Message and Feedback from Fukushima

These are feed back from Fukushima kid's parents and student after Cairns Refresh Camp.

They feel everyone's support from Cairns and Thank you very much for all your support.

We really appreciated.

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Message from Sumire Kuge’s mother, Yuko Kuge

I’ve never thought very shy Sumire ended up doing her presentation overseas. 
Her high school entrance exam was such a pressure on her but she got over it because of this program which made her proud and confident. 

Her host mother, Vanessa and the daughter India gave Sumire so much love over the few days beyond cultural differences. The primary email corespondents with them helped us to feel comfortable to let Sumire go. 
I was surprised that she enjoyed dancing, singing and cooking together “in English”...? but realised that her English level was not the main issue, was it?
It was overwhelming to see her enjoying the nature in cairns. 

She opened her heart to other 7 and became much closer with the all support by Maki, Mr Kodama and other supporters. I hope this connection lasts forever. 
It reminded me 7 years ago when we were all nervous and scared of radio actives and didn’t know what to believe. But now our children started thinking about power plant explosion, radio active and new energy resources. We adults definitely have something to learn from them. 
They were so happy that they learned Australian history and talked about Fukushima back then and now to people in cairns. I think they realized that they are the ones who are responsible for Japan’s future. 
What we have to do is sharing these things and not to repeat the same mistakes. 

It’s not that easy but they won’t look away from what they have to do, especially with your enthusiastic support and knowing you can change the future and environment with your strong will. 
Sorry for long message. 

I can’t thank enough! Please take care! Thank you.
(Translated by Emi)




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From Mio's mother

Thank you for taking care of Mio.

She started new term from 6th and my son entered new school also.
On the 3rd, 8 children came back with smile and sense of fulfilment and accomplishment which was so different from the nervousness at the time they left.


They became closer, so at the report meeting, they complimented each other and took photos in a photo booth on the amusement area afterwards. 
This is the proof of their growth in this project and I am so thankful.


Mio said she wants to understand English and be able to speak more. Also she realised that she needs to work harder to make her dreams come true.
I hope she utilises this experience and keeps studying English.
Playing rock hard on the beach, talking to people like Maki a lot, being nurtured, showing her dance with much courage, getting beautiful pastel art and certificate...etc., all her precious memories of her life! Thank you so much.♡

I'd like to thank this project which is supported by Maki, Yasuyo&Ema (host family), everyone in Cairns.
I've heard that Maki has 8 year old son. It must have been so tough to organise this project while taking care of him. Thank you so much for your great effort.


We will keep moving forward bit by bit, sharing this experience and delivering anything we can do.

We will report some more later! (Translated by Sanae)



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幸輝くんのお母様より

It was a very good opportunity to revise about nuclear power plant with kids by participating in Cairns project.

Koki was a Year2 student at the time of 2011, but had feeling a serious situation
I strongly remember that we talked about "Why was he born in Fukushima?"

So As parents, we didn't want to kids worry too much about,
For that reason, I have lived with consideration and caring.

Furthermore, myself was full with the sense of loss and sadness that "beautiful mountains and rivers in Fukushima are not safe forever"
It was difficult to talk with the child about the disaster.

I am thankful for this opportunity to seriously consider the disaster.


Also, We really appreciated many people support this projects and Thank you so much.

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From Koki's mum

Thank you very much.


Koki came home very refreshed and energised. I really appreciated your help, Koki had a fulfilled experience and much more fantastic activities than I expected.

Thank you as well for the up-to-date information through the photos, videos, essays and translations during their stay. I thought you were cutting down your sleeping time doing those uploads… thank you so much. I appreciate all the supports from everyone.


Not only for Koki, but also for us, Cairns is the special place now.
I heard of your continuous effort from Koki…thank you so much.
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Dear all supporters of Cairns Refresh Camp,


I am Koki Hisada’s mum. 
I was impressed that Koki and all other children came back home filled with sparkling energy from Cairns.

