Ms. PO (a woman in her 30’s) P.Oさん (３０代)

February 28, 2015 I had left my house to go to the flower arrangement class on the day of March 11, but I realized I had left something and returned home. On the way, the Tsunami came, and I escaped to the hillside where my sister lived and stayed there for a few days. It was like a miracle and I felt I was protected by something unknown. I was able to live without any troubles at my sister’s house as it was equipped with a propane tank and an old oil stove for cooking and heating. My parents had always told me to escape to my sister’s in case of Tsunami, which prepared me to protect myself at a time of emergency. I feel that my ancestors are protecting me, and I am thankful for that. Every day I tell myself, “I cannot do anything unethical as the Sun God is watching me”. I am thankful for my life. I distributed cosmetic soaps to the victims as my contribution. After the disaster, I moved to Sendai City as I’ve always wanted to work in the beauty field. It was a great opportunity for me to start a new life and take the first step towards living my dream. I had made up my mind to be independent working in the beauty industry. My life living on my own for the first time working at a beauty salon had started. People in Sendai viewed the disaster differently than the people in Ishinomaki. My beloved hometown, Ishinomaki. I’ve always worried about people back there and wanted to do something to help them and to be of some use to them. After working at the salon for two and a half years, I finally realized my life dream to own my own salon. I want to support others as much as I am able by offering a healing space and hospitality. The ability to do what I want to now could not have been possible without all the support I received from others. I believe when women become more attractive, that would encourage men as a result, thus contributing to the society as a whole. It gives great flexibility and ease to work in my own salon that helps me balance raising children and house work economically and emotionally. I believe it is important for us to keep following the dream by always being on the lookout for new information. I learned that meeting with people and human relationships are more important than physical goods. You cannot live alone and there are things that money cannot buy. I lost my friend to an illness which made me think about life in. There are people who were not ready to die. I am thankful for my health and my wellbeing. Four and half year later, I still have anxiety about another Tsunami. I want to take care of myself and be happy and spread the happiness to others. I hope the smile is passed on to others, as well.