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16
Jul 2025

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Tragedy, Recovery and the Work We Do

In early April 2025, I traveled with Dr. Liubov Koloshynska — a rehabilitation specialist from the Ukrainian UNBROKEN project — to Hiroshima for a two-day training. She was there to learn how to use RE-Gait, a Japanese robotic walking-assist device, which Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) had donated to a rehabilitation center in Lviv. The schedule was packed with demonstrations, hands-on sessions, and hospital visits. Everything was focused on learning — how to fit the device, how to select patient modes, how to monitor and adjust the rehabilitation process. It was deeply practical, technical work. But during this short visit, we were also invited to take part in something far […]

07
Jul 2025

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Tanabata Star Festival Brings Community Together in Machino

Residents of Machino, a town still recovering from the Noto Peninsula earthquake, gathered along the banks of the Machino River on Friday evening for the third annual “Waterside Toast.” This nationwide event sees communities across Japan toasting by the water at 7:07 p.m., and Machino, affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, embraced the occasion to foster community spirit. On the day of the event, the community Space, Machino no Ma, operated by PBV, extended its open hours until 9 p.m. to welcome locals. The atmosphere was filled with the calming sounds of the river, the gentle breeze, and the lively chatter of residents. Local restaurant Tominari added to the festive […]

25
Jun 2025

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Bringing Hope to Disaster-Hit Community in Wajima

Machino-no-ma, a community space run by PBV, has welcomed over 700 visitors since opening its doors on 13 May. Initially serving primarily residents of nearby temporary housing, the hub has seen a steady increase in visitors from the wider community, with daily footfall now approaching 50. The space offers a welcome respite for residents still grappling with the aftermath of the disaster. On 31 May, the atmosphere was further enlivened by a visit from Rakugo storyteller, Tsukitei Hoki, whose performance brought smiles to the faces of those gathered. “I love spending time here in the breeze,” commented one resident, while another simply enjoyed “a cup of coffee.” These simple pleasures […]

06
Jun 2025

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PBV Representative Joins Global Effort to Reduce Risk

PBV member attends the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva, Switzerland United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), together with the government of Switzerland, is now hosting the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025). This international conference brings together stakeholders working around the globe to discuss important topics related to disasters, challenges, good practices, innovative ideas, and more.  The Global Platform is the global forum where participants take stock of progress, share new knowledge, exchange best practices, and discuss the latest developments and trends in reducing disaster risk. The UN General Assembly recognizes the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) as a critical […]

03
Jun 2025

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Delivery Trucks Given New Life as Disaster Relief Kitchen Vehicles

On May 16, five delivery trucks were donated to Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) by PALLINE, a logistics company within the Pal System Group. The trucks, which have completed their service with Pal System, will be refurbished and converted into mobile food banks under PBV’s “FOOBOUR” project. FOOBOUR operates as an unmanned mobile food bank during normal times, providing food support to single-parent households and other vulnerable groups. During natural disasters, these vehicles transform into mobile kitchens, delivering meals, food supplies, and daily necessities to affected areas. The project is already operational in the Noto Peninsula, where a devastating earthquake struck earlier this year. PBV aims to deploy 100 FOOBOUR […]

29
May 2025

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RE-Gait Rehabilitation Begins in Lviv

This spring, a new chapter in Ukraine’s medical recovery began as the UNBROKEN Rehabilitation Center in Lviv launched its first RE-Gait-supported rehabilitation sessions. The robotic walking assist devices, developed in Japan and delivered through the collaboration between Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) and UNBROKEN, are already making a real difference in the lives of war-affected patients. Over the past weeks, six patients began rehabilitation using RE-Gait. Four of them have already completed their course. Most are recovering from traumatic brain injuries, often accompanied by partial paralysis that makes walking difficult or impossible. One of the first patients, Vitalii, suffered a brain injury during the war that left him with left-sided […]

07
May 2025

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Everyday Life Under Air Raids: How Life in Ukraine Has Changed Over the Years of War

Every trip back home to Ukraine is a reminder of how much people’s lives have changed over the past three years. War has become part of everyday reality, transforming not only cities but the very rhythm of life. The first thing that catches the eye is the damaged buildings. Traces of explosions, broken windows boarded up with plywood, and shattered storefronts are no longer exceptions — they have become part of the landscape. Many people have not returned to their apartments — some cannot afford to restore their homes, while others no longer feel safe living there. At the same time, some buildings have been repaired. For example, the Nikolskiy […]

01
May 2025

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PBV staff visits UNBROKEN in Lviv and delivers Re-gait devices

Following Dr. Koloshynska’s visit to Japan, two Re-Gait packages were delivered to the National Rehabilitation Center in Lviv. PBV staff, Sofiia travelled with the doctor and the shipments and made a visit to the UNBROKEN hospitals and met with the team in early April. Since the beginning of the full-scale attacks in Ukraine in February 2022, the city of Lviv has hosted 237,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from other regions of Ukraine (as of October 2024). To date, the city continues to serve as an important humanitarian hub and the First Medical Union, a group of medical institutions in the city, collaborate under the UNBROKEN project to provide medical services […]

01
May 2025

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Noto Earthquake: Shelter Closure Brings Mixed Emotions

Seventeen months have passed since the Noto Peninsula earthquake struck. On April 13th, the last evacuation center in Wajima City closed, marking the end of PBV’s on-site shelter management support. During our operations, we collaborated with numerous individuals and organizations, working alongside local residents to operate the evacuation centers. Sixteen months on from the earthquake and eight months after the heavy rains, many people remain displaced from their homes, having endured two major disasters. While those living in evacuation centers have gradually transitioned to temporary housing as units became available, the housing crisis is far from over. Many face ongoing challenges and uncertainties. Some are unsure about the extent of […]

23
Apr 2025

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Practical Training and Exchange with Doctors in Fukuyama City

The second training session was held on April 3rd at a hospital in Fukuyama City that specializes in patients with brain stroke. The hospital offers a wide range of rehabilitation services that patients need for full recovery and restart their independent daily lives. One brain stroke patient volunteered to cooperate with the project, and Dr. Koloshynska had the opportunity to analyze the patient’s condition and discuss it with the physical therapist at the hospital to select the most suitable rehabilitation mode for the patient. She also observed how RE-Gait is integrated into the rehabilitation program, as well as other facilities the hospital offers. The patient also shared his experience with […]

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