By Yien-Fen Shih, Jing-Huey Chen | Japan

Paper cutting art has been Grandma Yukiko Hatanaka's (right) beloved hobby for many years. During a visit from volunteers Jing-Huey Chen (left) and Yien-Fen Shih (center), she happily shared her creations. | Photo courtesy of Meng-Chuan Wang | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/14

A Serendipitous Encounter

In the picturesque Noto region, surrounded by mountains and sea, 82-year-old Yukiko Hatanaka collected her relief fund on July 14th. As she prepared to leave the Togi Community Revitalization Center, Tzu Chi volunteer Yien-Fen Shih warmly invited her for tea.

LEFT: Grandma Yukiko Hatanaka came to the Togi Community Revitalization Center to receive relief funds and met Tzu Chi volunteers. ‌ ‌RIGHT: Volunteer Yien-Fen Shih (left) invited Grandma Yukiko Hatanaka (right) to sit down for a cup of tea. | Photos courtesy of Meng-Chuan Wang | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/14

Grandma Yukiko's husband, a sailor, passed away four years ago. She fondly remembered visiting Taiwan, where her husband once docked. Yien-Fen Shih shared the origin of the relief fund, tracing back to the "Bamboo Bank Era" in Taiwan, where small acts of kindness from housewives have now helped over 100 countries.

During their conversation, Grandma Yukiko revealed she had three sons, one of whom tragically passed away at 33. Overcome with grief, her husband's words, "The departed are gone; the living still need you," helped her move forward for the sake of her remaining family.

Living Alone but Not Lonely

She chatted happily, sharing her stories with the volunteers. When one asked, "Would it be okay if we visited your home?" she shyly replied, "My house is a bit messy, I'm sorry." The volunteer reassured her, "We just want to understand your home life; we won't stay long." With that, Grandma Yukiko drove the three volunteers to her house, a seven- or eight-minute drive away.

LEFT: When leaving, Grandma Yukiko drove the three volunteers to her home. RIGHT: Entering Grandma's nearly 400-year-old house, items were scattered everywhere. | Photos courtesy of Meng-Chuan Wang | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/14

Entering the nearly 400-year-old house, items were scattered everywhere, but a large vase of lilies, bigger than a human face, filled the air with fragrance. Knowing that Grandma Yukiko grew her own flowers and vegetables, the volunteers asked, "Did you grow these yourself?" "Yes!" she replied. The lilies stood majestically amid the clutter, embodying beauty and dignity.

After the earthquake, her home was deemed partially damaged; the altar wall collapsed, and the floor sank. As a Shin Buddhist, the home had a Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva statue, protecting the home.

Despite her children’s wishes for her to move to Kanazawa, Grandma Yukiko is determined to stay in her ancestral home. As she looked at old family photos, she remembered being one of seven siblings and being sent to live with her uncle as a child, where she helped with farm and household chores.

Reflecting on the past, she said, "I was cared for here. In my lifetime, it’s my responsibility to care for this place. No matter how difficult or lonely, I’m determined to protect it."

The Enduring Main Pillar

After the earthquake, her house was deemed partially damaged, but public funds helped restore it. Grandma Yukiko planned to use the relief fund for roof and ancestral grave repairs.

LEFT: Grandma Yukiko lives alone and not only grows vegetables but also practices paper cutting art. | Photos courtesy of Jing-Huey Chen | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/14 ‌ ‌RIGHT: Talking about her paper cutting art, Grandma Yukiko (left) lights up with such youth enthusiasm. | Photo courtesy of Meng-Chuan Wang | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/14 


Living alone, she grows her own vegetables and pursues her passion for paper cutting art, proudly displaying her creations. Despite hardships, she finds fulfillment in self-sufficiency and sharing her harvest with family and friends.

LEFT: Grandma Yukiko (right) also showcased her beloved paper cutting artworks from over the years. As she recounted her remarkable life, she generously gifted the volunteers these vivid pieces as keepsakes. ‌ ‌RIGHT: Each artwork, depicting her extraordinary life, amazed and impressed the volunteers! | Photos courtesy of Meng-Chuan Wang | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/14 


On the day of the earthquake, Grandma Yukiko clung to the main pillar of her house, which withstood the 7.6 magnitude quake, protecting her home from collapse. Although the earthquake caused significant damage, the pillar stood strong, just like Grandma Yukiko. She calmly recounted the event and shared her intricate paper cutting artworks with the volunteers, generously gifting them as mementos.

Cherishing Connections: Awaiting the Next Reunion

The volunteers were deeply moved by Grandma Yukiko’s story, a testament to the resilience and affection embodied in her ancient home. | Photo courtesy of Meng-Chuan Wang | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/14 


Before leaving, the volunteers told Grandma Yukiko, "We’ll come back to see everyone and have a tea gathering. We look forward to meeting you again." Grandma Yukiko replied, "We should cherish these connections. I’m grateful for Tzu Chi's relief fund and will use it to restore this ancestral home. I look forward to seeing you again." The volunteers sincerely thanked Grandma Yukiko Hatanaka for showcasing the resilience and warmth within her historic home.