Tsunami, 10 Years in the Rebuilding of a Town from Zero, Rikuzentakata, Japan Earthquake [Eng Subs]

【English Subtitles】
Rikuzentakata City: 10 Years in the Rebuilding of a Town from Zero
Tsunami, Great East Japan Earthquake, 11 Mar 2011.

[@Wutzmename]

I'm not Japanese but when he reopened his father's noodle shop and everyone said it tasted just like before I cried. Thinking about how much he lost, how he wished he had paid more attention to his father's recipes and how close he came to giving up and for him to get the validation from young and old was extremely moving. Then the last parade down Main Street before they filled it in with soil was too much for me. I'm sincerely saddened by the loss of life and history. May you and your people never experience anything like this again.

[@jglaboratory]

Its the small things that matter. Keeps us pushing

[@benjaminmurray3504]

I cried too

[@TropicPoss]

I can't imagine how you could watch this and NOT cry. The most gentle and moving account of the tsunami and it's aftermath that I've ever seen.

[@MultiSandtrooper]

I'm here with all of you guys 👍☹😢

[@stevenc8140]

Unfortunately. Japan suffers from more natural disasters than any other country! Their geography predicates as such with mountains and adjacent oceans. Then there the occasional typhoons. Have I mentioned the country’s madmen of the 1930s-1940s? Finally, Godzilla doesn’t help much either!

[@3rdman99]

I just want to say, a mad respect for the documentary makers who worked on this in the span of 10 years, taking footage of various parts of the town year by year, obviously with a careful planning, care, and most of all (as one can clearly tell) with deep respect to the people that they are documenting. Truly a masterpiece.

[@hscollier]

This is by far the best video I’ve seen on KZbin, and in fact one of the best documentaries I’ve ever watched. Thank you for restoring some of my faith in humanity, and sharing the story of these wonderful and resilient people.

[@johnsimmons7890]

totally agree, as probably one of the most touching ive ever watched and i hope they all decide to come back and make it home once more.

[@martentrudeau6948]

Well said, this grabbed my heart. it's good to see the Japanese coming back after the catastrophe. They are a strong brave people.

[@mikewatt8706]

You mustn't av watched many

[@aikasakamaki5996]

英語で世界に向けてビデオを作ってくださった方、本当にありがとうございます。 私は当時6歳で埼玉県に住んでいましたが、強い揺れを経験したのを今でも覚えています。また母から聞いた話では、広い範囲で停電をしていて、家に帰るのも大変だったと聞いています。地震に関するビデオを見ると、いつになっても本当に涙が止まりません。 日本は昔から地震、津波などの災害が絶えない国です。他の国の方にも是非日本の状況を知ってほしい。 最後にこのビデオを見てくださっている方にも感謝申し上げます。本当にありがとう。

[@d33dub]

This was such a great way to show the return of decimated area, i need to know more!

[@MrScottie68]

How beautiful to see everyone come together to rebuild and move forward; There’s something to be said about the Japanese people and their cultural mindset.

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

Japan’s population peaked in 2006 with 127 million, and, has been shrinking ever since. There are projections that the population will decline to only 100 million by 2050. So, it is any wonder that a good number of towns have all but disappeared in the 2010s, which will continue into the 2020s? The civic and business leaders have to make hard decisions, and, act accordingly. Not all Japanese towns are viable as they once were in the 1990s. This is the harsh reality following Japan’s bubble economy collapse from 1990, and, the lost three decades of economic stagnation which has followed to the current day.

[@DengueBurger]

@@user-kc1tf7zm3b japan’s average gdp/income has still grown. Would rather have the average person be richer at half the population than overall have more wealth at twice the population.

[@arcticblue2]

Well, there was also a "reconstruction tax" imposed on everyone (still paying it too) and they've been raising sales tax as well which is now at 10%. I live in Okinawa and we sent a ton of aid when the tsunami happened and gave refuge to people who needed somewhere to stay, but these taxes hurt us a lot here...we have the lowest salaries in Japan and these taxes sting. I mean, I'm happy things are getting rebuilt, but there's been an absolute absurd amount of money put in to it and I feel like a lot of it has been been lost to corruption which does run rampant among all levels of Japanese government down to local levels.

