project is to empower and revitalise communities.

Based in: Sendai
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Birdo Flugas

Art / Design, Individual Initiative

The gallery birdo space was opened in Shiogama in 2006. In order to bring art and the community together, it offers off-site workshops and events, providing opportunities for local artists to take more active roles in the society as well as for artists and the community to interact with each other. Recovery art.

Based in: Shigoma
Active in: Shiogama

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Consortium for Japan Relief, Columbia University

Documentation / Information, Academic

Raising social awareness regarding the various issues that have emerged from 3.11; generating evidence-based information and guidance about the Japan disaster and its aftermath and about comparable natural disasters; and encouraging continuing assistance to the affected regions as appropriate and in collaboration and coordination with other organizations

Based in: New York
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook

Design 311

Documentation / Information, Individual Initiative

Online project supported by AXIS Gallery and Think the Earth that introduces reconstruction related projects by artists and designers; reaching from product design to architectural interventions. Discontinued since spring 2012. (日本語 only)

Based in: Online
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter E-Mail

Digital Archive of Japan's 2011 Disasters, Harvard University

Documentation / Information, Academic

The initiative aims to collect, preserve, and make accessible as much of the digital record of the disasters as possible, to enable scholarly research and analysis of the events and their effect.

Based in: Harvard
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook

Digital Archive of Japan's 2011 Disasters, Harvard University MAP

Documentation / Information, Academic

Comprehensive, GIS-sourced, interactive map with numerous data layers showing the damage of the 3.11 disaster across affected Tohoku communities, including demographic as well as economical and geographical features.

Based in: Harvard
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Disaster Recovery Leadership Development Fund

Capacity / Leadership Building, Not-for-Profit Initiative

The NPO ETIC will train and match 200 young aspiring entrepreneurs (Fellows) with 100 social business leaders that are heading reconstruction efforts to rebuild Tohoku through economic empowerment in 3 years (from Jun 2011 to Mar 2014). The lack of young aspiring individuals is the bottleneck to promote recovery projects effectively and efficiently. NPO developed from a 1993 Waseda University student initiative.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

DJSF (Deutsch Japanisches Synergie Forum) Sanriku Fukkou

research, students, volunteers, planning, International Cooperation

summer school, workcamps, symposium, sustainable rebuilding of Sanriku, renewable energy, passiv house, breakwater, seawalls, we want to build up confidence and assurance with NGOs in Sanriku, make plans together for a sustainable and egological urban management

Based in: Deutschland, Bielefeld, Miyako, Tochigi
Active in: Sanriku (Miyako, Kamaishi)

Website Facebook E-Mail

DoCan|DO it and you CAN make it happen for Japan and the world

Art / Design, Academic

Visual communication design department at Musashino Art University aims to use creative power for reviving Tohoku and society as a whole. Diverse projects adopting the principles of social design.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

DoCoDemo Eco Car

Mobility, Corporate Initiative

The project “DoCoDeMo Eco Car” (The Everywhere Car) helps people to get their lives back on track by providing mobility free of charge with shared-use cars placed at the temporary housing complexes. Donate a car for car-sharing!

Based in: Yokohama
Active in: Tohoku

Website Facebook E-Mail

DTRG Association for International Disaster Assistance Association|国際災害援助協会

Search & Rescue, International Cooperation

German Disaster Relief Resuce and Search & Rescue is a volunteer group that helped with rescue and relief in Rikkuzentakata, Kamaishi, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures from March to September 2011. In November 2011 we were again at the J-Village, and are committed to the decontamination area.

Based in: Berlin, Germany
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Earth in Architecture|屋内の大地

Children, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Project that seeks to create indoor playgrounds in vacant buildings for children in Fukushima prefecture who can no longer play outside safely. Initiated by architect Kota Asano. Indoor playground was closed on March 10th 2013. (日本語 only)

Based in: Nihonmatsu
Active in: Fukushima

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Earth Rooters|任意ボランティア団体

Relief / Distribution , Not-for-Profit Initiative

Volunteer organisation that provided disaster relief and food supply to survivors in Ofunato. The project seeks to begin planting of 'big fir trees' in Ofunato. (日本語 only)

Based in: Hamamatsu
Active in: Ofunato

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Eco Village Kuzumaki, Iwate Prefecture

Renewable Energy, Governmental/Quasi-Governmental

This Tohoku town is one of the leading pioneers of renewable energy generation in Japan and one of the still few municipalities that achieved energy self-sufficiency. (日本語 only)

Based in: Kuzumaki, Iwate
Active in: Kuzumaki, Iwate

Website E-Mail

Ex-Container Project

Physical Rebuilding, Corporate Initiative

The Ex-Container Project intended to provide old shipping containers as disaster relief housing for people displaced by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. With shipping containers being used around the world as permanent buildings, these temporary residences are llow cost and can eventually be turned into long term residences if needed. A project by the architect Yasutaka YOSHIMURA that is no longer active in Tohoku.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Foreign Volunteers Japan

Relief / Distribution , Not-for-Profit Initiative

Foreign Volunteers Japan is created to gather willing volunteers, who wish to take an active role in the Tohoku relief efforts. This is an open discussion forum for sharing and discussing information regarding volunteer activities, aid delivery, and humanitarian relief issues concerning the post-tsunami recovery of the Tohoku region.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Fukko Department|復興デパートメントはハンドメイド

Economic Revitalisation, Academic

Virtual department store for direct marketing of traditional crafts products and food from Ishinomaki and Minamisoma. Economic Revitalisation, capacity building, matching of initiatives and supporters. (日本語 only)

Based in: Ishinomaki / Minamisoma / Tokyo
Active in: Ishinomaki / Minamisoma

Website Twitter Facebook

Fukukou Kaigi|福興会議

Art / Design / Community Building, Academic

Tohoku University of Arts and Design student initiative, established by Takenori MIYAMOTO, with the objective to "restore happiness" for the survivors of the 3.11 disaster. (日本語 only)

Based in: Yamagata
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter E-Mail

Fukushima Minpo|福島民報

Documentation / Information, Corporate Initiative

News archieve of Fukushima Minpo, containing over 230 news items in English on the 3.11 disaster and its consequences for Fukushima Prefecture communities.

Based in: Fukushima
Active in: Fukushima

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Fukushima on the Globe

Documentation / Information, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Portal site managed by Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation (JANIC) funded by Church World Service (CWS) as a part of joint project with Fukushima Future Center for Regional Revitalization, Fukushima University seeking to connect Fukushima and the world. The purpose is to support people affected by the nuclear disaster, both those who stay in and leave from Fukushima, in terms of human rights, health and life issues.

