Shiu-Kuang Yang, Joyce Chou, Hui-Chen Wu, Ya-Chin Chen | Japan

Tzu Chi Japan meticulously searched for distribution sites to ensure that the residents receiving relief funds felt a warm, home-like atmosphere. | Photo courtesy of Su-Chiu Sun | the Anamizu Town Sawayama Exchange Hall Pluto, Noto, Japan | 2024/07/16


Heartfelt Gratitude and Pure Intentions Unite Taiwan and Japan in Relief Efforts

Since the Noto Peninsula earthquake on January 1, Taiwan and Japan Tzu Chi volunteers have joined forces to provide aid. From cooking hot meals for the survivors to distributing four rounds of relief funds, the volunteers have spent over six months building trust and love with the residents. The collaboration between Taiwanese and Japanese Tzu Chi volunteers have been seamless and harmonious.

For the past six months, the Tzu Chi Japan actively surveyed the disaster area, meeting with local officials to secure support and establish smooth processes for distributing relief funds. Tzu Chi’s headquarters in Taiwan has provided full support, from volunteer participation to financial backing, and inspired the people of Taiwan to respond actively through various media platforms.

Li-Hsiang Hsu, CEO of Tzu Chi Japan, expressed gratitude for the guidance and wisdom of Master Cheng Yen, as well as the support from residents and the dedicated efforts of all volunteers that made this extensive relief operation possible.

On July 15, Suzu Mayor Masuhiro Izumiya (first right) visited the distribution site at Waku-waku Plaza to express his gratitude to the volunteers. Tzu Chi volunteers Zhong-Chi Lin (first from the left) and Masako Ono (second from the left) represented Tzu Chi in thanking the mayor for his support. | Photo courtesy of Fumi Yoshimoto | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/15

In total, 11,302 families and 24,255 individuals received relief funds. This warmth from Taiwan deeply moved locals. Grandma Michiko Yamagata said she always joined her hands in prayer when she saw Tzu Chi volunteers passing by, saying, "Your hearts are so pure! You came from so far away to help us selflessly."

The Spirit of the Bamboo Bank Era in Noto

On July 14, Shizuko Kono and her husband came to the Shika Town Cultural Center to receive their relief funds, feeling grateful and joyful. After hearing the volunteers share heartwarming stories of how Tzu Chi began with housewives saving 50 NT cents (0.02 USD) a day to help others in need, they drove back to the distribution site with three tin boxes filled with coins, inspired to echo the spirit of the Bamboo Bank Era.

Shizuko Kono (first left) brought tin boxes filled with coins to express her gratitude for the Tzu Chi relief funds and to embody the spirit of the Bamboo Bank Era.| Photo courtesy of Ya-Chin Chen | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/14


Shizuko, who owns a beauty salon, usually kept small change in the tin boxes. She said, "Though the income from hairdressing isn't much, I really want to join Tzu Chi in helping others. After experiencing the hardships of the earthquake, I realized how important mutual support is."

Ms. Shizuko Kono brought three large tin boxes filled with coins as a token of her gratitude. | Photo courtesy of Joyce Chou | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/14


There were many similar stories among the locals moved by Tzu Chi’s humble beginnings. Seventy-three-year-old Grandma Michiko Yamagata was one such example. After moving into a temporary housing unit with her husband in April, she came to Suzu City Iida Wakuwaku Plaza on July 13 to receive her relief funds. When volunteers accompanied her home, she pulled out some coins from her bag, saying, "Even if I can only donate 5 or 10 yen now, I want to give back! I received so much help from you, and I want to embody the bamboo bank spirit just like you." Before the volunteers left, Grandma Yamagata insisted on gifting them with Suzu pottery and Wajima lacquerware cups as a token of her gratitude.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Grandma Michiko Yamagata and her disabled husband are determined to support the bamboo bank spirit. | Photo courtesy of Hui-Chen Wu | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/13


The compassionate actions of Tzu Chi volunteers have not only provided material assistance but also inspired a cycle of kindness and gratitude among the residents of Noto Peninsula. As these heartfelt stories show, the spirit of giving transcends borders, and the bonds formed in times of adversity create lasting impacts on both the givers and receivers. The volunteers’ pure hearts and unwavering dedication continue to spread warmth and hope, reminding everyone that even in the face of disaster, humanity's innate goodness can shine through.