Written by Fu-jiang Yen, Si-dang Chen, Jin-yu Shi, Ya-qin Chen, Yun-xuan Huang
Photography by Fu-jiang Yen, Si-dang Chen, Yun-xuan Huang

During interactions with the disaster survivors, CEO Po-wen Yen listened to them express their feelings after the earthquake.

Relief Distribution in Noto Peninsula

From July 13 to 16, the Tzu Chi team conducted the fourth round of aid distribution in Suzu City and Shika Town on Japan's Noto Peninsula. This time, Tzu Chi Foundation CEO Po-wen Yen also traveled to Japan to participate in the distribution to support the volunteers and care for the residents. During interactions with the disaster survivors, they listened to the current state of their resettlement and their feelings after the earthquake. They also visited the disaster areas to better understand the recovery process.

Since May 17, Tzu Chi volunteers have distributed aid to over 24,000 individuals from more than 11,000 households affected by the Noto earthquake, across four rounds of distribution that concluded on July 16. The ongoing support and care for the Noto Peninsula will continue, with future assistance plans tailored to the community's needs.

Additional Distribution in Noto Town

In this round of aid distribution, besides Suzu City and Shika Town, two additional sessions were held in Noto Town on July 14. Many locals arrived early, eager to receive cash aid. Some needed it for home repairs, while others required essential living supplies. Upon receiving the aid, some residents were incredulous, asking, "Is this really happening?" Volunteers kindly reassured them, saying, "This comes with love from Taiwan and all around the world. Please make good use of this assistance."

Prayer Before Distribution

LEFT: Before the official distribution, CEO Yen and the volunteer team joined in prayer together. RIGHT: CEO Yen expressed his gratitude to the staff of Suzu City Hall and Shika Town Office, thanking the Japanese government for their cooperation and support in making the aid distribution successful.

Before the official distribution, CEO Yen and the volunteer team prayed together, joined by local Japanese residents in silent prayer for peace and safety. Ceo Yen expressed gratitude to Suzu City Hall and Shika Town Office staff for their cooperation in the successful distribution and interacting with residents.

On-Site Visits and Personal Care

CEO Yen held an umbrella for elderly residents with mobility issues, showing sincere care and compassion for the residents.

Accompanied by volunteers, CEO Po-wen Yen personally visited the disaster areas, temporary housing, and damaged homes. Despite the heavy rain in the afternoon of July 14 at the Shika Town Cultural Center, Po-wen Yen held an umbrella for the elderly with mobility issues, showing sincere care for the residents.

Volunteer Contributions

Qing-xuan Lin, a student from National Tainan University studying in Kanazawa City, Japan, joined the fourth round of distribution after learning about it by chance. She invited three local Japanese friends from Kanazawa City to Shika Town for the distribution. Lin recounted her initial disaster relief experience as a volunteer after Typhoon Morakot devastated Taiwan in 2009, where she assisted in cleaning affected homes in Pingtung. Her involvement brought her joy in aiding others.

Lin mentioned that when the Hualien earthquake struck on April 3, a group organized a fundraising event at Kanazawa Station in Japan. Upon hearing about Tzu Chi's aid distribution in Noto Peninsula, she promptly volunteered. "Just as Japan supported Taiwan during our earthquake, I hope to contribute to Tzu Chi's efforts and assist the local Japanese residents."

Yi-qing Wang, a Taiwanese studying in Japan, aspires to embody the spirit of altruism through his actions.

Another student from Taiwan, Yi-qing Wang, who plans to stay in Japan for work and life, is currently studying at a language school in Osaka. Coming from a Buddhist family, he became involved with Tzu Chi through participating in this year's Buddha Day Ceremony in Japan. He learned about the fourth-round distribution and decided to use his vacation time to volunteer. Growing up in a Buddhist family, he has always been enthusiastic about helping others and strives to practice the spirit of altruism.

Inspired by Parents' Dedication

At the Suzu City distribution site, Zi-an Hou, a teacher at New York University, also participated. Her father, Po-wen Hou, a businessman, and her mother, Po-ling Chen, are dedicated Tzu Chi volunteers who often encourage their business friends to give of their love to help others in need. Inspired by her parents, Zi-an Hou not only shares Tzu Chi's humanitarian values but also actively introduces them to her friends.

Zi-an Hou (right) cherishes every interaction with the residents and hopes to spread the joy of Dharma through these efforts.

Zi-an Hou participated in the relief efforts following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami 13 years ago. When she heard about the opportunity to contribute to Noto, she immediately invited her mother to join her. She cherishes every interaction with the residents and hopes to spread the joy of Dharma through these efforts.