**Feedback for the project**


* What they do 

It was good for us that we could watch what they did every single moment through the posts with photos of Smile with Kids and Kodama-san. They must have been very busy posting everyday. Thank you very much Kodama-san, Maki-san and all other supporters. I thought they sacrificed their sleeping time. I was wishing them not to push themselves too much.
 About the program
Every experience they had made them think well or made them enjoy Cairns very much. I appreciated all those things.


Fukushima is rich in nature, however, it has been normal that we avoid the outside activities such as camps, swimming in the ocean or lakes and climbing mountains since the disaster in 2011. We had to think it was a normal life even though it was totally limited because we didn’t want to make the children too nervous. Through this program, Koki experienced the things he could not have done ever…such as enjoying ocean with no hesitation being invited to the Frankland Island and camping at the farm…
Watching the activities, we parents realised that we forced him live a limited life. The issue of the nuclear power plant won’t be solved, therefore the experiences he had this time was really precious.
The experience of listening and discussing directly the Windmill farm, Paronella Park, Eco Banana Farm and Japanese & Australian history session should become the base of thinking in the future for the kids.
I also appreciate all the invitations from the people during the stay including fantastic activities and special cares.


Koki told us the people in Cairns listened well to his story about Fukushima’s current situation, this is also motivated me to regret that I avoided to discuss about the nuclear accident after the earthquake being too sad.


* About the homestay
Surrounded by the great hostfamily members, Koki not only stayed without any concerns, but also enjoyed very much. We were also relieved like he was. I really appreciate that they tried many times if they could go through the road on the flooded day, that they gave some cold relief when he had a runny nose and all other helps have been done thinking for him.


It was also a good opportunity for Koki to experience an Australian family life and it was wonderful. Thank you Miki-san, Jeremy-san and Tatsumi-kun! I am looking forward to keeping in touch between two families from now.

I think this program was not only enjoyable and fulfilled experience but also a great chance for the kids to think about nature, history, international communications, disaster assists, food and life. On the day he came back to Japan, he said “I am thinking what I can do from now.” We, parents are willing to think as well…what we can do now. I sincerely appreciate all the experiences he had. Also I appreciate all the support of everyone from the bottom of my heart. I cannot express with the words though, thank you for all anyway.

Koki’s mum
Kazuko Hisada

I felt lots of passion from Koki after back from Cairns. He bring passion home from Cairns.I think this is not Koki, All other kids went to Cairns together also.

I really appreciated wonderful experience.

Thank you very much for everything.Also Thank you very much for all team.

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From Sachiko Nomura (Mizuki’s mum): 

Thank you for your supporting and caring for Mizuki. Participating in the camp has caused her to think that learning English is integral to her future. Moreover, she had an opportunity to learn about other aspects of war that she has not been taught at school. Furthermore, learning that she was able to participate thanks to so many people’s support has caused her to have attitude of gratitude. It has really been an opportunity for Mizuki to grow as a person. This is all thanks to Maki san, Kodama san and everyone. 

Thank you so much. After returning to Japan, Mizuki started listening to English radio, which I hope she continues. 
Wishing for your good health and ongoing work in this project. 
Mizuki’s mother, Sachiko

Translated by Akina Koh


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Message from Wakana Takeda's mother Yuri Takeda

Thank you so much for all the support which enabled the children from Fukushima to visit Australia.
Thank you for the care that was taken to look after them during their stay. Wakana told me of the incident where the first thing she said to Maki-san when they met was “I left my camera on the plane!” Just one of the many things that happened that I am sure caused inconvenience and concern. My apologies for the trouble caused. Thank you so much.


Since she has returned to Australia, she has told us that the thing that left the biggest impression on her is not only the amazing experiences she had, but how amazing all the people were that she met in Cairns.
For her, meeting such amazing adults through this Project has been an experience which has given her the motivation to become a better person. 


It is now 7 years since the disaster in Fukushima; there are many changes. In the video presented at the Japan Day of Hope event, there were many images of Fukushima as it is today, with Geiger counters and bags of contaminated soil. In Fukushima, the sight of these things have become so familiar, we don’t even notice them anymore, despite how unnatural they actually are. How on earth has it come to this? How do I feel about it? 

