Post-Tsunami view of Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture

Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture is one of the town that was hit hard by the tsunami which followed the earthquake on March 11, 2011. I was passing thru 5 months afterwards and still the stark grim reminders remain of what happened that day.

Later that evening I went to Sendai the capital of Miyagi which had also gotten hit that day. It was the kick-off of their big Tanabata festival which they do with a big fireworks display. It was good to see the people out and about enjoying themselves - they had cancelled some other festivals in previous months. It showed me that the Tohoku area will pull itself through the disaster with their indomitable spirit. Ganebaremasu!

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Japan
• Tohoku
• Tsunami
• Tohoku Earth Quake 2011
• Sendai
• Ishinomaki
• Tanabata
• humanitarian relief
• charity

[Jimaera]

My god, Dave, this was more poignant and concise than all the media broadcasts they've played here in the U.S. It's a relief to see that people ARE moving on with their lives though- plus, things like the Tanabata Matsuri are good ways of lifting everyone's spirits. Thanks so much for uploading this.

[RoninDave]

@Jimaera thanks! They canceled some earlier festivals but I'm glad they went ahead with Tanabata. That's Sendai and the region's biggest festival. They needed that to uplift the region's spirits.

[oly355]

I still believe nature is underestimated by human kind. that's sad that it's people who didn't do anything are the ones hurt by the neglect of the governments and scientists.

[RoninDave]

@oly355 true but keep in mind this disaster was something no one could really predict. The tsunami walls they had in place were not high enough for the height that this tsunami reached.

[UndercoverCracker]

I would have loved to visit Japan but now it has so much radiation everywhere...

[RoninDave]

@UndercoverCracker don't believe the hype! Despite a few giant mutated monsters roaming the countryside, Japan is not the radioactive hell-hole the media would have you believe.

[grangersmith]

@grangersmith not saying what you claim is not true, but am interested in why? Some pretty legitimate credible people are giving reports documented by readings on radiation etc..even Japanese nationals, but they are not getting the exposure in the news within Japan. We have been exposed to fallout from Japan on the west coast, very dangerous levels initially so are you saying this is all a lie? Life must go on but would take every precaution I could to lessen exposure. Your vid is great BTW

[grangersmith]

@RoninDave You are there so you should have first person knowledge of what is going on. That being said, though it's a fact that the exposure, and amount of radiation in Japan has been played down by the Japanese government and media. You cannot see radiation, and the nuclear plant is still pumping out radiation contaminating the ocean. Don't underestimate the facts behind how much radiation in the water air soil food etc that all Japan and surrounding countries are being exposed to.

[ladyhistorian]

Thank you for sharing the footage, Dave. It is heartbreaking to see the devastation, but hearwarming to see the courage and resilience of the people.

[tanukisan666]

Such terrible destruction! But what wonderful spirit from those who persevere.

[tmk8558]

It was still hurtfull views in the city that I almost stopped to watch but saw the people's smile at the fairworks made me smile. Thnx for sharing this vid :)

[FindMeInKurume]

Obviously Japan still needs money, I hope that people are still donating and help is arriving to Japan.

[MicknFumi]

Indeed humbling...great to see the resilient Japanese spirit of the people continuing.

[oly355]

@RoninDave I know, I wasn't talking about this one in particular, but in general.

human kind is not responsible for earthquake and all related to it.

[Limastudent]

Thanks for the update. Not seeing anything in the States about this anymore and I do wonder.

[cariocajin]

Thanks Dave for the update.That was really sad and encouraging at the same time.I'm looking foward to the time when Japan's tourism flourish again.I'm planning to go to Japan for 2 wks ( at least ) but right now the price is a little too much for my budget.I really enjoyed your videos ! 頑張ります