Based in: Fukushima
Active in: Fukushima

Website

Fukushima Prefecture Indoor Playparks

Child Play,

Comprehensive list of indoor play facilities provided on the website of Fukushima Prefectural government's health and welfare department. (日本語 only)

Based in: Fukushima
Active in: Fukushima

Website E-Mail

Funbaro Project East Japan|ふんばろう東日本支援プロジェク

Matching / Connecting, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Because of complicated decision-making process, government could not provide supports promptly to the devastated area. PFEJ uses its website and twitter to spread/gather the information, it makes prompt support easily and much faster. However, as a matter of fact, most of the elderly in that area cannot use computer, so we also have telephone operators and local volunteers to contact the survivors directly to get their voices, what they really need.

Based in: various cities all over Japan
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook

Gakuvo|日本財団学生ボランティアセンター

Volunteering, Not-for-Profit Initiative

The organisation is supporting student voluneer activities in Tohoku; Youth organisation of the Nippon Foundation. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Ganbatte 365

Documentation / Information, Individual Initiative

Although the renewal of Japan's Tohoku region will take many years to complete, in some ways the disaster is already 'old news'. Our mission is to keep awareness of renewal as it is happening in Japan for at least a year. By using the power of stories to connect, inform, heal and inspire we hope to encourage even more people to get involved or at the very least feel a connection with the people giving it their best. Perhaps that inspiration will even find an outlet at another location on the globe.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Go for Future

Art / Design, Individual Initiative

Mobile art project by the artist Ichiro ENDO, touring the entire disaster area and involving the tsunami survivors in expressing their dreams and future visions. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Great Forest Wall Project

Landscape Design, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Green Infrastructure: Utilising the tsunami debris in order to create a landscaped, green seawall as a protection against future disasters and the cold and rough winds from the sea.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Facebook E-Mail

Guru Guru Cheer Squad

Mobility, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Based in Ishinomaki, the local grass root organisation “Guru Guru Cheer Squad” aims at improving the quality of daily life in the affected areas through community shops and a community bus, which connects residents of temporary housing estates to the public life of the city

Based in: Ishinomaki
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Habitat for Humanity

Volunteering / Community Building, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Habitat has been devoted to building "simple, decent, and affordable" housing, a self-described "Christian housing ministry," and has addressed the issues of poverty housing all over the world.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Hanshin-Awaji Creative Timeline Mapping Project|阪神・淡路大震災+クリエイティブ タイムライン マッピング プロジェクト

Project Introduction / Connection, Local NPO / Grassroot

Mapping project that created a time line visualisation of the reconstruction process after the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995. Features projects in the categories Art, Design, Architecture, Events

Based in: Kobe
Active in: Kobe

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Harvard: Japan Sendai Earthquake Data Portal

Information Provision, University

In response to the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami Mar 11th 2011, the Harvard Center for Geographic Analysis has launched this web portal. It offers a collection of maps and many other visual representations of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Based in: Harvard, Sendai
Active in: Tohoku

Website E-Mail

Heartquake

Volunteering / Community Building, Local NPO / Grassroot

Starting from cleaning up rubble, leveling ground and establishing the BaseCamp, eventually projects of "thinking" and "acting" with us together like the agriculture reconstruction and new town-building, there are various activities you can join.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Sendai

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Hometown Tax system | ふるさと納税

Economic Revitalization, Governmental/Quasi-Governmental

In 2008, the Government gave taxpayers the right to vote with their tax money and determine which community they pay to. Apparently, it takes a formal registration procedure to pay to the community of your choice. (日本語 only)

Based in:
Active in: Nationwide

Website Twitter Facebook

I-Kifu

Project Funding, Individual

ikifu.org is andonation platform with the aim to simplify the way people can change the world. i-kifu aims support Non Profit Organizations (NPOs), individuals and corporations to connect in a mutually beneficial environment by helping them to take full advantage of the power of internet and mobile technologies.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: World, Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Ibasho

Placemaking/ Community Building, Internationally operating NGO

Creating a community resilience café where elders in Tsunami affected area are able to find their “ibasho” (the place where one feels at home as who you are) and re-develop their own resilience within community with people of all ages. Ibasho has been working with OperationUSA to cordinate and deliver strategic planning, architectural and programmatic planning, training, and construction collaborating with city of Ofunato.

Based in: Washington DC
Active in: World, Ofunato

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

IDRO International Disaster Relief Organization Japan

Volunteering / Community Building, Local NPO / Grassroot

IDRO-Japan aims to provide aid and assistance for immediate post-disaster relief and also assist in long-term support through relief trips and the construction of housing and community centers in the Tohoku region.

Based in: Kyoto
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

IMPACT Japan

Innovation Incubator, Local NPO / Grassroot

Objective of IMPACT is to develop Impact Platform for Entrepreneurs & Innovators; to demonstrate the value of entrepreneurial and design thinking mindsets for everyone; to create Impact Research to Support National Policy & Initiatives; and to Connect the Dots

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook

Indoor Park 'Minna Kuru'|インドアパークみなくる

Children, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Indoor playground 'Minna Kuru', managed by the NPO Fukushima Life Aid (http://f-lifeaid.org), where up to 100 children can play, offering play leader service. The indoor park was designed by the architect Kota ASANO. (日本語 only)

Based in: Fukushima
Active in: Fukushima

Website Facebook

INJM, Its Not Just Mud

Volunteering / Community Building, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Non-profit volunteer organization specializing in disaster relief and grass-root support and rehabilitation of disaster affected individuals and small businesses.

Based in: Ishinomaki
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Twitter Facebook

Inochi wo Mamoru Mori no Bochotei Suishin Tohoku Kyokai|いのちを守る森の防潮堤推進東北協議会

Landscape Design, Local NPO / Grassroot

Organisation that promotes the creation of natural seawall out of life-saving forests that are cultivated on mounts made of tsunami debris. Comprehensive project map available on website: http://morinobouchoutei.com/?page_id=98. (日本語 only)

Based in: Sendai
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter E-Mail

Ishinomaki 2.0

Physical Rebuilding, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Umbrella organisation that coordinates and promotes creative grass-root recovery initiatives in Ishinomaki. The organization consists of members with diverse backgrounds such as local shop owners, NPO workers, architects from Tokyo, city planning researchers, creative producers, web directors and university students. We set to create new ways of communication by discovering the great assets the city of Ishiomaki innately owns with the new talents connected by Ishiomaki.

Based in: Ishinomaki
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Ishinomaki 2.0 ComiKame Community Cafe

Physical Rebuilding, Not-for-Profit Initiative

The community cafe was created within the shop of an established Kimono reseller that continues for the 4th generation called “KAMESHICHI”. The cafe offers the state-of-art electronic magazines for iPad and a collection of 2000 magazines from 1970s.

