Wenling Luo, Jinyu Shi, Jing-Huey Chen | Japan
Neighbors are Not Alone, They Have the Courage to Move Forward
On July 13 to 16, Tzu Chi distributed relief fund in the Noto disaster area, covering Anamizu, Noto, Nakanoto, Wajima, Shika, and Suzu. The recipients were households with damaged homes and members over 65 years old. Depending on the household size, they received JPY130,000, 150,000, or 170,000 (approximately USD 844, 874, or 1103).
Ichiko Fujimoto was initially puzzled by the amount and number of distributions. "Japan is not very poor, why do we need so much relief fund?" However, through interactions with the locals, she realized the money was not just for rebuilding homes but also a symbol of the volunteers' sincere care and blessings, offering support and encouragement. She understood the Master’s compassion, "We are providing not just financial aid, but also spiritual comfort." She decided to introduce Tzu Chi to more Japanese people and hope to become a member to understand Tzu Chi's spirit more deeply.
Grandma Terabe came to the distribution site for the second time, asking her son to drive her. After receiving the relief fund yesterday, she hung the peace charm she got on her bag and asked the volunteers for another charm for her son. The volunteer immediately gave her one, and she handed it to her son with a happy smile. The volunteer explained the blessing behind the peace charm, and he smiled too. A simple peace charm has brought great comfort to the affected locals.
Doing Good for Their Community
The distribution, originally scheduled to start at 9 AM, began half an hour early due to the large number of locals. Volunteers warmly greeted them and guided them to the venue entrance. At the entrance, Rinko Takada checked the distribution notices and disaster certificates, while her husband Yoshio Takada guided the locals to the waiting area inside. The couple lives nearby, and Rinko often greets familiar locals warmly.
The Takada couple's home was damaged in the earthquake, but they still cook hot meals for the locals at home. Since February, they have participated in Tzu Chi's hot meal distribution in Anamizu. She said, "It feels great to help the locals!"
Dr. Wen-bi Chen, president of the Ishikawa Taiwan Exchange Promotion Association, and his wife Yun-hsuan Lin were key figures in assisting Tzu Chi to enter Noto for distribution. Today, they brought three members to join the charitable event. One member, Shih-chang Huang, a graduate student at Kanazawa University of Art and Crafts, felt very happy to participate despite his busy studies. Another young participant, Yi-ching Wang, studying at a language school in Osaka, grew up in a Buddhist family, was enthusiastic about volunteering, and took part in the service during school holidays, embodying the spirit of altruism.
The distribution site was spacious, and the song "Love and Care" softly echoed. After the local government staff confirmed eligibility, the affected locals were guided to the waiting area based on household size, then sequentially received the relief fund. Volunteers, in pairs, completed the final distribution procedures, respectfully handed over the relief fund, and offered blessings. The locals bowed in return, expressing gratitude and respect.
Tzu Chi volunteers Yukie Ida and tea ceremony teacher Hitomi Kubo partnered up. Yukie, Hitomi, and Tae Togashi, who regularly study the Chinese I Ching, are very interested in Chinese culture. Recently, Tae has been studying Buddhism and understanding that practice should integrate into daily life. Therefore, the three were invited to participate in the distribution. Hitomi was deeply moved by the selfless dedication of Tzu Chi volunteers, so she postponed her previous engagement in order to participate fully in the distribution event.
Beyond Nationality, Working Together to Spread Love
The first day of distribution ended at 4 PM. Since the volunteers needed to move quickly to the next distribution point the following day (July 14), a sharing session was held at the venue, where volunteers eagerly shared their experiences.
Misato Hayashi, responsible for the distribution of relief fund, said this experience brought light to her life. Usually, she doesn't like interacting with large groups, but she was amazed by the volunteers' politeness and gentleness, especially their 90-degree bows during the distribution, which deeply moved her. "Several times, I almost cried."
Misato’s mother, Akira Hayashi, was very happy about her daughter's participation. She recalled, "I always talked to her about Tzu Chi, and I am really happy she came this time!" She believed her daughter's participation was inspired by a volunteer's words, and witnessing the great love of Tzu Chi members firsthand was transformative.
Yun-Hsuan Lin shared a touching story of a local resident. After receiving the relief fund, he gratefully said, "Taiwan recently experienced an earthquake too, yet you came to Japan to help us. Thank you so much!" He decided to donate JPY 40,000 (about USD 260) to help other affected locals.
Hitomi Kubo was also very happy to participate in the distribution. She said, "What moved me the most was the volunteers from Taiwan and Japan, transcending national boundaries, offering the relief fund to those in need. As a Japanese person, I am deeply grateful!"
After the sharing session, the volunteers sincerely expressed their gratitude to Mitsuo Yamashita, Shika Town's General Affairs Section Chief, and his six colleagues. Mitsuo said, "I am very glad that today's distribution was completed smoothly. There are still two more days of distribution ahead. I am very moved and grateful to hear that volunteers came from Taiwan, Tokyo, and Osaka for this distribution. Let's continue the good work tomorrow."
At the Togi Revitalization Center, 1,132 relief funds were distributed. Tzu Chi's love spread like ripples, encouraging friends, local groups, and even the affected locals to join in and spread love. Although the time together was short, the warm interactions will remain in everyone's hearts, warming the world.