[@chetanabalshankar3207]

Hi

[@ShikataGaNai100]

@@user-kc1tf7zm3b You spam post this on almost every comment, which leads me to believe you only and snark, not constructive criticism.

[@Coastal_Cruzer]

The man had a whole life. A wife and kid. And he gave it all up to help others. He died with complete honor. My utmost respect goes to him

[@manogimai]

he's been givin respect🙏

[@denisemcmillan1050]

The Japanese have so much integrity and faith. I told my daughter she should find a kind, hardworking Japanese husband! She laughs at me but I’m serious. She’s an elementary Spec. Ed. Teacher. The US is drastically changing, she’s better off finding a kind and honest hardworking husband with a good family.

[@XenoghostTV]

@@denisemcmillan1050 Understandable since the average American "man" currently has no values whatsoever, considers his many pornographic site subscriptions his most important asset, and has no intention to start a family in the future at all because obviously that would compromise his ability to spend unspeakable pecuniary amounts on customized "private" videos, and most importantly action figures (the ultimate source of fulfillment, duh). Sorry for this extremely crude comment.

[@lhallora1]

What a beautiful and respectful documentary. I always wondered what happened to all the people who lived in the devastated towns and villages? Certainly the Japanese spirit and sense of community is something to be admired and emulated.

[@The4Tifier]

Yes and no. While the Japanese community do have a greater sense of being part of a whole, and how one's actions affect the entire country, many will use this culture as an excuse to mistreat others below them or those that are obvious outliers of the "whole" (foreigners, special needs, mental illness, individualists, etc.). Not perfect by any means, but it definitely has its merits if you're able to fit in.

[@RR-by2iy]

@@The4Tifier Still better than the rest of the world especially the West.

[@peacenow42]

they seem to have more gratitude even if they lost everything. @@The4Tifier

[@goldman77700]

@@The4Tifier Well said. Learning about the experiences from a Japanese youtuber who grew up in the US and was mistreated when he returned to Japan as a student truly collaborated this more much realistic and measured description of the Japanese and one that rightfully doesn't fetishize them either.

[@jmd1743]

You don't see too many videos on post-disaster recovery, I appreciate this content.

[@mikewatt8706]

New Orleans Oh wait

[@jmd1743]

@@mikewatt8706 The problem with America is that it's TOO big. People would rather move away from their problems because it's either easier to do so they don't want to really dig deep & question what they stand for, don't want to take a personal loss, or like seeing other flourish while they don't. Look at CA. It has a problem of homelessness because the other states don't want to spend the money on solving the problems or the locals of those states don't want to solve them for ideology reasons. In the south-west you see that states would rather removing awnings from bus stops than to allow the homeless to find shelter from deadly heat. Boomers aren't ignorant over the fact that costs have gone up as in rent is no longer 600 a month but 1200 or 2400 a month. They just hate the fact that they're getting older, and they're jealous of younger adults for their youth. So when a boomer suggest that they stop drinking star bucks or avocado toast what they saying is what they won't sav to the face of young adults. After all they buy silver or gold & complain about inflation such as talking about how things use to be cheaper when they're younger. America is a toxic country, if I won the power-ball I would start the process to move to a country like the Netherlands or Switzerland.

[@peacenow42]

We are not a toxic country..have some respect there.@@jmd1743

[@porcupinepunch6893]

​@@jmd1743you don't need to win the Powerball to move to the Netherlands

[@mauwze]

I didn't plan on crying today, but here we are.. the resiliency of these individuals and I think Japanese people as a whole is always a sight to see. Great documentary! Thank you for making this.

[@gsuzuki6138]

Brought me to tears at the end. What a resilient people. Faith in Humanity.

[@stitch05h2]

I cried from the beginning to the end. What humanity can do when we work together. The pride and respect to their parents’ legacy!

[@s70driver2005]

Same. Cutting onions.

[@catnyc718]

I look at my city New York woe do we have it all wrong, I to did not plan on crying but there I was .

[@discmotoslots]

i'm so glad that Mr. Oikawa was able to re-create his fathers work & keep the family tradition going!

