By Feng-Pao Tsai, Hui-Chen Wu, Yin-Hsuan Huang, Hsiu-Lien Chu, Chia-Li Chu | Japan

Volunteer Masako Ono (right) gives Kumiko Yamagishi a warm embrace, acknowledging her willingness to step forward. | Photo courtesy of Ya Ying Yang | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/14

On July 14, Tzu Chi pressed on with their relief efforts in Noto, Japan, entering the fourth round of aid distribution. Seeing the devastation and the suffering of those who lost their homes and loved ones, the volunteers are wholeheartedly dedicated to providing comfort and support.

A Day Never to Be Forgotten

Three elderly women, whose ages total over 240 years, live together in temporary housing. Although they are happy now, they worry about what will happen when their temporary homes are no longer available. They are deeply grateful for the financial aid which has provided them with much-needed relief.

Eighty-six-year-old Yoshie Tanaka (center) and eighty-seven-year-old Setsuko Iida are skilled at making bags, many of which are crafted from old kimono sashes. | Photo courtesy of Ya Ying Yang | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/14

Before the earthquake, Yoshie Tanaka had around thirty to forty bags, many of which were made from old kimono sashes. “Even though they were old, they were still beautiful,” she said. She cherished these bags deeply. Unfortunately, the earthquake completely collapsed her house, and the only item she managed to rescue from the rubble was the one she had with her, making it even more precious to her.

Eighty-eight-year-old Tomiko Namiseya, living alone in temporary housing, often feels lonely despite her daily routines. The new long-term care service has brought some brightness to her days.

Kumiko Yamagishi (right) poses for a photo with the energetic Fumiko Ikeda. | Photo courtesy of Yin-Hsuan Huang | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/14

After receiving the aid, Ms. Namiseya’s eyes filled with tears as she repeatedly thanked the volunteers. She asked them to convey her gratitude to Master Cheng Yen and all Tzu Chi members, saying, "Today is a day I will never forget for the rest of my life!" She kept repeating this. The volunteers wished her well through her struggles, confident that things would improve. She responded with a smile, saying, "In Noto dialect, we say, 'If it doesn’t hurt, it’s not suffering; we should be grateful.'" With that, the resilient and cheerful elderly woman rode off on her bicycle.

Serving the Community and Giving Back to Tzu Chi

On July 14, the aid distribution at "Iida Waku Waku Plaza" in Suzu City was successfully completed. | Photo courtesy of Ya Ying Yang | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/14

On July 14, aid was distributed to 1,028 households at "Iida Waku Waku Plaza" in Suzu City, benefiting 2,115 individuals.

Volunteer Shinobu Yoshida, who has taken on various roles, observed a significant shift in the beneficiaries' moods. On July 13, she guided the locals as they lined up outside and noted that most of their expressions were somber. However, on July 14, while serving tea to those receiving aid at the exit, she witnessed a stark contrast: the recipients were filled with joy, and many were moved to tears.

“I’m deeply grateful for the help and care that Tzu Chi has provided to the community. Everyone has been so kind,” said Yoshida Shinobu. She became involved with Tzu Chi through a friend at the Anamizu Town office and met Tzu Chi volunteer Angeline Francisca at the Tzu Chi Tea House at Anamizu General Hospital. Her friend invited her to volunteer, and because both her family’s and in-laws’ homes were damaged in the earthquake and received Tzu Chi aid, she was eager to give back.

Shinobu feels lucky that her apartment in Anamizu Town wasn’t damaged, thanks to its reinforced concrete construction. She’s thrilled to have the chance to serve the community and give back to Tzu Chi, and she’s heartened by the many generous people who have stepped up to volunteer.

Noto Town's Secondary Distribution: Gratitude and Reciprocity

In June, some residents of Noto Town did not receive their aid. On July 14, Tzu Chi volunteers returned to distribute the remaining aid.  As the volunteers handed out the aid, some locals hesitated and asked, "Is this for real?" unsure about accepting it. The volunteers reassured them, saying, "This is a gift of love from around the world. Please accept it and keep it safe."

LEFT: Mr. Tetsuo Ohara was aware that Taiwan had also experienced a major earthquake, donated 30,000 yen (about USD 205) to Taiwan after receiving the aid. ‌ ‌RIGHT ： Volunteer Chi-Wei Chen hopes the affected can take care of themselves and live well. | Photos courtesy of Chia-Li Chu

After receiving aid, Mr. Tetsuo Ohara approached the volunteers and said he wanted to donate. “I know Taiwan also experienced a major earthquake recently, and you came all the way to Noto to help us. I want to give something back,” he said, handing over 30,000 yen (about USD 205). “This is a small token of my appreciation. Please be sure to accept it.”

Seeing how these residents are still struggling six months after the earthquake, volunteer Chi-Wei Chen was deeply moved to see how many people were moved to tears upon receiving the aid. “When they asked why Tzu Chi traveled so far to help them, I found myself getting teary-eyed, too. I hope the affected can take care of themselves and live well,” he said. Participating in this distribution has strengthened his commitment to helping others.

The distribution was completed smoothly by 4 p.m., benefiting 161 households and 311 individuals. The bond between Taiwan and Noto has been strengthened, with hopes for continued kindness and support for Noto's recovery.