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Four months have passed since the devastating forest fire, Japan's largest wildfire disaster of the Heisei era, erupted in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, on June 26, 2025. The blaze consumed approximately 3,370 hectares—a staggering 10% of the city's total area. It tragically claimed one life and damaged 226 buildings, including 90 homes, according to an official announcement from Ofunato City.

Victims endured stays in evacuation centers for up to three months. Following this, temporary housing was completed in the Takonoura and Ayasato districts, now accommodating 26 households.

On June 22, roughly a month after residents settled into the Takonoura temporary housing, the Kesen Area Student Volunteer Group, comprised of local high school students, partnered with Civic Force to host the first "Aozora Ochakko" salon. Although the Takonoura temporary housing was provided on May 17 and many residents had moved in, the lack of a designated meeting space had prevented salon activities and opportunities for residents to connect.

The salon was a creative solution, arising from discussions among the volunteer corps, Civic Force, Sanriku Disaster Prevention and Reduction Research Institute, and Open Japan. They aimed to foster interaction among residents even without a formal meeting hall.

On the day of the event, the weather was clear and temperatures climbed quickly, truly living up to the "Blue Sky Ochakko" name. Volunteer high school students and members from co-sponsoring organizations, including Civic Force, set up industrial fans and tarps next to the temporary housing to offer relief from the heat as they welcomed participants. From around 1:30 p.m., residents gradually emerged, and a total of eight people enjoyed tea, conversation, and planting flowers in planters.

As this was their inaugural salon, participants shared heartfelt sentiments: "Before the fire, we hardly had a chance to have tea with our neighbors. Since moving into temporary housing, even though we know everyone's faces and names, this is the first time we've all gathered and talked like this, so I'm happy."

We also heard candid reflections that are often difficult to express publicly, such as: "It's been a month since we started living in temporary housing, and it's quite inconvenient." Other residents noted, "As time passes and we continue to live here, we truly start to realize what we lost in the fire." Another expressed their longing, "We can't see the ocean from our temporary homes, and there's no pleasant breeze coming in. We want to build a house and move back."

Among those present were individuals whose family homes had been damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake, managing to preserve some important belongings then. However, in the recent fire, they lost all their photographs and mementos. They seemed to be grappling with how to adjust to life after such profound shifts in their lifestyles due to the forest fires.

The participating high school students initially showed some hesitation, as this was their first salon interaction. However, they quickly engaged, listening attentively to the other participants. While planting flowers, residents shared their knowledge, teaching the students about the nuances of caring for different plants and fields. After planting, they collaboratively arranged the planters, sharing opinions like, "It's nice to have flowers after all," "It would be better to have them close by for watering," and "It would be nice to put them next to a bench so you can sit and look at them," ultimately adding a welcome, colorful touch to the Takonoura temporary housing.

Following the salon, the two high school students visited the fire-affected areas, allowing them to feel the extent of the damage firsthand.

This year's "Aozora Ochakko in Takonoura" was planned to promote interaction and improve the living environment for residents transitioning from evacuation shelters to the next stage of their lives. It's especially significant that local high school students are actively involved in addressing these crucial issues.

In rural, aging communities—not just disaster-stricken ones—it's often said that young people bring a vibrant energy to such gatherings. Witnessing the interaction between the residents and the high school students, I felt that this positive dynamic was clearly evident here as well.

It will take considerable time for those affected by the recent forest fires to rebuild their homes and lives. Civic Force plans to continue its support activities in cooperation with local young people. We remain committed to valuing communication with residents in the affected areas, doing our utmost to deliver assistance that precisely meets individual needs.