Based in: Ishinomaki
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Ishinomaki 2.0, Reconstruction Bar

Physical Rebuilding, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Reconstruction Bar gives people the opportunity to try themselves as temporary patrons of a bar. Different patrons on different weekdays. In summer 2013 a temporary reconstruction bar was operated in Ginza, Tokyo

Based in: Ishinomaki
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Ishinomaki Architecture Workshop

Architecture / Participation, Academic

Space Speculation urban design studio, Faculty of Architecture, Université Libre de Bruxelles, collaboration with Tohoku University, Workshop and community building proposals for Ishinomaki

Based in: Bruxelles, Belgium
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Facebook

Ishinomaki Future Support|みらいサポート石巻

Physical Rebuilding, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Organisation that supports the reconstruction effort, vision making, and making of a better future Ishinomaki. IFSA carries out community events, symposiums and city walking tours. (日本語 only)

Based in: Ishinomaki
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Facebook E-Mail

Ishinomaki Lab

Architecture / Building, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Public space and community center that is seeking to revive Ishinomaki by creating furniture and objects and reviving local crafts. (日本語 only)

Based in: Ishinomaki
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Twitter Facebook

issue + design|Earthquake Disaster Recovery + design COMPETITION

Idea Competition, Local NPO / Grassroot

Entries of an idea competition for the year 2020 in Tohoku, held in December 2011. Themes were 'Local involvement in Recovery', 'Industry and Employment', 'Social Infrastructure' and others.

Based in: Kobe
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Italians for Tohoku

Community Service / Mobility, Not-for-Profit Initiative

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ICCJ) and other organisations are aiding the post-tsunami recovery in Rikuzentakata. The group has sponsored a traveling library bus as well as a Kengo KUMA-designed community center.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Rikuzentakada

Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Iwate Ginga-Net

Volunteering / Community Building, Students' NPO

NPO "Iwate Ginga-Net" serves as a bridge between university students and residents in the disaster-stricken areas. It invites student volunteers who are able to work together with disaster survivors.

Based in: /
Active in: Tohoku

Website Facebook E-Mail

Iwate Mobile Library|いわてを走る移動図書館プロジェクト

Community Service / Mobility, Local NPO / Grassroot

Mobile library is going around Rikuzentakada city, Ofunato City Sanriku-cho, Otsuchi-cho, and the Yamada –cho in Iwate Prefecture. The project is carried out by the Shanti Volunteer Association (http://sva.or.jp/global/)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Iwate

Website Twitter Facebook

Jakko no Mori

Landscape Design, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Jakko no Mori is building a programme to be able to plant a minimum of 19,200 trees in Ishinomaki and other parts of Tohoku. The goal is to help the people of Tohoku to rebuild their communities and ecosystems, and in the process, establish new partnerships and learnings to allow better response to future natural disasters.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Facebook E-Mail

JANIC, Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation - Taskforce for Disaster Response

Coordination, International Cooperation

Taskforce for Disaster Response was established in March 2011, in order to facilitate networking and collaboration among NGOs and between NGOs and other sectors including government and business sector, so that the Japanese NGOs can assist survivors in the devastated areas properly and effectively using their knowledge and experiences accumulated through their past and on-going activities overseas. Running the Fukushima NGO Collaboration Space.

Based in: Shinjuku
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Japan Art Donation

Art / Design, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Japan Art Donation has used relief donations for the revival of cultural institutions, the dispatching of artists, the conducting of workshops for the children who suffered, the opening of theatre plays, dances, and performances in the striken areas. The project seems to be discontinued.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website E-Mail

Japan beyond 3.11 Stories of Recovery

Documentation / Information, Governmental/Quasi-Governmental

Japan's national public broadcaster NHK shares the historic events of the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster, and connects survivors in the affected region with the rest of the world. Stories of Recovery is a collection of articles and transcripts concerning the recovery efforts in the Tohoku region.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Japan

Website

Japan Car Sharing Association|日本カーシェアリング協会

Car Sharing, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Mobility project by Open Japan that aims to provide mobility to residents of temporary housing through car-sharing. The project also seeks to raise awareness for sharing cars in general. (日本語 only)

Based in: Ishinomaki
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE/USA)

Documentation / Information, Not-for-Profit Initiative

English language resource on post-3.11 disaster recovery in Tohoku. JCIE advises overseas humanitarian organisations, disseminates information about the disaster response, and helps to coordinate between overseas donors and nonprofits on the ground. JCIE's Japan NGO Earthquake Relief & Recovery Fund is supports Japanese nonprofit organizations that are helping communities recover from the March 11 disaster. Funding has been provided to over 39 groups and projects.

Based in: New York
Active in: Tohoku

Website Facebook E-Mail

Japan Earthquake Disaster Relief Idea Exchange

Information Provision, Individual Initiative

Sharing of disaster and reconstruction related news, information, and ideas through social media.

Based in: Online
Active in: Tohoku

Twitter Facebook

Japan Institute of Architecture Facebook message board|JIA災害対策情報掲示板

Information Provision, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Professional association JIA sharing disaster and reconstruction related news and information on their website. (日本語 only)

Based in: Online
Active in: Tohoku

Website Facebook E-Mail

Japan Reconstruction Agency|復興庁

Coordination, Governmental/Quasi-Governmental

Coordination of disaster reconstruction activities across Tohoku with office in the three most affected prefectures Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Facebook

Japan Reconstruction Design Council|東日本大震災復興構想会議

Coordination, Governmental/Quasi-Governmental

Predecessor of Japan Reconstruction Agency that was commissioned with the making of a comprehensive recovery policy in the aftermath of 3.11. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter

Japan Society of Urban and Regional Planners|日本都市計画家協会

Documentation / Information, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Disaster reconstruction community planning support web portal of JSURP that offers a comprehensive overview of and a rich resouces on recovery planning processes across Tohoku. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

JCN, JAPAN CIVIL NETWORK for Disaster Relief in East Japan|東日本大震災支援全国ネットワーク

Information Provision, Local NPO / Grassroot

Japan Civil Network for Disaster Relief in East Japan is a broad coalition of Japanese nonprofit nongovernmental organizations providing disaster relief. JCN aims to serve and support affected individuals and communities, while also helping them to rebuild their lives and secure their futures. The site features an excellent interactive map locates the various relief initiatives. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook

K-engine & Prof. Goto Osamu, Kogakuin University

Architecture / Building, University

Osamu Goto, professor of the School of Architecture at Kogakuin University, and his team have been working on a project to build permanent wooden houses for survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The housing makes reference to the collective housing model. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Ishinomaki, Shirahama

Website

Kamaishi Kitchen Car Project| かまいしキッチンカープロジェクト

Temporary Shopping , Not-for-Profit Initiative

Mobile food stalls that provide meals at various locations and for various events in central Kamaishi. Pop-up urbanism intervention that seeks to revitalise the central city area. The project is organised by the Kamaishi Reconstruction Support Organisation (Kamaishien.com). (日本語 only)

Based in: Kamaishi
Active in: Kamaishi

Website Twitter Facebook

Kamaishi Regional Coordinators|釜石リージョナルコーディネーター

Physical Rebuilding, Governmental/Quasi-Governmental

Young reconstruction coordinators who are dispatched to Kamaishi by the RCF Reconstruction Support Team NPO and being posted to Kamaishi municipal government. They help to empower neighborhood activities and support a wide range of community needs, from organising weed removal, hosting middle school track meets and other local events to documenting the disaster memories and shepherding through grant application processes. The local events help re-connect the residents [spread apart by the disaster] and also bring visitors from outside, resulting in the revitalization of the neighborhood.

