IWAKI, Fukushima Prefecture--Hundreds of people who were forced to evacuate their homes after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster gathered on a beach here March 5 with supporters to remember the day that transformed their lives.
The event involving 800 or so people was held in the leadup to the fifth anniversary of the event on March 11.
Held under the banner of “We will not forget Fukushima! Gathering of prayer,” the participants began building a bonfire before dawn at the Yotsukura beach. At around 5:30 a.m., some of them performed a traditional local dance, called “Jangara.”
As the sun began to rise, they joined hands to form a horizontal line and offered a silent prayer toward the sea. Then, they sang the traditional Japanese folk song, “Furusato” (hometown), to pray for the repose of those who perished in the disaster and for the continuing reconstruction of their hometowns in devastated areas of northeastern Japan.
The event was organized by a private group.