By Jessica Yang, Zhi-ming Deng 

Devastation Strikes Wajima 

At the beginning of the year, Wajima on the Noto Peninsula in Japan was struck by a devastating earthquake. Then in late September, before the locals had fully recovered from the earthquake, torrential rainstorms brought further destruction. For the resilient yet weary residents, these back-to-back calamities weighed heavily on their hearts. Amid the aftermath, hope arrived in the form of Tzu Chi volunteers from Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities, coming together over the weekend to provide much-needed assistance. Their efforts not only helped ease the burden of local farmers but also supported artisans who have long sustained Wajima’s reputation for its world-renowned lacquerware. 

Helping Artisans Rebuild 

One such artisan, Tatsuya Zaai (鮓井辰也), stood in his devastated home, staring at the wreckage. His tools and masterpieces, the core of his livelihood, were either lost or damaged beyond repair. Yet, before despair could take hold, a group of Tzu Chi volunteers appeared. With no hesitation, they set about moving the muddied tools and equipment outside, allowing Zaai to begin salvaging what he could. 

“If you help me bring out these tools, I can clean them and get back to work. Your assistance means a lot. Thank you so much,” Zaai expressed gratefully. The volunteers, seeing the thick layers of mud that made movement nearly impossible, promptly started cleaning up. With every shovel of mud and every washed tool, Zaai’s spirit seemed to lift a little higher.

Volunteers’ Dedication 

One volunteer, Wu Wen, shared his feelings, “We’re just doing what little we can. One day, should we ever face a similar situation, we hope others would come to our aid as well.” Another volunteer, Yi-Ching Wang, noted how challenging the year had been for the locals. “They’ve been through an earthquake and now a flood. Cleaning up all this mud is no small task. We just want to help in whatever way we can.” 

CEO of Tzu Chi Japan, Li-Shing Shyu Lin observed the somber mood of the villagers, including Zaai, who faced the daunting task of rebuilding not just homes, but lives and livelihoods. “We can’t bear to see the artisans and farmers struggling like this. Nearly every household here has suffered in some way. We need to mobilize more volunteers to support them.” 

Supporting Local Farmers 

Another team of Tzu Chi volunteers took up the challenge of helping local farmers with their harvest. Though the work was physically demanding, the volunteers were happy to lend a hand. “It’s tough work, but we’re truly happy to do it,” shared Chunhong Yao, while another volunteer, Ying Chen, added humbly, “Even if it’s just a small contribution, we hope our intentions resonate with them.” 

The farmers were deeply moved. “Because of your help, I have the motivation to keep going. Seeing your smiling faces, never showing a hint of weariness, fills me with joy,” said Akatoshi Taga, a local farmer, visibly moved by the volunteers’ kindness and perseverance. 

Community Bonding 

In another part of the village, Toyoyoshi Zaai reflected on his own experience. When the floods came, water levels rose to shoulder height, leaving a thick layer of sludge in his home. Taiwanese Tzu Chi volunteer Ching-kuei Hsieh vividly recalled the scene, “Mud covered everything inside. Cleaning it up alone would be impossible.” But volunteers arrived, and before long, a small but efficient team of fewer than ten members formed a makeshift disaster response unit. 

However, Japan lacked a structured support mechanism for such situations. To bridge this gap, Tzu Chi initiated the cash-for-work relief program, inviting residents to help clean up their own community. Those who joined received a small stipend of 10,000 yen (approx. USD 70), a gesture that emphasized solidarity and support over monetary value. As Toyoyoshi Zaai put it, “It’s not about the amount. What’s more important is the bond we’ve formed through this.” 

Volunteers toiled alongside locals, removing mud and debris from homes, and even helping to haul waterlogged tatami mats, much heavier than they seemed. This initiative, welcomed by local officials, aimed to bring Wajima’s people together to restore normalcy, one house and one street at a time. 

Inspiring Hope 

 
Through their perseverance and compassion, Tzu Chi volunteers have brought hope back to Wajima, proving that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, humanity’s spirit of mutual support and cooperation can shine through, inspiring all those who witness it.