[@jaytee2913]

My husband served in the US Navy and we were stationed on Okinawa Japan when the tsunami struck the mainland. I will never forget it. By immersing myself into the Okinawan culture, I gained a new appreciation for life and nature and a deeper understanding about the importance of family, structure and order from the Okinawan people. I am so grateful that i got to experience their culture and witness the humility and kindness of the Okinawan people. It has transformed my life in many ways.

[@StateBall671]

wow

[@deanledford5661]

It makes me humble and happy . It makes me feel good knowing you're carrying on your fathers and mothers legacy. You have honored them beyond comprehension. And mom to witness it seeing you take over.. To see you rebuild and putting your families future above and beyond . . .

[@bosscutamora4637]

a

[@toxictrash2045]

@@bosscutamora4637 rrtrrtrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrtttttttrrrrtttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttggtgtggtggrtgtgtgtggtgggtgggggtggggggggtggtgtrfr

[@JP-kb4yi]

This is how humans are supposed to treat each other. The rest of the world could learn allot from Japan!!! The strength and conviction is unmatched. I’ve only been to Tokyo once and I loved it but I’m definitely going back. When I go back I’m specifically going to vacation in areas impacted by the tsunami.

[@debbief2274]

Well said JP 👍😊

[@emmaathome2902]

The rest of the world help each other too in emergency situations, you think people just mill around doing nothing? Many Japanese were left to try and pick up the pieces of their towns and lives whilst their government pondered where money went. Many Japanese committed suicide, many died with no care or medicines. Many didn’t want their lives dictated to by the government, they didn’t want that way of life again where neighbours rarely spoke to each other. There’s videos on that on here if people look.

[@JP-kb4yi]

@@emmaathome2902 The Japanese government did an excellent job given the magnitude of this disaster and especially compared to the United States government. The closest “comparable disaster” here in the USA was hurricane Katrina and Harvey. During those 2 disasters people were looting, robbing, and killing each other! Many not cared about themselves and how they could benefit off the misery of others. I was a volunteer with the red cross for Harvey. There were many people grateful for the help BUT there were also many trying to take advantage of a tragic situation. I wanted to go volunteer in Japan in 2011 however in 2011 both Tuscaloosa AL and Joplin MO were devastated by tornados so I went to those locations to help clean up. Japanese have a completely different cultural mindset. They value all life and put others before themselves. I’ve only been there 1 time to Tokyo. I was amazed at how polite the people are and how clean and safe the city was. Again the rest of the world should be taking notes from Japan.

[@ihavefallenandicantreachmy2113]

Judging, by your comment.........you, now, reside, in "Sake Dick", on the Mainveinland., which is right next near to South Gonorrhea and only a Stoned Crotch Crabs throw, from Tokyo.

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

@@JP-kb4yi Having lived there for 5 years, I think you have a somewhat rosy view of life in Japan and the general Japanese attitudes towards anyone different from them. Maybe spend a few years there and then give us your thoughts? Would be interesting to see if you still feel the same.

[@lynngehringer1073]

I felt so very sad for the wife of Nobuo (the father) she was extremely regretful and sad looking at the picture her husband had in his wallet of her in younger days ...,she admitted "they argued all the time" She had regret to live with. I'm thrilled to see the progress of these beautiful people who are working hard together. It is such a great comeback story! thank you for your diligence and hard work throughout the years putting this project together!

[@denisemcmillan1050]

Marriage isn’t easy, they had a business, it’s not for the weak! I love how his son carried on. I was never taught to cook. I learned by watching my mother and grandmother then doing it on my own. I make all the Hispanic foods. I’m shopping for a wok to learn how to make Chinese food. I want to take a trip to Japan to visit and eat at the Chinese restaurants there, they are incredible! I love how Japan and it’s people are so clean, I’m a germaphobe, it looks heavenly to me. We have Toto Bidets in both of our bathrooms! LOL!

[@mr-x7689]

@@denisemcmillan1050 Why would you go to japan to learn how to make chinese food? You wanna learn how to make chinese food, go to china. You wanna learn how to make japanease food go to japan. It's like saying "i want to learn how to build a house" and then go to a car mecanic.

[@nigelhorsley7395]

What an amazing documentary. What those people have had to cope with during and after the disaster in 2011 right up to today. Great to see that they carried on and rebuilt their lives as well as the buildings.