These are questions that Wakana asked herself as she considered her memories of the events 7 years ago, and as she grew to understand more of the issues surrounding the problem. Moreover, being away from home and surrounded by such amazing natural beauty, she considered how the things she had thought “normal” were not at all present, and realised that they were actually very “abnormal”.


When she returned to Japan, we were deeply impressed by the new maturity she displayed in her expression of gratitude for the experience. She talks about going from being someone who has received support, to wanting to be someone who gives the support.


She understands that she has received much support to bring her to where she is now. She is thinking about what shape the support that she gives should take. I would like Waka to think about all the different ways people have helped her, and to grow to be someone who works to support others in the future. Indeed, just like Maki-san, who she met in Cairns, please continue to shine as the brightest star for the children of Fukushima to aim for. Thank you so much. With so much gratitude.

Yuri Takeda

(Translated by Inge)



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From the mother of Nana Maruyama


Thank you for looking after my daughter! 
Here in Fukushima, we’ve been having warm sunny days and the cherry blossom came to its full bloom quickly. It was a warm summer-like day today with 27℃! The children came home, with a bit of tanned skin, with no sign of tiredness at all.

I was most grateful with the photos during the refreshment camp. They were posted on real-time so I felt like I was also in Cairns with the children. My parents also kept asking me like what is Nana doing now? Has she sent you any photos? They must have been worried about her too. I sincerely felt thankful for your effort on top of all the busy schedule and some unexpected troubles.
At the post-camp presentation, the 8 children looked as if they were different kids from the first day in which they were anxious and shy. They were actively setting up the venue, confidently waiting at the seats, answering to the questions by willingly raising their hands… I was just so amazed.


Their English speeches were confident and had been much improved, we could easily imagine the time they had in Cairns from how they answered the questions, and they were not just telling what they’ve learned but also adding their own opinions to their answers. I was really impressed. 


Also it was good that the last year’s participants came to this presentation as their questions meant a lot for them. Through them I was able to imagine my daughter being further grown up after one year and being able to care about the next year’s participants like them. I truly feel grateful about many people’s support for this project. Thank you so much!!

Tomoe Maruyama

(Translated by Yuka Nakamura)



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From Sumire Noda’s mother:


Thank you so much for the incredible care you have taken of my child.
Yesterday, I heard many stories from Sumire about her time in Cairns. My daughter is not usually chatty, but while she showed me the photos of the trip, she seemed to be so happy as she spoke. She kept going until well past midnight. (Won’t she ever tire?!)


It think that certainly, for Sumire, the time she spent in Cairns was truly the most wonderful.
Thank you for all the effort that went in to uploading every day’s photos and activities to Facebook. Due to this, our family could feel like we were close to Cairns, and we were not missing Sumire as we might have expected.
Moreover, I was able to witness my daughter mature, and it made me feel deeply emotional and very happy.
With the efforts of the people of Cairns, Sumire was able to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I am overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude which I cannot express in words.
I am sure there are many things that Sumire realised while in Cairns. I look forward to seeing how these grow over time. I hope that she is always honest and respectful, and challenges herself. 
Another thing, I think that she learnt in Cairns that she has lots of amazing friends to be with, that the world is a welcoming and friendly place, and that the future is something they can build together, themselves. 
Thank you for this most wonderful, amazing present.
It is Sumire’s greatest treasure.


Lastly, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Denise-san and her relatives who took care of Sumire (I heard that many came to visit Sumire during her stay). Thank you for taking her to the beach to play in the sand and collect sea shells together. Thank you for preparing delicious meals. Thank you so much for receiving Sumire with such warmth and kindness.


Please give my regards to Denise-san.
And finally, finally, thanks to Maki-san, the most wonderful travel memories have been made. Sumire really enjoyed her time playing with Tim. She told me he is really cute. Please give my regards to Tim too.


My message has become long, but I am so deeply grateful that Sumire has met you.
I look forward to the day to see you, myself.
Thank you.


