Japan
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Photo: Chris Cabatbat/Mercy Corps
Our strategy
Restore jobs and services to coastal towns heavily damaged by the March 2011 tsunami.
The context
One of the largest earthquakes ever recorded triggered a tsunami that killed more than 15,000 people, spurred a nuclear crisis and caused an estimated $235 billion in damages — Japan’s worst disaster since World War II. Entire coastal communities were wiped out by the surging waters.
Our work
- Emergency response: Provided relief supplies to meet the basic needs of 42,000 people living in shelters and helped children heal from trauma after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami
- Economic opportunity: Delivering start-up grants, employment incentives and loan-interest subsidies to encourage new businesses and hiring in tsunami-affected towns
All stories about Japan
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Japan: The tsunami's lasting emotional toll March 24, 2011
It's been almost two weeks since people along coastal northeastern Japan saw the signs of coming tsunami waves and saved their lives by racing to safety. The water hit their cities and towns, taking away loved ones, their homes, their jobs.
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Japan: Learning to cope with the tremors in Japan March 23, 2011
I’m not used to being in a place where the ground shakes. I spent my youth and early career years in New Jersey and New York City — not exactly quake country.
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Japan: Report from the disaster zone March 21, 2011
About half the city completely ruined. A line visible from where the water surged, stopped and then withdrew. On one side of the line, everything destroyed. On the other side, everything normal.
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Japan: 8 P.M. in Portland, noon in Tokyo March 17, 2011
Before I call it a night, a quick update from our partner Peace Winds in Japan. I didn't get a hold of Tomoko until about 12:30 P.M. her time, which was 8:30 P.M. for me.
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Japan: Candlelight vigil and fundraiser for Japan: Friday, March 18 March 17, 2011
Dear members of the Portland community, Please join me at Candlelight Vigil and Fundraiser for Japan on Friday, March 18 from 6:00–8:00 P.M. at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
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Japan: Our friends in Japan March 16, 2011
Today I've been corresponding with Rieko, who has been a good friend of my mother's since I was a kid. We met Rieko when she and her family lived in Beaverton years ago, but now she and her family are back in Tokyo.
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Japan: On my way to Japan March 16, 2011
I'm on my way to Japan to support the emergency relief efforts of our partner, Peace Winds. But I wanted to take a moment to say thank you.
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Japan: Striding down a path of wreckage March 15, 2011
The lone Neena Sasaki, 5, striding down a path of complete wreckage, her pink bag full of remaining family belongings, her mouth turned down in sadness but her face set in striking resolve. She looks mightier than all the soldiers behind her.
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Japan: Bringing years of experience to Japan's disaster zone March 15, 2011
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Japan: Peace Winds distributes food, shelter materials to survivors in Kesennuma March 14, 2011
Three staff members from our partner, Peace Winds, distributed food and materials to earthquake survivors in Kesennuma City on Monday. Here are some of the items they delivered via helicopter from Tokyo: