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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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!
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.
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.
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
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..
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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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.
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.
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!
Ben from Hayabusa Japanese sweets shop in Kuranda also dropped by.
After handing out the 'certificates', the children expressed their thanks to their host families.
It was an emotional moment and there were some tears...!
It was an emotional moment and there were some tears...!
All of us were moved by that...
Evidently, they had memorable times together!
Evidently, they had memorable times together!
Check out more photos from this day:
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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