Satomi Noda 

(Translated by Inge Arnold )



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This is a message from Mahiro Fukuda:


Hi this is Mahiro! I’ve just had the Entrance Ceremony and the Start-of-the-Year Ceremony. Our school band performed a mini concert. I was proud to play the drum with them! I am enjoying everyday! Many people ask me “How was Australia?” and I always answer “It was sooooo awesome!!” :)
It was truly an awesome time so I miss Australia even now when I recall the days I spent there. I am aware that I am responsible to tell as many people as possible about what I’ve learned in Australia so I will keep working towards it! Recently I feel that I have more opportunities to share my own opinion at school and think through various things. This is purely thanks to Maki-san and all the people I met in Australia. I am willing to keep brushing myself up!
And I have a question.
My Science teacher said that the tsukushi (young stalk of a plant called field horsetail) in the wild are edible. It should be edible for sure, but I wondered if it was safe to eat them since the nuclear disaster contaminated the land. I don’t particularly care too much about the food safety in Fukushima, but I thought it’s a bit extreme to eat the tsukushi in the wild. What do you think, Maki-san?
Please send my warm regards to everyone. 
Mahiro

(Translated by Yuka Nakamura)


Message from 
Mahiro's mother Sumiko Fukuda

She never become home sick during stay and she said that she wanted to stay in Australia longer.
I thought she could have a wonderful experience in Cairns and I am so glad about it.
This is because of lots of love and support from hostfamily and all staff.
We really appreciated.Thank you very much.
I wish her bright future with this great experience.
Thank you very much.



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Thank you very much for all your support.

This is movie at Frankland Islands.

Some kids have never swum in the ocean before and they really enjoy the day out at Frankland Islands.

https://www.facebook.com/smilewithkids/videos/1748785498542386/

Also Please listen their speech by English as well.

Thank you!

Refresh Camp Day9 Local radio visit, Talking session and final speech

Cairns Refreshment Camp Day 9

Today was yet another full day for the children!

In the morning, we had a great opportunity to take part in Cairns community radio Waku Waku Japanese Radio 89.1

For all of them, it was the very first time to speak about Fukushima on radio.
What a precious experience!

A great big thank you to Jun and Masayo.

The voices of children will be broadcast across three weeks in a row

on Monday nights from 7pm.

https://www.facebook.com/Waku-Waku-Japanese-Radio-On-Cairns-FM-891-1389070168068821/

After this, we went to Cairns City Library.
We listened to a presentation by Masa on history between Japan and Australia.

First, self introduction by Masa...

The purpose of learning history:

To pass on stories to next generations.

Each of us has an important role to play in learning from history
and passing it on down the generation.

The presentation on history by Masa...
The children, as well as people living in Cairns, listened very carefully.

It's important to understand history,
and then to think about how each of us can act 
to build a peaceful future. 

Thank you so much, Masa!

Photo with everyone who came to participate in the Session I: History talk by Masa.

For children's comments on this session, please have a look at their diaries at the bottom of the blog.

Some afternoon tea snacks...

They are sweets sold in OK Gift Shop where Masa works.

From 2.30pm, it was a talk session by the students from Fukushima.

They first gave their speeches about what is happening in Fukushima in English,
and then they talked about what they learnt and how they are feeling now in Japanese.

The interpreter was Akina, who came from Horsham, VIC.
She also joined our volunteer team last year with her family, and this year, she came here by herself.
(Thank you for letting her come, family members!)
She is studying about the local community activities after the disaster March 11
and this volunteer experience will hopefully contribute her study as well.
Not only the interpreting and translating, she also helped us with driving for kids.
We really appreciate her passion and kindness!!  Thank you Akina!!

Each one did so well giving their speeches!

There have been many opportunities to do speeches each day of the camp.

At first, they were quite reserved and hesitant, but soon that changed. 
They started to put their hands up to do express their opinions.
To see them grow more confident have been amazing.

We are so proud of them!
Below are some parts of their speeches.

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Nana Maruyama

"At first, I was not up for talking in front of people,
and I was hesitant to talk about Fukushima and the disaster in front of people,
but as I gained opportunities to talk about it to people in Cairns, I gradually became more confident.
Eventually, I started to share my stories with more people,
and I knew that I was every to grow as a person when I became aware of that change."

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Mio Sagawa

"After coming to Australia, my sense of value and my perspectives have changed.
Fukushima has not made its complete recovery yet. There are issues of decontaminated soil, for example.
I would like to head towards reconstruction and think about how we can be a part of that."

Mio had a dream to express herself through dancing.
On this day, after everyone's speeches. she danced for us.
It was amazing to see her kindness, energy and power expressed in her dancing.
It was totally amazing! Well done, Mio!

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Sumire Noda

In Cairns, I got to hear stories from various people and I was able to learn about
Fukushima and about relationships between Japan and Australia.
In Fukushima, after 7 years have passed since the disaster, the reality is that this has faded from many people's memories.
When I came to Australia and heard about issues related to uranium, I was really surprised to hear that
while many people have forgotten about the disaster in Japan,
there is are aboriginal people in Australia who have been grieving over the nuclear accident.
When I return to Japan, I hope to share this story.

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Mahiro Fukuda

Having come to Cairns, I decided to cherish the relationships I have with people.
I've encountered so many people, heard many things, digested all kinds of ways of looking at the world,
and I know that they all led to changing me for the better.
I'm very sad to think that tomorrow will be a day to say goodbye to Cairns and all of you.
However, eight of us here have been selected to come, so I want to own the things we learned here
and share that with people when we return to Japan. 

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Sumire Kuge

It was my first time go abroad. I had worries and I was nervous at first.
But thanks to my host family and everyone here who have helped out who have all been so kind,
I'm now so glad that I came to Cairns.
I'm quite reserved and I'm not naturally inclined to speak in front of people.
However, after coming to Cairns and getting inspirations from people,
I started to express my viewpoints more.
Fukushima had made good progress in terms of reconstruction. However, to achieve complete recovery

would be years down the line, in far future. 

That said, through this project, we learnt that if you don't give up, dreams do come true.

I want to share what I learnt in this project to people in Fukushima and Japan.

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Kohki Hisada

Until I came here, I used to think the problems associated with the nuclear power plant accident were problems of Fukushima.
Because the disaster occurred in Fukushima, I thought that the solutions were up to the people of Fukushima.
However, after coming here and talking to many people, I understood that many people are thinking about nuclear energy.
It made me think that it's important to address these problems together.
Thanks to all of you, I received courage.
Thank you so much..

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Wakana Takeda

Coming to Cairns, what I felt most strongly was sense of gratitude.
I really felt that I'm where I am now because of the help that I got from so many people,
from those who supported our activities every day,
from the people that place donation boxes in their stores,
to many people that help this program...
Having this awareness makes me not want to waste the time that I spent here.
Through these experiences, I hope that even after going back to Japan,
someone I'll be able to link it to building a better future for Fukushima.

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Mizuki Nomura

It was my first time to go overseas. In Cairns, I had an opportunity to enjoy the grand nature here.
I was able to experience what I could not do in Fukushi,a.
We were invited to visit so many places and have so many wonderful experiences, and for that, I'm so thankful.

Thank you so much.

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After everyone's speeches, Mr Kodama gave a talk about what is happening in Fukushima
and the role that this kind of refreshment camp plays in light of ongoing disaster recovery processes.

We then had Q & A time.

After many questions, everyone talked about their dreams.

This was followed by a music healing performance by Akiko and Maki.
Akiko played Crystal Bowl and Maki played an instrument called makoto.

Praying that everyone's dreams come true.

Photo with everyone who participated at the talk session!
We had guests (a mother and her Year 2 child) all the way from Japan
who timed their holidays in such a way that it'll overlap with this program.
How amazing is that!

Thank you, everyone!

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Today was meant to be an outdoor BBQ day.
However, it was looking rather gray and rainy.
Because many of the kids had looked forward to the BBQ, we waited until the very last minute to make the final decision.

We waited until the very last minute, and we changed the venue to indoors.

We decided to order sushi platters from Sushi Train (Smithfield and Cairns North stores).

Every year, Sushi Train kindly invites the children of Fukushima to their restaurant.

