Fifteen Years Since the Great East Japan Earthquake — From “That Day” to “Today”: The Changing Landscape of Ishinomaki

Fifteen Years Since the Great East Japan Earthquake — From “That Day” to “Today”: The Changing Landscape of Ishinomaki

Fifteen years ago today, the Great East Japan Earthquake struck Japan.

We offer our deepest condolences to all those who lost their lives in the disaster, and extend our heartfelt sympathy to their families and loved ones.

On March 17, 2011, just days after the disaster struck, we team arrived in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. Rendered speechless by the devastation that lay before us, we were overwhelmed — yet, together with local residents, we began taking one step at a time, doing whatever we could in the moment.

“It takes people to support people”

As disaster relief volunteers rushed to the affected areas, the landscape of Ishinomaki gradually began to change. Volunteers working on the ground. Supporters contributing donations and supplies from afar. Companies and organizations channeling their goodwill into action. And, above all, the local residents who welcomed this outpouring of support and walked alongside us every step of the way. Behind it all was the power of people — individuals united by diverse motivations and a shared sense of purpose. The landscape of the disaster-affected region has continued to evolve from that day to this.

The photographs featured in this article were taken by Shoichi Suzuki, a photographer who first came to Ishinomaki as a disaster relief volunteer and has since put down roots in the city as a fisherman. His images capture the landscape of Ishinomaki — then and now.