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Sanriku Machizukuri ART offers a wide range of cultural and art projects, focusing on passing down memories of the Great East Japan Earthquake, disaster preparedness, local performing arts, and international cultural exchange.

Civic Force's Great East Japan Earthquake NPO Partner Projects have been supporting their activities since December 2025.

Twelve children have participated in the "Story of Life" workshop over four sessions since December 2025. Participants conducted field studies in the disaster-affected areas of Ishinomaki, engaging directly with local storytellers. These experiences served as the foundation for creative expression, with children translating their reflections into theater and dance performances. Professional actors and dancers from Sanriku Machizukuri ART’s Iwate and Miyagi chapters provided technical instruction, guiding the children in refining their performances.

Inner doodles from the World Cafe

On January 12, 2026, a presentation was held at the Ishinomaki Municipal Kadowaki East Reconstruction Housing community center to showcase what the children learned in the workshop. Sixty local residents gathered to watch the children's performance. Dressed in pure white stage costumes, the children looked nervous as they took to the stage.

At the opening of the event, the project's producer, Mr. Maekawa mentioned that the memories of the local community will be expressed through the children.

You can check out the performance below:

https://youtu.be/BcK_o6DVJnc?si=kEP2CmVzuGbekZVC

Original dancing by the children

Skit

Storytelling of the earthquake through a variety of plays, dance, stand-up comedy, ghost stories, and other performances 

Audience danced together during the final act

The audience provided several poignant reflections on the impact of the performances:

"Even though it was the same program, the performances were completely different and each was wonderful."

"As someone who was born and raised in this area, I empathize with the difficulties of mountain climbing. I could really feel how they walked slowly, making sure to check for safety."

"I was amazed at the performance, which I wouldn't expect from elementary or junior high school students."

Following the performance, the children expressed a collective sense of relief and accomplishment:

"I was nervous, but I'm glad I had fun."

"My voice was quiet during practice, but I was able to speak louder during the actual performance."

"I was able to show the results of my practice."

"Everyone seemed to be having more fun than during practice, so it made me happy too."

"It was fun making it myself, so I'd like to do it again next year."

©️Sanriku Machizukuri ART

By engaging with the history of an earthquake and tsunami that occurred before they were born, the children translated their learning into creative expressions that preserve the "story of life." This initiative was a major step towards building a better future for future generations, and it was a valuable opportunity for the adults to foster the cycle of life.

Civic Force will continue to collaborate with Sanriku Machizukuri ART, supporting activities to share the experience of disasters in various ways and to connect the story to future generations.