Also, Shun from Sushi Train has been really helpful doing sound and technical aspects at the Japan Day of Hope event.

http://www.sushitrain.com.au

Sessational sushi platters.

It was so delicious; it was so popular!

Delicious sushi, karaage chicken.... absolutely sensational!

This was a gift to children of Fukushima from Shun at the Smithfield's Sushi Train.

We were all amazed!

We were further spoiled by delicious salad vegetables from Taka's organic farm.

The table was full of food from everyone.

Ben from Hayabusa Japanese sweets shop in Kuranda also dropped by.

 Rare pic of this incredible duo:

Hula dance performance - well done, Nana! It was brilliant!

Performances by the ukulele club

After handing out the 'certificates', the children expressed their thanks to their host families. 
It was an emotional moment and there were some tears...!

All of us were moved by that...
Evidently, they had memorable times together!

Check out more photos from this day:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/smilewithkids/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1709683242452612

With their "certificates"!

With the host families:

All host families have been absolutely amazing in the way they've cared for kids during their time here.
All the children have been able to have wonderful time with them.
Host families really play a huge role in shaping each child's experience here in Cairns.
For their generosity, hospitality, care and love, we say THANK YOU!

To everyone who has supported us, who has journeyed with us, thank you so much!

Initially, we had planned on doing a BBQ, but due to rainy weather, we changed it to indoors.
A lot of work has gone into it.
Sanae who was at the outdoor venue to make sure we had a spot,
Masayo, Junko and Yoshiki who manned the reception table, and went shopping to get all the things,
Emi and Akina who helped out with interpreting and translations and preparing salad,
Akiko who delivered sushi platters,
everyone who came out and participated,
everyone who contributed is so many kinds of ways,
none of this could have happened without all your help,
and we just want to say a great big thank you!

Also, Pastel "Wa" (Peace / harmony) art items, which were sent
from various parts of Australia and Japan for Japan Day of Hope charity event and for people of Fukushima.

Some have been sold to cahrity fund raiser and some have been sent to Fukushima.

On this day, too, these pastel art pieces have been given to the children as gifts.
Take a look at the photos of children with those art items, followed by their diaries for the day.

Nana Maruyama

What stood out for me:

I said thank you and goodbye to my host family and people who have been supporting us. It was really good to see Ryoko, Henry and Rufus at the very end.

Some reflections:

I was able to give a letter to Ryoko and Henry, which was good.

We took a photo together and I got their address, so it’ll be really great to keep in touch.

On the last day, during our morning walk with Rufus, Henry brought out an umbrella so that we could still take a walk. Because of that, I was able to play with the dog. I’m so full of gratitude towards Ryoko and Henry who were always so kind to me.

Sumire Noda

What stood out for me:

• I made miso soup to my host family!
  -> They were very happy about it and seemed to enjoy it. 
• My host family gave me a photo album of Cairns
  -> That made me very happy!

Some reflections:

Today was our final day in Cairns. Today was mostly taken up by travelling. In the morning, it was really fun to make miso soup with my host family. They said the taste of miso is delicious, which was great.

This time, I learnt many things in Cairns. I feel that the image I have of overseas changed quite a lot. Until now, it was a place that was far and irrelevant. However, after going overseas, even though I could not speak English perfectly, I realised that as long as you have the will to say something, people will understand, and if you hop on a plane, it’s actually quite easy to go there.

The time in Cairns was so fun, that I honestly don’t feel like going back to Japan. For now, in Japan, I will study hard, and I’d love to go back to Cairns again!!

Finally, a great big thank you to al those who supported us to make this trip come true, and to everyone who helped us during our time there!!

Kohki Hisada

It was so much fun in Cairns so I was worried that I really felt "was I dreaming?”.

I strongly thought "I don't want to go home" when I was leaving Cairns. I felt all the extreme support made such a enjoyable time there. At the beginning, I was passive but as the day goes by I started joining them voluntarily. This is one of my change in this trip. I thank my host family who gave nothing uncomfortable. Next time when you come to Japan, Please visit us. Thank you so much.

Mio Sagawa

I couldn't believe that it was so sad when I left people in Carins. My host family gave me a card and pen case. I can't thank them enough and I thought I should be the one who has to give them some gift.