Based in: Kamaishi
Active in: Kamaishi

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Kasetsutorisetsu|仮設のとりせつ

Physical Rebuilding, Academic

This project by the Iwasa Architectural Lab. at Niigata University studies and shares ways of how prefabricated temporary housing units can be made more hospitable and adapted to indivudial needs. (日本語 only)

Based in: Niigata
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook

Keio University + Harvard GSD + Miyagi University

Architecture / Participation, Academic

Multi-language collaborative resource that helps teachers, students, and scholars locate and share educational resources about the historical contexts of scientific and technical issues related to the triple earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disasters in Japan.

Based in: Morioka, Harvard, Tokyo
Active in: Minamisanriku, Kesennuma, Miyato

Website

Keio University Response to the Disaster in Japan

Various Activities, Academic

Various research, planning and information deiemination projects across Tohoku. Architectural design in Miyato Island, development plan for a township of Kesennuma, scientific research.

Based in: Tokyo, SFC
Active in: Minamisanriku, Kesennuma, Miyato

Website Twitter Facebook

Kesennuma Building for the Future

Documentation / Information, Governmental/Quasi-Governmental

Sharing the stories of Kesennuma on Facebook – memories of how it used to be, visions of how it will be again, stories of heroism, hope, hard work, and yes, even humor.

Based in: Kesennuma
Active in: Kesennuma

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Kesennuma Playground

Children, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Adventure playground that has been produced by Kesennuma Playground Association in collaboration with SVA Kesennuma and the Japan Association for the Creation of Adventure Playgrounds

Based in: Kesennuma
Active in: Kesennuma

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Kesennuma Reconstruction Shopping Street|気仙沼復興商店街

Architecture / Economic Revitalisation, Local NPO / Grassroot

Temporary shopping street in Kesennuma that opened on December 24 2011 and offers over 50 shops a new livelyhood. (日本語 only)

Based in: Kesennuma
Active in: Kesennuma

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Kibo no Kane Shopping Town|きぼうのかね商店街

Architecture / Economic Revitalisation, Local NPO / Grassroot

50 temporary shopping pavillions, of which 30 were finished in high-quality timber construction; initiated by the Passive House Institute of Japan and it's founder Miwa MORI. (日本語 only)

Based in: Onagawa
Active in: Onagawa

Website

Kibou|東北復興支援団体 祈望

Economic Revitalisation, Local NPO / Grassroot

Support with cars, office equipment, economic redevelopment with various branches across Tohoku. The project seems to be no longer active. (日本語 only)

Based in: Sendai
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Kikkake Bus|きっかけバス

Leadership, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Awareness and leadership building project by the Reconstruction Aid Information Portal Tasukeai Japan and UT Aid. 47 students are initially recruited; one from each prefecture in Japan. In 1 bus, these students travel to Tohoku, where the are trained as reconstruction leaders. After the training they return to their home prefectures and raise funds and recruit 40 more students. With the funds 47 buses will be bought that will bring these 47 x 41 students to Tohoku in 2014 for another leadership training.. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

KISYN-no-kai|「帰心の会」

Architecture / Building, Individual Initiative

The well-known architects Kengo KUMA, Toyo ITO, Kazuyo SEIJIMA, Riken YAMAMOTO and Hiroshi NAITO founded this group in order to engage in Tohoku reconstruction. The 'Minna no Ie' or 'House for All' community building project series is one result of this initiative. Activities across Tohoku with a focus on Kamaishi City.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Kamaishi

Kizuna Foundation|絆ファウンデーション

Economic Development, Not-for-Profit Initiative

The Kizuna Foundation is the successor organization to All Hands Volunteers, Inc's humanitarian aid project in Ofunato and Rikuzentakata. Kizuna aims to match funds with local needs arising from the events of March 11, 2011. Key areas of focus are: Rehabilitation of existing infrastructure (school and recreational areas), restoration of existing economies (fisheries and agriculture), and introduction of new industries (high margin, low overhead). Kizuna also maintains a state of readiness for disaster response and preparedness as secondary areas of focus.

Based in: Morioka
Active in: Tohoku

Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Kurashio

Community Building / Information, Local NPO / Grassroot

Various community revitaslistation projects (education, cultural activities, job search) for the improvement of living conditions and for attracting new residents to the town.

Based in: Shiogama
Active in: Shiogama

Website Twitter E-Mail

Lost Homes Project|「失われた街」模型復元プロジェクト

Documentation / Information, Academic

In collaboration with ArchiAid, the project aims at restoring the towns and villages that were lost to the Tsunami through 1:500 scale models in order to inherit and preserve memories accumulated in local scenery, environment and life. Volunteer architecture students and university laboratories made the models, calling for joining all forces of local inhabitants and those who wish reconstruction of lost towns and villages.

Based in: Kobe
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook

MakiBiz by Architecture for Humanity San Francisco

Economic Development, Internationally operating NGO

To revive the city's economy and raise employment rates, the recovery of small and medium enterprises is crucial. Many businesses don't qualify for governmental support, and those that do often receive insufficient help. MakiBiz is working to find ways to support these businesses beyond this RFP program – financially, as well as with reconstruction and business planning.

Based in: Ishinomaki
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Makoto

Economic Development, Individual Initiative

Empowerment of entrepreneurs is the key to accelerating revitalization in the disaster-hit communities of Tokyo. More importantly, we must bring hope to the area and give the people their dignity. MAKOTO is a non-profit incorporated body supporting active entrepreneurs, start-up ventures and small and medium-sized enterprises in the disaster area.

Based in: Sendai
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Matsushima Relief Fund |松島救済基金

Community Building, Local NPO / Grassroot

Non-Profit 501(c)(3) organization aiding Matsushima rebuilding efforts through financial donations. Supporting Miyagi and Iwate through hand-made blanket donations, letters, and heart-to-heart connections. 私の心からあなたの心に。

Based in: North Carolina, USA
Active in: Miyagi/Iwate

Website Facebook E-Mail

Mercy Corps (working with local Japanese partners)

Economic Recovery, Internationally operating NGO

Mercy Corps is working entirely through its partnerships with Japanese NGOs in Tohoku, focusing on economic recovery. Current program includes a partnership with PlaNet Finance Japan and the Kesennuma Shinkin Bank that is supporting sustainable small business recovery in tsunami-impacted communities. As of July, 2012, over 180 business employing over 800 people have been started or supported.

