In grief, former fisherman relentlessly builds crafts for son killed in tsunami

OTSUCHI, Iwate Prefecture--Handcrafted butterflies, fish, flowers, dolls and other works cover the walls, windows and ceiling of a room in Tokuhiko Takezawa’s home. So numerous are these colorful creations that they threaten to overwhelm the home’s amenities.

But behind this dazzling display of craftsmanship and tenacity lies the continuing despair of the creator.

Takezawa, 82, has been building the crafts in an attempt to overcome his grief over the loss of his eldest son who was swept away by the tsunami that struck in 2011.

“I can be free from thoughts when I am creating them,” Takezawa said.

The father, however, said he has still not come to terms with the death of Yasuhiko.

Yasuhiko, 49, who had an intellectual disability, was returning home by bus from a facility that provides jobs for disabled people when the Great East Japan Earthquake hit on March 11, 2011.

The bus was engulfed by the ensuing tsunami and later caught on fire. Only Yasuhiko’s jaw bone was recovered from the wreckage.

Takezawa’s misery continued long after the disaster.

Yasuhiko’s sister, Shoko Kurosawa, 48, could no longer stand seeing her father so despondent. She suggested that he make handicrafts to take his mind off the tragedy.

Yasuhiko had enjoyed detailed work and made handicrafts at the home. The father took up the hobby and gathered shells, wood and other supplies.

Takezawa used to repair nets as a fisherman, so the crafts quickly multiplied under his dexterous hands.

He and his wife, Hime, 78, still feel that Yasuhiko is with them at their home.

They say “good morning” and “good night” to their son and set out his favorite foods on the dining table.

“Yasuhiko’s mind remained that of a 3-year-old child,” Takezawa said in the room filled with handicrafts. “I believe he is delighted to see these creations.”