IDDRR
Soka Gakkai International – Japan
Soka Gakkai youth have been deeply committed to disaster risk reduction and reconstruction efforts since 2011’s Great East Earthquake in Japan.
ORGANISATION
Soka Gakkai International
LOCATION
Tokyo, Japan
Since 2014, Soka Gakkai youth music groups have volunteered to hold Bonds of Hope concerts. Their aim is to contribute to the ‘recovery of the heart’ for those affected by the disaster and to encourage participation in DRR efforts within local communities.
The concerts have been held 190 times across the Tohoku region and other disaster-affected areas with a total of over 76,000 attendees.
Children planting sunflower seeds. Photo: Soka Gakkai International
They have promoted the spreading of the ‘Indomitable Sunflowers,’ which bloomed in areas devastated by the tsunami and stood resilient in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Since 2011, these sunflowers have passed their genes to the next generation, and this summer marks the blooming of the 14th generation. Children and youth learn about disaster prevention through planting and nurturing these sunflower seeds. Finally, Soka Gakkai youth also have conducted awareness surveys to promote DRR and have passed on earthquake disaster testimonies to share valuable lessons with others.
From awareness to action, young people lead the way in pushing for climate and disaster resilience. This story and photograph is a part of our celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024. Members from across our network have shared their stories of youth-led or focussed resilience work. It demonstrates that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers today, driving forward local actions that build resilience to disasters and reduce risk.
All photos: Soka Gakkai International