Based in: Portland, Oregon and Edinburgh, Scotland
Active in: Ofunato, Rikuzentakata, Kesennuma, Minamisanriku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Michinoku Shigoto|みちのく仕事

Project Introduction / Connection, Local NPO / Grassroot

Project of the Tokyo-based ETIC NPO that seeks to support reconstruction and life in Tohoku. Recruiting manpower and donations for various projects in the fields of community revitalisation, education, capacity building, economic revitalisation, etc. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Michinoku Shin Roku Ten|みちのく震録伝

Documentation / Information, Academic

Tohoku University recently launched a digital archiving project on the Eastern Japan Great Earthquake Disaster. Collaborating with the government, industry, and academia, the project aims to build a comprehensive archive on disasters in the region, with a broad spectrum of memory, records, case studies. It aims to record the recovery and rebuilding process of the disaster and to disseminate information a near real time basis. As of this writing, detail of the project is unknown since this archiving project has been recently released. (日本語 only)

Based in: Sendai
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Minami Sanriku Sun Sun Shopping Village|南三陸さんさん商店街

Temporary Shopping , Governmental/Quasi-Governmental

Temporary shopping village and community space, managed by the local tourism association, located next to the new Shizukawa BRT station. (日本語 only)

Based in: Minami-sanriku-cho
Active in: Minami-sanriku-cho

Website Facebook E-Mail

MIT Japan 3/11 Initiative

Architecture / Participation, Academic

This Initiative, established by the MIT-Japan Program at the Center for International Studies, will provide a mechanism for faculty and student exchange between MIT and universities in the Tohoku region for the study and implementation of disaster-resilient planning.

Based in: Tokyo, Cambridge
Active in: Tohoku

Website Facebook E-Mail

Miyagi Temporary Housing Map|宮城県避難所・仮設住宅マップ

Architecture / Building, Governmental/Quasi-Governmental

Interactive, GIS-based map that provides a comprehensive overview of all temporary housing estates in the disaster-hit prefecture Miyagi. (日本語 only)

Based in:
Active in: Miyagi

Website

Mobile Smile

Architecture / Building, Individual

Using mobile trailers as temporary housing solutions that can be later moved to different locations and transformed into permanent housing structures. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter E-Mail

moreTrees

Forestry / Agriculture, Local NPO / Grassroot

We want more trees to be a base where people can share happiness through a process of active forestation. Maintenance and conservation of forest and forestation activity in Japan and overseas. Provision of a carbon offset service, associated with forests. Planning, manufacturing, and distribution of thinning wood products.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Japan, World

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Neconote

Volunteer/Community building, Local NPO/Grassroot

The aim of this organization is to build a network of people, able to work for disaster relief now and in the future.

Based in: Kyoto, Osaka
Active in: Ishinomaki, Kansai, Tohoku

Website E-Mail

Next Kamaishi

Community Building, Local NPO / Grassroot

Organisation that seeks to revive Kamaishi's local economy and reduce its dependency on big corporations; cultivating endogeneous development potentials. (日本語 only)

Based in: Kamaishi
Active in: Kamaishi

Website Twitter Facebook

O.G.A. for Aid

Community Building, Local NPO / Grassroot

O.G.A. FOR AID set in place various projects to support the economic, social and community rebuilding and healing. Our current operations include from the south in Kitakami, Ishinomaki, the four areas of Minamisanriku: Iriya, Utastu, Shizugawa, Togura and north to the area of Oya, in Kessenuma city.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Minami-sanriku-cho

Website Twitter Facebook

Oak Village

Architecture / Building, Corporate

Architect INAMOTO Tadashi proposes the Gassho House to be used first as temporary housing, and eventually as permanent residence. The mass-produced, pre-fabricated temporary houses inevitably become industrial waste because most of the materials are non-reusable. Instead, the structural parts of the Gassho House are entirely made of wood without a single nail. As such, it is not only recycleable, but also easy to repair, augment, disassemble and relocate, if necessary.

Based in: Takayama
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

On the Road

Volunteering / Community Building, Internationally operating NGO

Managing various community-based reconstruction projects mainly in and around Ishinomaki and offering opportunities for volunteer engagement. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Open Japan

Architecture / Ideas, Individual

OpenSimSim offers everyone the opportunity to be a part of the design and building process of urban and architectural projects - from needs or wishes to implementation and revision. It is a community driven platform which offers the possibility to share ideas, concepts, experience and knowledge, and to inspire people throughout the design process.Inspired by the wish to help people in Japan after the March 11th earthquake and tsunami, we started an initiative called “OpenJapan”. We would like to offer the opportunity to donate other valuable resources than money: time, knowledge and experience.

Based in: Berlin
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Open Japan|オープンジャパン

Community Revitalisation, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Various community, economic and environmental regeneration projects. Environmental education, citizen participation, etc. (日本語 only)

Based in: Ishinomaki
Active in: Ishinomaki, Japan

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Oshika Open Lab|牡鹿半島の未来をえがこう OPEN LAB

Physical Rebuilding, Academic

Collaborative project of various reconstruction organisations and architects that seeks to develop a future vision for the Oshika Peninsula. How will be its role in the new Sanriku Reconstruction National Park? How can tourism be utilised for sustainable community revitalisation? A collaboration between ArchiAid, Ishinomaki 2.0, Yokohama Graduate School of Architecture, and the Ministry of Environment (日本語 only)

Based in: various
Active in: Oshika Peninsula

Website Twitter Facebook

Otsuchi Town Reconstruction Community Development Company|復興まちづくり大槌株式会社

Physical Rebuilding, Governmental/Quasi-Governmental

Municipal community development company that is responsible for vision making and implementation of reconstruction plans in the Iwate Prefecture town of Otsuchi. (日本語 only)

Based in: Otsuchi
Active in: Otsuchi

Website Facebook E-Mail

Passive House Japan Association

Architecture / Building, Not-for-Profit Initiative

The Passive House Japan Association has donated temporary timber structures for reconstruction projects in Tohoku. Passive House Japan aims at promoting new building standards for energy-efficient and comfortable housing in Japan. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter

Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Center

Volunteering / Community Building, Internationally operating NGO

Peace Boat is a Japan-based NGO that has been working to support Ishinomaki city and its environs since March 2011. Our work centers on the training and deployment of volunteers. Current projects include: mud and debris clearance, supporting the reopening of factories and fisheries, and providing support and care to residents of temporary houses. We are also offering a volunteer leadership training programme which will give participants the skills to lead teams of volunteers in emergency relief operations.