[@easternsaxon7820]

I’ve watched countless hours of the tsunami footage, and to think how devastated they must have been watching their homes being destroyed in a matter of minutes.I always wondered what those cities and towns looked like today, so thanks for posting the video. Hopefully they live in peace forever.

[@ChaiLatte13]

You can see with google street view. Compare the 2013 images to the new ones.

[@razza-griz7395]

I don't know if the cameraman was the same person from the start till the end, but this guy also had my respect for documented this sad, heartbreaking, joyous and amazing journey. These 50 minutes of video was spent meaningfully. Thank you.

[@pikethree]

Awesome story, thank you for telling us this. A few tears fell watching this man and his fellow businessmen rebuild their lives.

[@markkeohane9850]

Moving. Incredible. Ambitious. And the very best of humanity and a very well put-together documentary. Now I just want to jump on a plane and go have some noodles at Yabuya.

[@user-yd5kz5un6s]

Самый лучший комментарий для меня!!! Я с вами в самолёт прыгаю и лечу🖐

[@dosanko-R]

お蕎麦屋さん、あの大災害から１０年、今度はコロナ禍。 大変な中、 お元気で頑張っている姿を見て泣けました；；

[@sdjahof1964]

Heart warming story. To have suffered so much Picking up and going forward is hard The seeds have sprouted and it’s getting lush again Never give up, life doesn’t

[@PatrickGoddard]

What a wonderful, tearjerker of a documentary. Having lived through the '89 Loma Prieta quake in California, and witnessing the slow, frustrating process of rebuilding, much of the struggles portrayed here were all too familiar. But the spirit of resilience, and persistence of human spirit from this town are inspiring and impressive. I hope I can visit someday and pay my respects to this wonderful place. Thank you for this wonderful film.

[@Wutzmename]

I lived in San Francisco during that quake and then moved to Ridgecrest California for another. Such is life living in California.

[@bcb2396]

I am so moved by these stories Incredible strength in the people. To the young man that’s rebuilding your father’s business, I think that is beautiful. Your father would be very proud and happy. Don’t be so hard on yourself. I bet your business is doing great by now. Thank you for your story.

[@ruthm3813]

Such a heart warming film following one town and focussing mainly on one family business in the 10 years after devastating Japanese Tsunami of 2011. I remember watching films at the time, and since, and it has been great to see what happened, even in just one town in the 10 years following . I was brought to tears a few times during this video. These wonderful people went through so much, lost so much, but worked together for theirs and their children's future. So well made and presented it was inspiring, though sad, too. I hope now, they are beginning to enjoy their lives in safety and with their families and friends.

[@gilzor9376]

Very well put together. Maintaining and putting together 10 years of video, on top of a great storyline of the personal side must have been quite a task. As the work of the collection of videos progressed with the story of the people, I was impressed with amount of before and after images and video. Then, it seem ironic to see at 49:03 the cameraman in the reflection of the car window, as if to give self credit to the camera . . . . . . Excellent job.

[@JaySilva88]

Almost cried when the dude made his father recipe and people said it tasted the same (even a child, they don't lie).

[@geog26]

shed a tear myself tbh, still though, children lie ,thats a fact ;) ,but im not saying thats the case here ofc.

[@Deliveredfromevil]

I did cry.

[@edmundandrada]

I've watched it till the end. Great documentary! I lovd the fix point cameras showing the development of the area. Its amazing to see the town prosper and the people try to rebuild the entire area in ten years time. Hoping to visit the place when this pandemic is finally controlled. Tourism would help boost the town's economy. Will definetly try the soba.

[@model-man7802]

It tore my heart out to see this happen to these people.Ive been to Japan several times and I never get tired of it.

[@pikeebo]

Tears dripped through the whole documentary. FIrstly for the devastation and lost. Secondly for the resilience and the decade to rebuild a place they can call home again. A big salute to the young man and his people !

[@idamasri]

I had a good cry after watching this, and to think of how many God’s gifts that I had taken so much for granted :’( congratulations to the soba owner and I wished him and his beautiful family a long life and a happy and healthy life and I salute him for standing strong all this time :)! All the love from Malaysia :)!

