JAPAN Forward 
Fourteen years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, Tohoku's disaster-stricken areas have made remarkable progress in reconstruction. To commemorate this journey, Civic Force is hosting the Tohoku Favorite Spot Award to honor the region's resilience and beauty.
We invite you to share your favorite Tohoku experiences. Submit a photo and a short story about beautiful scenery, cherished spaces, significant changes, or foods that remain timeless. This contest is open to anyone with a connection to Tohoku — residents, past visitors, and supporters alike.
Connecting the Lessons of 3.11 to the Future
Since March 2011, Civic Force has supported Tohoku's recovery through community development, initiatives in Fukushima, and storytelling projects. These efforts ensure the valuable lessons of 3.11 are passed on to future generations.
How to Enter:
- Submit a photo (landscape format, 10MB max).
- Provide a short story (200–800 characters) explaining why this spot is meaningful.
Key Details:
- Due by: February 2, 2025
- Prizes: Regional Tohoku treats or disaster preparedness kits for winners (shipping within Japan only).
Let's celebrate Tohoku's recovery and share its inspiring stories with the world.
👉 Learn More and Submit Your Entry
Sample Photo Description
Mt Tokusenjo: A Ghibli-like Azalea Forest (Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture)
One of Japan's premier azalea destinations, Mt Tokusenjo boasts vibrant azalea blooms that blanket its slopes and can even be seen from Kinkasan Island on the distant Oshika Peninsula. Although the coastal areas suffered devastating damage during the Great East Japan Earthquake, the azaleas of Mt Tokusenjo continued to bloom year after year, silently watching over the ever-changing Kesennuma. The entrance to the hiking trail offers a scene reminiscent of a Ghibli movie, making visitors feel as if they've wandered into another world. This refreshing spot provides a perfect escape from the everyday.
Sunset at Mangokuura Bay (Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture)
On a cold and windy December day in Ishinomaki, heading from Onagawa to Ishinomaki, I stopped the car when I noticed there was no wind. Fishermen call such calm days "nagi ii hi," meaning "good calm days," when the sea is peaceful, and it's easier to set sail. It was a moment that truly embodied the stillness and serenity of "nagi."
About Civic Force
Civic Force was established in 2009 in response to large-scale disasters in Japan. It works to provide timely and effective emergency assistance through collaboration between companies, NPOs, and governments.
The 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake in Niigata, Japan prompted the founding of Civic Force. Building collaborative partnerships between various stakeholders during non-emergency times is key in delivering needed support to affected people in emergencies. Civic Force is committed to serving as a platform for such partnerships.
During the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, Civic Force dispatched helicopters the day after the disaster, beginning emergency assistance. This rapid deployment was made possible through over ¥300 million JPY ($ 2.7 million USD) in donations that poured in within just three days. Businesses also stepped in and provided goods and logistical support. Since then, Civic Force has responded to natural disasters all across Japan.
In December 2019, Civic Force participated in the establishment of the emergency disaster support project "Airborne Rescue and Relief Operations With Search" (ARROWS) and began building a more effective response mechanism to save more people.
Disasters occur every year. but Civic Force is prepared and ready to act. Thank you for your continuous support. Learn more on the Civic Force English homepage.
RELATED:
- One Year After the Noto Peninsula Earthquake and Its Fragile Lessons
- Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework Aims to Bring New Life to Regional Economies
- EDITORIAL | Make Removing Post-Earthquake Waste a National Priority
- Japan Should Host A Yearly Conference on Disaster Resiliency for Indo-Pacific Youth
Author: Civic Force