Based in: Ishinomaki
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Peace by Piece

Art / Memory, Individual

We collect, clean, break and sort broken dishes and incorporate them into mosaics for the cities in Tohoku. Any citizen willing to help rebuild their community is urged to participate. The project seems to be discontinued.

Based in: Tsuchiura, Ibaraki
Active in: Ibaraki. Sendai, Ishinomaki.

Website E-Mail

Photohoku

Memory / Restoration, Individual

"Photohoku" is a project to rebuild and restart family photo albums of those affected by the Tohoku Tsunami distaster.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Playground of Hope

Child Play, Local NPO / Grassroot

Building playgrounds for disaster-affected tohoku communities in order to relieve children's stress through fun, physical play with friends. Bring hope to the community rebuilding process by helping residents rebuild bright and colorful play sets filled childrens' laughter.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Power of Japan

Relief / Distribution , Local NPO / Grassroot

The objective of the project is to distribute goods, send volunteers, provide meals and sell charity goods that have been crafted by member of local communities. (日本語only)

Based in: Matsudo, Chiba
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Project Fukushima

Art / Design, Local NPO / Grassroot

Organisation of numerous events before and after an art festival in Fukushima in August 2011, and carrying out projects in and out of Fukushima under the name Fukushima! on a continuous and long-term basis.

Based in: Fukushima
Active in: Fukushima

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Public Shelter|パブリックシェルター

Research/ Documentation, University

Project by the Iwasa Lab. at the School of Engineering, University of Niigata. The project provides a comprehensive documentation of small, community-based reconstruction projects across Tohoku. (日本語only)

Based in: Niigata
Active in: Tohoku

Website E-Mail

RCF Reconstruction Support Team|RCF復興支援チーム

Coordination, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Volunteer Organisation that dispatches reconstruction coordinators to Tohoku communities. They help to empower neighborhood activities and support a wide range of community needs, from organising weed removal, hosting middle school track meets and other local events to documenting the disaster memories and shepherding through grant application processes. The local events help re-connect the residents [spread apart by the disaster] and also bring visitors from outside, resulting in the revitalization of the neighborhood.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Kamaishi

Website Twitter E-Mail

Re-Ishinomaki

Promotion of Local Products, Local NPO / Grassroot

Selling local products from Ishinomaki in Tokyo and Sendai. Organisation of community events in Ishinomaki and management of an 'Ishinomaki Marche' antenna shop in Tokyo

Based in: Ishinomaki
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Reconstruction Shopping Town Guide|復興商店街くるっとガイド

Portal Site, Corporate

Portal site by the company NetRicoh/ Ricoh that provides a comprehensive guide to many temporary reconstruction shopping facilities across Tohoku. (日本語 only)

Based in: /
Active in: Tohoku

Website

Recorder 311|3がつ11にちをわすれないために

Memory / People Voices, University

The center for remembering 3.11 (commonly known as recorder311) has been established to encourage us all to think together about the enormous impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake and to help us set out on the long road to recovery. In this multimedia studio, citizens, experts and staff collaborate to disseminate information and record the restoration and recovery process. (renamed into: The center for remembering 3.11 (3がつ11にちをわすれないためにセンター))

Based in: Sendai
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Recovering Tohoku

Research, Individual

Disaster recovery researcher, offering an excellent collection of Tohoku recovery related information and blog entries from first fieldwork and volunteer activity. Under the category 'linking' another comprehensive list of Tohoku initiatives is featured.

Based in: Kyoto, Kobe
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter

ReRoots

Volunteering, Local NPO / Grassroot

Volunteer Organization working in Wakabayashi, Sendai. Coordinating volunteer activities mainly to support the farmers in coastal area in Wakabayashi.

Based in: Wakabayashi, Sendai
Active in: Wakabayashi, Sendai

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Rias no Mori, Mura-zukuri NPO|リアスの森村づくりNPO

Urban - Rural Linkage, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Aim of the NPO is to promote the evolution of rural lifestyles and environmental regeneration, in tune with nature, history of the community, new technology and local traditions (日本語 only)

Based in: Kitakami, Ishinomaki
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Facebook E-Mail

Riku Cafe|陸前高田まちのリビングプロジェクト

Physical Rebuilding, Not-for-Profit Initiative

With the help of Prof. KOIZUMI Hideki from the University of Tokyo, Naruse-Inokuma Architects, GOTO Chikako and various other individuals, students and corporate sponsors, the community structure Riku Cafe has opened in January 2012. Community space and cafe that is used for local events, meetings, and the promotion of local products. (日本語 only)

Based in: Rikuzentakada, Tokyo
Active in: Rikuzentakada

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Saisei Koizumi|再生小泉

Physical Rebuilding, Governmental/Quasi-Governmental

Residents in a disaster-stricken Koizumi district of Kesennuma submitted their own relocation plan to the local municipal government, a move that could become a model for other hard-hit areas. Residents in the city's Koizumi district completed the plan based on many discussions and study sessions. The process was aided by Prof. Suguru MORI from Hokkaido University. (日本語 only)

Based in: Kesennuma
Active in: Kesennuma

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Sakura Line 311|桜ライン311

Landscape Design, Not-for-Profit Initiative

This project seeks to plant sakura trees that demarcate the reach of the tsunami, to show future generations the extent of the damage. Starting with the development of the home page, SAVE TAKATA seeks to support the project by publishing information about it. (日本語 only)

Based in: Rikuzentakada
Active in: Rikuzentakada

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Sanriku Project by Harvard for Japan Initiative

Community Design, University

The Sanriku Project is a multi-disciplinary team of Harvard-affiliated researchers, designers, and medical professionals. Our mission is to help facilitate the recovery and rebuilding process along the Sanriku coast through empowering local residents and building community resilience.

Based in: Cambridge
Active in: Sanriku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Save Minamisoma Project

Volunteering / Distribution, Not-for-Profit Initiative

The efforts of the project still focus on delivering foods and safe drinking water to residents of the temporary housing units who lost their houses due to the tsunami and forced evacuation due to the radiation from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plants.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Minamisoma

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Save Takata

Project Coordination, Local NPO / Grassroot

Coordinating corporate, group and individual volunteer efforts toward Rikuzentakata’s revival, enacting plans to solicit and procure sponsors, enacting various charity events to fund and support the city’s revival, coordinating and communicating with foreign charities and support organizations, supporting the local community.