I was a bit flat at the breakfast but I was encouraged by their home made delicious breakfast. We decided to smile when we say good bye, but I cried. At the moment my host family said "we love you", my tears started flowing. Everyone was so nice and I'll never forget them. I believe we are connected even we cannot see each other. When I talked to Megu at night, she said "dreams come true if you don't give up" and it was encouraging. It was great to see you all in Cairns. I couldn't give anything but I was glad that I could say thank you to every single supporters.

Sumire Kuge

It was the last day. After saying good bye to my host family, we went back to Tokyo and stayed at the hotel there. It was good to be back but also sad to leave my host family and other people there.

Yesterday when I gave my letter to my host family, we 3 all cried and it was so hard to leave them. On the other hand, I was a little pumped to get back to Japan. Although, I was sad in the plane after all so I was emailing them. There were many things happened but it was the best 10 days. Tonight, we met the students who went to Germany in the same program. They told us "the one who has a dream first wins." I determined that I will cherish my dream. I will restart my life without forgetting about the all the support that helped my improvement. Thank you very much.

Wakana Takeda

What stood out for me:

• What I saw for the first time, what caught my attention: morning walk by the beach (sunrise, full tide)
• What moved me; what made me feel grateful: the many people that came to the airport to farewell us

Some reflections:

Today, I woke up early to take a walk by the beach. It was amazing to grab a freshly baked bread from a bakery and fresh coffee (cappuccino), and to enjoy that while watching a breathtakingly stunning view. 

The rain had stopped and I walk on the beach barefoot. The ocean was shining with sun rise and it was beautiful.

At the airport, the many people that were helping us were there to farewell us, and that made me feel very thankful. It was sad to bring to an end the last ten days, which felt both long and short. But it was really lovely that people stayed there until the very end to shake our hands and hug us. 

Tomorrow, we go back to Fukushima. At the talk session upon return, I would like to be able to share with everyone the many things I learnt through meeting many people. I would like to make the most of what I learnt and do my speech.

Mahiro Fukuda

What stood out for me:

It’s hard. It’s very sad to depart from Cairns airport. But I was able to say goodbye with a smile on my face. The day before yesterday, I cried as much as I could. 

The flight from Cairns to Tokyo passed by very quickly. Seven hours felt very short. Coming back to Japan, it feels familiar and comfortable but it feels kind of sad.

Some reflections:

24 hours equal to 1,440 minutes. We were in Cairns for 9 days, so we spent 12,960 minutes there. And that’s 777,600 seconds. 

I don’t know whether that is long time or not. But for me, it went by very quickly. Therefore, coming back to Japan, I want to cherish every single day. One day is universally 24 hours. Just as I made most of 24 hours in Australia, I want to also spend preciously the same 24 hours. By going to Australia, I know that something has changed inside of me. I can’t quite put into words, but there is something that has changed. It changed inside and outside. That sensation is inside me. I hope that someone notices that change in me. But maybe it’s something that people around me cannot see. It might be something that only I could know, yet I can’t quite put a finger on what it is. I’m sure that one day, I will know what it was that changed in me. And I wonder when that would be…

Whenever it will be, I think it’ll all be good if I could feel happiness when I die, more than when I was born. 

I know that the memories of what I experienced in Cairns will never fade away even when I become a grandmother. I know how fortunate I am to have gained such experience. 

To everyone in Cairns, thank you so much!!

Mizuki Nomura

What stood out for me:

• There were not many Japanese people on the return flight to Japan.
• There were more non-Japanese speaking flight attendants on both flights to and from Cairns.

Some reflections:

• I left one of my belongings <- sorry about that!
• The time on the plane felt quite long, but it was fun. Thank you so much.
• I couldn’t help but think about school homework
• At hotel, Sumire K was shouting.
• I saw JUMP (comic book) for the first time in a long while and that made me happy.

Last activity of the day was Easter egg hunting...

It was meant to be outdoors but hey, we can do it indoors, too!

A day full of tears and laughter.

Thanks so much, everyone!!