MIYAGI-JONET: Dragon

What is Miyagi-Jonet?

MIYAGI JO-NET (Miyagi Women’s Support Network) is a non-profit organisation supporting women in the Tohoku area that was devastated by the earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011. We aim to connect the women in the affected areas with women and supporters from around Japan and the world. To this end, we are cooperating with various other women’s and relief organisations. Our many projects are designed to help women individually in reconstructing their lives and livelihoods. We thereby hope to brighten their everyday a little bit. We also collect relief/support goods and other donations to distribute them among the women and families affected by the disaster. Through regular meetings, our ‘salons,’ and consultations, we gain insight into women’s needs and concerns, and propose adequate measures to local and regional administrations.
Many of Miyagi Jonet’s members are women affected themselves by the disaster.

日本語　JAPANESE

10 Dec 2011

Dragon

--> Amongst those dwelling in the temporary accommodation are those who need a walking stick or cane for support and those who need to sit on a chair to remove their shoes. We sent a taxi to pick up one resident who could not have made it to our salon on her own.

This time we made New Year's greetings card for the 'Year of the Dragon' (2012).

Some of the participants' creations

-->

‘One day father came home with a thin long present. I wondered whether it was sweet bean jelly… but it was fabric.’ Preparation for the ‘seijinshiki’ (‘coming of age’ day for young adults turning 20) started from thereon with the buying of ‘tabi’ socks, a kimono belt … everything was bought bit by bit.

Since March 11, I have been keeping all my prized possessions in a bag which I take everywhere. The first thing I bought with the relief money I received, was a (blue) brocade clutch bag for the tea ceremony. I showed everyone the contents of the bag.