Based in: Rikuzentakada
Active in: Rikuzentakada

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Save the Children Japan

Economic Revitalisation, Internationally operating NGO

The government of Japan met many of the population’s needs but quickly became thinly stretched - Save the Children stepped in to fill the gaps, addressing the specific needs of children. Save the Children has provided direct support to children and their families through provision of important services as well as basic materials, and has also met needs indirectly, working with community groups on the ground who are closest to affected communities.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Sendai Hopes & Dreams

Relief Goods/Education, Individual

Group of former Ex-Pats to Japan mainly from Germany that set up aid projects together with a local partner organization in Sendai. In a first wave we provided goods, such as heaters or fridges, to old people's homes and child care facilities around Sendai to facilitate their lifes. In a second step we now started a scholarship program for future nurses in the Sendai region.

Based in: Stuttgart, Germany
Active in: Sendai area

Website Twitter E-Mail

Senninburo| 千人風呂

Physical Rebuilding, Individual Initiative

The general concept began as a free communal bathhouse, originally set up for local residents who had not been able to bathe properly for days and even weeks following the disaster. Once most of the refugees had been resettled into Temporary Housing on the outer fringes of the downtown area, the bulk of the customers of Senninburo are now the people working to revive the downtown area. Regular bath service ended in July 9 2012, but blog and facebook page still active. The new, nearby 'Space Senninburo' now serves as a community space. (日本語 only)

Based in: Ishinomaki
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Facebook E-Mail

Shinkenchiku 2011:12

Publication, Corporate

Special issue of the architectural journal Shinkenchiku, that introduced a comprehensive overview of initial architectural and community design interventions across Tohoku.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Japan

Website

Shinsaifukkou Tanki Project Stack|震災復興短期プロジェクトスタッコ

project introduction/ Connection, Local NPO / Grassroot

Project of the Tokyo-based ETIC NPO that seeks recruit short term human resources for registered Tohoku reconstruction projects in the fields of community design, industrial revival, healthcare, education. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter E-Mail

Shop Tohoku.com

Economic Revitalisation, Corporate

ShopTohoku.com is a social project by Tokyo-based startup marketing company, Matcha Latte Media. At Matcha Latte Media, we help select Japanese small and medium businesses market and sell their wonderful products to the rest of the world thru online stores. While we may be helping a few businesses in the regions hit by the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake & Tsunami, there are many others out there who do not fit our partner profile. Filling a need to introduce amazing companies from this region to potential customers around the world, we have launched ShopTohoku.com as a directory and hope to raise funds to go North to teach companies about selling to customers in other countries.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in:

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Sugawara Daisuke + Sumita-cho + Sumitajutakusangyo

Architecture / Building, Individual Initiative

Temporary housing in Rikuzentakada, Sumita-cho, made of locally grown wood, making it more comfortable than steel or pre-fab temp housing. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo, Sumita
Active in: Rikuzentakada

Website Twitter E-Mail

SVA Kesennuma

Community Building, International Cooperation

Shanti Volunteer Association, engaging in community design, place-making and local revitalisation in Kesennuma. Focus is on creation of new social ties and developing social capital.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Kesennuma

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Tadaima Ishinomaki|タダイマ イシノマキ

Economic Revitalisation, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Community space, antenna shop for advertising products from Ishinomaki, as well as a new tourist information spot that introduces reconstruction activities in town. (日本語 only)

Based in: Ishinomaki
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Tanemaki Project

Community Building, Individual Initiative

The project reaches out directly to kids and their communities in Tohoku and helps them re-build their lives.

Based in: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Tasukeai Japan|助けあいジャパン

Information Provision, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Delivering information that is as reliable as possible. Offering advice and opportunities for people who want to help. Excellent Map that locates local and national recovery and support initiatives.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Teach 3.11

Education, Academic

Multi-language collaborative resource that helps teachers, students, and scholars locate and share educational resources about the historical contexts of scientific and technical issues related to the triple earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disasters in Japan.

Based in: Global
Active in: Globe

Website Twitter

Team Tsukuba

Volunteering, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Loosely affiliated group of people living in (or close to) Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. Our members go up to Tohoku (in particular, Ishinomaki) regularly to participate in various volunteer activities. We work closely with Association for the Reconstruction of Ishinomaki and It's Not Just Mud.

Based in: Tsukuba
Active in: Ishinomaki

Website Facebook

TED x Tohoku

Project Introduction/ Connection, Academic

What happened in Tohoku isn’t just a local concern. The steps we take toward the future here will have a great influence on the rest of Japan and even the world.

Based in: Sendai
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook

Temporary Housing Green Curtain Project|「仮設住宅×緑のカーテン」プロジェクト

Architecture / Customisation, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Improving the quality of life in temporary housing units through the careful cultivation of green curtains. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Facebook

The University of Tokyo, Institute of Gerontology|東京大学高齢社会総合研究機構

Physical Rebuilding, Academic

Development of various community-friendly, innovative temporary housing solutions that seek to break up the isolation of elderly, and disabled citizens.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tono, Kamaishi, Rikuzentakada

Website E-Mail

Tohoku 1000 Project|東北1000プロジェクト

Documentation / Information, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Portal site that introduces 1000 community recovery and reconstruction projects. The site allows to filter the projects according to differen categories. (日本語 only)

Based in: Sendai
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Tohoku 10x26 Windows

Information Provision / Project Introduction / Documentation, Academic

Organized by the students and alumni of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and translated into 26 languages, the web-site shows what is going on Tohoku(東北), the affected area in Japan by the earthquake of March, focusing on 10 local groups. Through photographs, we will convey the will of the people toward reconstruction of their severely damaged cites to the world. The project is no longer active.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Tohoku Cotton Project|東北コットンプロジェクト

Agriculture, Local NPO / Grassroot

Restarting agriculture in Tohoku by planting cotton in idle rice paddies affected by sea water inundation, providing stable employment by creating products and new enterprises using Tohoku cotton together with apparel related corporations, contributing to disaster reconstruction by sustaining economic activities where farmers, spinning companies, apparel brands, stores and 'YOU' can collaborate together. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Tohoku Machizukuri Off-site Meeting|東北まちづくりオフサイトミーティング

Community Planning, Local NPO / Grassroot

Organisation that seeks to create structures and educate people in order to develop community building strategies for countering depopulation of Tohoku and strengthening local economies. Seeks to facilitate a broad exchange of ideas between local governments, private business and academic institutions.

Based in: unclear
Active in: Tohoku

Website Twitter Facebook E-Mail

Tohoku NPO Map|支援状況マップ

Information Provision, Governmental/Quasi-Governmental

Comprehensive, interactive map, showing the locations of many relief organisations working in Tohoku as well as disaster devastations and sites of temporary housing. Map provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism as well as the GeographyNetwork Japan. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

Website

Tohoku Reconstruction Paper|東北復興新聞

Documentation / Information, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Based on the idea that the challenges Tohoku is facing are the same challenges all of Japan is facing, the website shares reconstruction and recovery related news in Japan and in English.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

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Tohoku Recreate Expo|東北復興博

Information Provision, Local NPO / Grassroot

In collaboration with UNESCO and UNU the project seeks to organise a reconstruction exposition for 2021. Website, organisation and objective have changed in the meantime. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

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Tohoku Revival Calendar

Documentation / Information, Governmental/Quasi-Governmental

The Tōhoku Revival Calendar is a website that chronicles and supports the recovery of our home post-tsunami. The project hopes to share Tōhoku's post-tsunami story with the world in a positive and upbeat tone. It is produced by ariTV in Sendai.