[@Deliveredfromevil]

Yes, I cried during & I'm still crying.

[@RonLarhz]

What a sadistic/racist god you have. Gave you good stuff but gave suffering to non malaysians. Lol.

[@RamonSanchez-dj1bo]

I couldn't imagine creating this documentary in a span of ten long years. Meticulously spanning the struggles of the characters and the rebuilding of that town. Kudos to you. A heartwarming true to life events... Salamat po...

[@TAZ0300]

I wish everybody the best of luck in Japan America cares and loves Japan 🇺🇸 🤝🇯🇵

[@zubeidakaker1228]

I loved this such beautiful people that rebuilt their town again bringing happiness back to all I love each and everyone of them and bless them with love and happiness so moving brought tears to my eyes. Xxxxxxxx

[@Joaocruz30]

Being from Portugal also a seismic activity country I have to express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and my respect and sympathy for all of you that got through this GREAT tragedy! I'm sorry for your loss of loved ones. Greetings from Portugal By the way your town is beautifully designed and constructed! Congratulations and I wish happiness and all the best for everyone!

[@stellalegolasnevolous4666]

Esperemos que não aconteça nada em Portugal tão cedo!

[@raymondcarr5464]

After watching so many depressing videos about the Tsunami of 2011, this one restored my hope and strengthened my appreciation for the resiliency of the Japanese people. Thank you.

[@lool4117]

This story really touches my heart and gives me perspective on life. I respect the village people.

[@lovewillwinnn]

YYYYYYYYMCA

[@JP-xd6fm]

In the navy

[@PUBHEAD1]

Amazing resiliency. The scene where the desolation was replaced by sunflowers and children playing was very emotional. Thank you for posting.

[@infledermaus]

Wow. Fantastic video! Congratulations to Rikuzentakata City on a very, very difficult job well done. Congratulations to Yuichi. I'm so happy to see that you stuck it out and chose to stay and congrats on discovering your father's recipe! Your parents, grandparents and great grandparents rebuilt from zero after World War II. You are their sons and daughters, grandsons and grand daughters. You are strong. You will succeed! What happened to Japan in 2011 was horrible, incredibly tragic. From the ashes, though, a Phoenix has risen. Please keep in mind that new generations are born everyday and they will need homes. Build those homes for them. Offer them good living and they will help repopulate your lovely new town. I wish all of you the best that life has to offer. You all deserve it. Bless you all. P.S. Your mother is adorable! "Well ... My taste buds may not be as sensitive as they used to be." Incredibly polite as well! 😊😊😊

[@juttaweise]

what a lovely comment to which I adhere completely. To see this video with the life of real persons like Yuichi makes this a wonderful testemony of human courage and resiliance! Wish all of those people all the best, especially to Yuichi and long life for his mother!!!

[@jonawesolowski-thecommunit9968]

This entire program was truly amazing. I have watched soo many of the tsunami videos of March 11, 2011and shuddered each time witnessing the horrific loss n destruction. However, this is the first program I've seen of a town being rebuilt. It warmed my heart to see the tenacity of the town to hang in together and rebuild. I pray you never go through anything like this ever again

[@notwhereyouthink]

What a superb documentary. Full of sadness, yet full of hope.

[@edwardlees2992]

A truly fascinating documentary, the perseverance of these people is is amazing, to have achieved what they have done in ten years is incredible. I hope each and everyone of them has a happy and prosperous life.

[@MrBruinman86]

These before and afters really put it into perspective and help outsiders like myself understand the how far they truly have come in 10 years.

[@d.g.rohrig4063]

Honestly that was beautiful, thank you.

[@marcelogaea1064]

Lived in Japan for 18 years. I am saddened by what had happened and yet, unsurprisingly, inspired by their perseverance. Culture ftw.

[@juliandra6148]

I'm looking at the all people on this video, their spirit move forward together, and reunite to built what their love one dreams. I believe that their ancestor and their families spirit that lost on the sea, give unlimited energy of live, love and properity. God bless you, your country, and your love one as always 🙏 From Indonesian 🇮🇩

[@zombie7857]

Amazing. Uplifting. Humbling. The strength of the human spirit.