Based in: Sendai
Active in: Tohoku

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Tohoku Rokken Park & Sendai Navizuku|東北六県パーク & 仙台なびづく

Portal Site, Local Government

Portal site by the CIty of Sendai that provides a comprehensive guide to many temporary reconstruction shopping facilities across Tohoku. It also introduces festivals and other tourism attractions across the 6 Tohoku prefectures in order to connect these local governments. Furthermore, the project seeks to facilitate wakability in Sendai and promote the joy of walking. (日本語 only)

Based in: Sendai
Active in: Tohoku, Sendai

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Tohoku Sky Village Project

Planning Vision, Individual Initiative

Concept by architect Keiichiro SAKO, envisioning elevated towns for areas that are endangered by tsunamis. Communities would be situated on top of a platform, whose base is formed by infrastructure, parking, factories and workshops. (日本語 only)

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Concept

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Tohoku University Disaster Control Research Center|東北大学大学院工学研究科附属災害制御研究センター

Research, University

The center develops high technologies to evaluate disaster risk, such as earthquakes, tsunami and floods in regional areas, control earthquake damages of building group, raise a high accuracy tsunami warning and analyze tsunami system.

Based in: Sendai
Active in: Tohoku

Website E-Mail

Tokai University Life Care Project|3.11生活復興支援プロジェクト

Architecture / Building, University

University Social Responsibility project of Tokai University, involving a hardware community centre component and a lifecare soft component. (日本語 only)

Based in: Hiratsuka
Active in: Minami-sanriku-cho

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Tono Magokoro Net|遠野まごころネット

Volunteering / Community Building, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Tōno City Disaster Relief Network is a volunteer group that was established by citizens of Tōno city with the aim of supporting victims of coastline districts in Iwate prefecture.

Based in: Tono, Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

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TPF², Tohoku Planning Forum|東北プラニングフォーラム

Documentation / Information, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Facilitating collaboration among Japanese and international designers, architects and planners contributing to the long-term revitalisation of Japan's tsunami-affected Tohoku region. The project embraces the viewpoints of activists, citizen groups and professionals, active in Tohoku communities, throughout Japan and around the world, to foster the exchange of ideas, best practice experiences and the provision of practical support. In recognition that other communities around the world have faced similar reconstruction issues, the TPF² project aims to leverage international experience and enable mutual learning.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

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TRSO, Tohoku Revival Service Organisation|東北復興支援機構

Art / Design, Academic

Initiative of the Tohoku University of Arts and Design to "create a new society" and a "new Tohoku" through arts and design and community development projects. (日本語 only)

Based in: Yamagata
Active in: Tohoku

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UNCRD, United Nation Center for Regional Development

Scientific Research, International Cooperation

UNCRD has organized a workshop between 25. February and 3. March 2012, consisting of site visits and discussion meetings with local municipalities and communities in Tohoku. Two issues of particular interests for this workshop were: a) promotion of green business; and b) involvement of all stakeholders in reconstruction efforts, including NPOs and NGOs.

Based in: Nagoya
Active in: Tohoku

Website

UNICEF, United Nations Children's Fund

Children, International Cooperation

UNICEF has carried out numerous physical rebuilding projects of facilities that benefit children, as well as related workshops and events with the aim to empower children and actively incorporate their ideas in the reconstruction plans of Tohoku. Empowerment of children.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

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VAN, Voluntary Architects' Network|ボランタリー・アーキテクツ・ネットワーク

Physical Rebuilding, Individual Initiative

Architectural practice of Shigeru Ban, specialised in disaster response building interventions, temporary shelters, temporary housing, and community facilities.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

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Voices from the Field

Documentation / Information, Not-for-Profit Initiative

In support with the Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto Univeristy, and originally started based on Nippon Foundation's Road Project, the group provides a window to the tsunami-affected people in Tohoku, their grief, agony and hope. Reporting earthquake and tsunami news from the ground to the world through translating field reports from some Japanese volunteer organisations.

Based in: Kansai
Active in: Tohoku

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WaKoDo House|若興人の家

Human Resource, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Sub-project of Save Takata that seeks to train and empower young people as 'change makers'. Initially an old building is being restored as the project base.

Based in: Rikuzentakada
Active in: Rikuzentakada

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Wasurenai - Never Forget - 3.11

Documentation / Information, Not-for-Profit Initiative

Dedicated effort to establish a trust fund for the expressed and specific intent to provide support to those affected by the tragic events on March 11th 2011 in Tohoku. By joining key leaders from Academic, Business and the Community at large: We propose to take all steps required - together - in order to get the best resources possible in place to enable their goals for the long-term challenges ahead.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

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WaWa Project

Documentation / Information, Not-for-Profit Initiative

WAWA Project is a social, creative platform for opportunity which is managed by the artist-run non-profit organization commandN, with the cooperation of 3331 Arts Chiyoda. The aim of WAWA is to connecting people in the different disaster-hit areas of Tohoku, who are initiating rehabilitation activities on the ground with those people who wish to support such local regeneration activities. WAWA Project engages closely with activists in the affected communities, is maintaining a physical base for their activities in Tokyo, while transmitting information about their endeavors through online and offline publications.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

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We care! Japan

Project Introduction / Connection, Not-for-Profit Initiative

The We Care!, initiated by the British Chamber of Commerce Japan, sought to connect donors to those in need in the disaster-affected regions of Tohoku. Wecarejapan.org was a website designed to face this challenge, facilitating the flow of information between people requesting aid and those offering donations. The project is discontinued.

Based in: Tokyo
Active in: Tohoku

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Yellow Arahama|希望の黄色いハンカチ大作戦

Physical Rebuilding, Governmental/Quasi-Governmental

A community is expressing its opposition against forced relocation and uses yellow handkerchiefs as symbol of hope to be granted an own voice in the official planning process. (日本語 only)

Based in: Arahama, Sendai
Active in: Arahama, Sendai

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Zenkon Bath|Zenkon湯

Physical Rebuilding, Individual Initiative

Project of Architect Tadashi SAITO and skilled volunteers were sending baths from Kagawa to areas in Tohoku. The bath is built using conventional wooden post-and-beam construction. After building the first ZENKON bath in Sanriku Town, Miyagi Prefecture on April 5 2011, 12 more have been built through June 13. Blueprints are open source. The project is no longer continued. (日本語 only)

Based in: Kagawa
Active in: Tohoku

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