[@denheernucknack1953]

A breath of fresh air,how these people carry on,support eachother..we should all be like that,we would have a better world,i guess

[@bhbest]

Amazing stories regarding the 2011 disaster. I have a new found respect and knowledge now for and of the Japanese people, their culture etc... What they have been through is the true definition of resilience!

[@adrianellis6902]

What a wonderful presentation, what unbelievable strength from the Japanese.

[@orogenicman]

Part of the experience of living on an active planet such as our Earth is to witness and experience natural disasters. 10 years after the devastating earthquake and tsunami that destroyed so many lives in Japan, to see the grace, the humility, and the determination of the Japanese people to rebuild their shattered lives is both an inspiration that there is nothing we can't do if we have the will to do it, and a sobering reminder to cherish today those you love, for they may not be with us tomorrow. It is a lesson for us all:

[@elenacipollone3799]

33:07 It's so nice, a dad in troubles is not afraid of showing concerns, and asking his little daughter about this crucial decision for family life and, eventually, her life, too: imho that's really a sign of hope for the future, that old generations understand and rely on youngsters, even so young and female. It's so different from Japan of my generation ♥️

[@word42069]

I cried at various parts of this documentary. It was very touching and also inspiring. I hope to visit one day when I am in Japan and have some of those soba noodles. Sending my love from NYC.

[@elaineteut9579]

Watching this that day was the most heart wrenching thing I ever saw. I sat and cried for those poor souls. My daughter and family lived just outside Tokyo for two years. We were fortunate to go visit for two weeks. The country is so beautiful and the people were kind. Our kids left the August before this happened. Just so sad.

[@brendaryan306]

I am in awe of the Japanese people and how they work together. How much they care about one another...without fail. Such a hard journey, but together they support one another. Such love.

[@garykemple8676]

Good noodles, good job! I liked the video very much, It made me smile. Thank you.

[@mikedelacruz9531]

I have never been so touched by people and their story of life. as I have by this film. at times my tearS fell for the people who were lost. then to watch the people working together to build their future and that of their children, I can understand at time , how some wanted to give up.. but deep inside them , there was and still is that looking forward to build a better life for everyone. I would hope one day if ever I can to visit there, To eat with the people there. walk their streets. and talk to them too. at 70 even I too still have dreams.. thank you so much to everyone in this film for sharing with us all, your story's of your life. and thank you for showing us all ,, That in lose there is hope, and in hope there is a dream, and just sometimes our dreams can come true, many many thanks, from mike in Scotland UK

[@marg233]

Amazing heartfelt story of perseverance and determination, you never gave up 🙏🏻

[@missdeboer6366]

What an incredible story! I cried when he heard his noodles tasted like his Dad’s. We’ve been rooting for you all in the United States. Sending love and hoping for your healing.

[@dwightgaston6079]

Beautiful. Patient and full of respect. How life can go on after such an unbearable experience is the miracle of our human condition.

[@pedz23]

10 years on making this video.. it's amazing

[@golfhax]

i can't believe he could repeat his father's recipe after having little skill or memory on how to do so. what a great accomplishment i'm very happy for him and his family.

[@peggyking9543]

Amazing story. The elder Mrs. Oikawa was truly a rock and a source of inspiration to her son to keep going for the living, while also honoring his father. Her words to help him improve his skills were gentle and indirect, and soon he understood how much he needed to learn and it wouldn't be fast - from part time delivery boy to chef and business owner. Hundreds of those stories are what rebuilt the town.

[@felixcat9318]

Given the truly horrific magnitude of the violence unleashed on this community on that day in 2011, I find it remarkable that the loss of life was not considerably greater! This was a genuinely beautiful video of historical significance, capturing those moments that formed the means for the community to be reborn on higher ground in order that the town lives on and thrives. These business people were very noble and they are very clearly dedicated to serving their community. That they formed a company to help the bereaved son continue the tradition of their family noodle shop was very special and a measure of their respect and commitment. Thank you for covering the rebirth of this wonderful community that was literally wiped off the face of the earth in 2011. Edited to add that the voice heard at the beginning of the video is believed to be that of the Father of the Son that restarted the noodle restaurant in the video.

[@xisotopex]

Japanese seem to be a very reasonable, stoic, and civilized people.... if this or something similar happened in my country, we would be at each others throats....

[@codemonkey2k5]

Glad I found this. It's too easy, as an outsider, to forget about the lives affected by events. This was a good reminder of what was, who was affected, and what it took to get to where they are now. And to those involved in this documentary, you get my highest praises. This project spanning over 10 years, was brilliantly executed. Thank you!

[@sasayayaya1014]

I’m so touched this documentary. I was the one who raised in the prefecture “Iwate”but my home town is more inland from Rikuzentakata. I still remember that I was hearing the terrible news that the big tsunami is coming and attacking cities by radio since it was black out all cities in the prefecture at least a week at the time and what’s more it was winter season. I used to go Rikuzentakata with my family in summer when I was kid but I’ve never been there since the thing happened. I live in Australia now but my family and friends are living in Iwate. This video reminds me how beautiful prefecture is and how thoughtful people living there are. Also I’m so proud of the people who live cities along the coastline of Iwate. Thank you for making this documentary.

[@eastsider7301]

I'm so filled with emotion after having watched this.... The resilience and will of the people here is just awe inspiring and testament to what is possible in a world where people work together for the better of all. And to the shop owner who took over from his dad, I wish you every success and happiness in the world. I'm sure your dad is oh so proud of you, I think you are absolutely amazing! With much love and respect from NZ xx

[@rchristie5401]

A testament to the Japanese culture. Based on family and tradition. Their steadfastness and resolve is legendary.

[@CynthiaW-jr7bc]

From the USA - I was awake when the Tusami hit Japan and throughout all the reporting I never went to bed that night. It was tramatic and riviting to watch as everything unfolded - one destructive event after another - with a great sense of utter and complete helplessness being clear across the ocean. Over the years since then I've viewed every video numerous times and still do to this day. So watching this video of rebuilding, seeing the heartbreaks and disappointments 'overcome' I felt the range of emotions and tears along with those taking on this momentous work to rebuild...and it's success. Japanese are a unique people I will always hold in high regard. May they continue to teach the world leaders how to find a way to overcome and the determination required to surpass catastrophic events as they did this.

[@dogpound7162]

Exquisite in it's sadness and happiness, don't think I've ever seen such true empathy in any other countries communities, It was a gentle documentary, respectfully put together and totally absorbing, thankyou and best wishes to those wonderful people of Rikuzentakata.

[@chantall7060]

Wonderful documentary.Thank u

[@ayronsmama05]

Here I sit the 6th day of November 2021 all in my feelings missing my much loved brother who was murdered 28 years ago today. I still miss him and I try not to go there and it has gotten better. This video came recommended and I see the ways of our Lord guiding to show me that there are worse situations. I know that things are not and will never be the same for my brothers and sisters in Japan but I will now delve into the rebuilding, somewhat of a beautiful country that was truly ravaged. Gods Blessings to all! AMAZING!!

[@TheRealLink]

What a beautiful documentary! So touching and dedicated to rebuilding.

[@TP-cx4ep]

WOW JUST WOW Thank you for showing us how people should be treated in a crisis thank you

[@jeromehansen3969]

Thanks for this beautiful story.

[@Danielevanssmith]

A wonderful documentary! Yuichi's story was very powerful, touching, and inspirational!

[@ahiotm]

絶望から生まれた実に素晴らしい物語。 人々の「愛」というものを改めて感じました。 沢山の困難を乗り越えたこれまでの経験や、人々やお父さんの思いが練り込まれた唯一無二のお蕎麦、いつか私も食べに行きたいな...

[@rjsenabore]

This documentary came across list of related videos I have watched. This is so far one of the saddest documentary I have watched. This is a realization of how we should not lose grip of our hopes and aspiration. Salute to the Soba maker. I almost cried at the part where you have reopened your dad's shop and old customers said almos nothing has changed. That was so touching. I saw your hardwork there. Salute!

[@TheMushroom246]

I love the Japanese they are so clean great culture like we welsh used to be but we are not the same anymore to many English have moved here and our culture has changed not like the Japanese ive never been to Japan nor will i ever get there but if i was to be in a position to help Yuichini i would with a blink of an eye some one that like myself did not know much about work or how it runs no the experience or help from his dad he stood tall gave everything and got there just like his dad .. people are very proud of you Yuchini Oikawa and all the other people that rebuilt this great town ....

[@Dogsrule777]

Man- They are so strong and resilient and these people inspire me to persevere no matter what. ✊🏽☮️

[@tirasraduan8030]

Beautifully documented and very interesting documentary about rebuilding a better place to live, a city that can be called home by the residents. Kudos to the team- script writer, director, cameramen etc. Thank you for the English narration. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@tommywijaya3462]

I was there several times for volunteering works on 2015, and one thing for sure I'm glad the town looks lively!

[@patrickflanagan8008]

So very touching, a sad but ultimately beautiful story. Good luck to all.

[@jinxedproductionsuk1250]

It's 10:36pm in Staffordshire England, and I'm completely in a mess with emotion, this has really touched my heart. 神のお恵みがありますように

[@p0lo9]

Thank you for posting this on KZbin. What a wonderful gift. My wish for this town and family is continued good wishes for a wonderful future. This is a very good example of human resiliency in moving forward after such a terrible tragedy. - Robert Leon, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

[@conniepayne591]

Thank you for telling your sad and heartbreaking story. I'm glad you were able to keep your father's dream going. It gives you a hope. And I'm glad to see you with your wife and kids. I hope all of you in Japan can keep safe from these horrible tsunamis.

[@MZ-bl6wg]

As an American my family sponsored Japanese exchange students every year for years and they were such a great part of our family that i remember and think of often. They are an amazing people and I hope to do the same soon now thst I have daughters as a father. My brother was there when this happened and we feared for all of the amazing people!

[@laurelbrennan6295]

Beautiful documentary! Thank you for telling the after story. For years now, I have been wondering what has been happening with recuperating from this disaster. I'm so pleased to see the results from citizens support for each other. God bless them all.

[@danrok2]

This felt more than just documentary. I was moved... no words can describe that

[@catclark9488]

That would have to be the most important video I've watched for a long time. So much respect for these people.

[@googlesuckz2325]

As horrible at disasters are, for the loved we lost - It's amazing how much closer it brings the community together afterwards.

[@PaliAha]

I'm so proud of this town & the fellow business people of soba shop owner Yuichi Oikawa. Their willingness to help each other is remarkable.

[@jenniferbutcher8393]

This was one heck of an awesome documentary. I can't stop crying....thank you.

[@barrysheridan9186]

Thanks for posting, glad to see this recovery of the human spirit in action.

[@Justyburger]

That was really interesting. I've heard of the term "moving mountains", but the Japanese take it literally. I went to Japan for the first time, about 5 years ago and we took the train directly from Tokyo to Hakodate, so missed out this area. If I visit again, I'd like to get some Soba from the new shop and see how the town has changed again. I really enjoyed my two weeks in Japan. Such a fascinating place.

[@whitefam2000]

So nice to see the progress made over the past 10+ years. I was happy to see that the sense of community stayed with the townspeople, and that they reached out to help each other up. Well done documentary.

[@leighburton1658]

This is a very touching documentary. I have such respect for how this man rebuilt his life and business over all those years when many would've crumbled.

[@IIDeCkArDII1]

...Tears have rolled down my cheeks while watching this film tears of sadness and ultimately tears of joy. These people watched as their lives were washed away by a force of nature that as a Scotsman I could not imagine but through adversity and the coming together of friends and businesses have set out a future for themselves and their children. R.I.P. those who perished on March 11th, 2011.

[@ahmadfikree2993]

My utmost respect to the Japanese people who hv been affected by the 2011 Tsunami. I was only 11 when it happened, some of the memories remain fresh in my mind. But the resilient of the survivors just giving me a second thought in life, never giving up and always searching for our own purposes in life. Love from Malaysia.

[@johnfoote1168]

Thank you, heart breaking and inspiring from the Japanese people, may the Gods be your strength

[@ArielTV4457]

So very teary thus story is. How the Japanese rebuilding up each other is beyond my thought. Kudos to the people and places who never run out of hope to rise and shine after totally devastated. They've go back into life again! Im so happy and proud of you! You made it! - a Filipino from Maryland

[@iamthat787]

I admire the strength and resilience!