Mengzhuan Wang, Jinghui Chen, Sean Tan, Jessica Yang, Xiuling Wu, Yaqin Chen | Japan
Grandpa Matsuda Finds Hope in a New Home
For the past few months, 86-year-old Matsuda lived in an evacuation center, feeling the stress of having no privacy or personal space as people constantly came and went. Now, having moved into a new temporary home, he is thrilled to finally have some privacy. On July 13, he and his wife drove to the venue to receive their relief fund, feeling overjoyed. Grandpa Matsuda eagerly shared his plans with Tzu Chi volunteers, expressing his gratitude and contentment. He intends to save the money and, drawing on his experience in carpentry, he hopes to rebuild a small home where he and his wife can spend their remaining years together. Inspired by the Tzu Chi volunteers' compassion, Grandpa Matsuda aims to help others in need. His words touched the volunteers deeply, stirring a mix of sadness and admiration. Despite his age, Matsuda's resilient spirit and positive outlook inspired everyone around him.
Tears of Joy
On July 13, the first day of the fourth round of relief fund distributions by the Tzu Chi Foundation in Japan, Group B volunteers gathered at the Tokui Revitalization Center in Shika Town. Scheduled to start at 9 a.m., the event saw locals arriving as early as 8 a.m., where they were warmly received by Tzu Chi volunteers. To avoid making them wait too long, the distribution began at 8:30 a.m., with all volunteers working together seamlessly.
Among the recipients was Grandma Kawagishi, who arrived early to queue. After receiving her relief fund, she burst into tears as she made her way to the rest area. Volunteer Shuhui Chiu offered her a peace charm and kindly suggested she take a moment to sit and rest. When asked why she was crying, Grandma Kawagishi explained that her tears were from happiness and gratitude for receiving the funds and witnessing the compassion shown to everyone.
The volunteers inquired about her home, learning that it was partially damaged and currently being repaired so she and her son still had a small room to live in. Grateful for the Tzu Chi volunteers' long journey from Taiwan to Noto, she expressed her deep appreciation. When asked if she had ever visited Taiwan, she replied that she hadn’t but would love to if her health permitted.
Upon hearing that she had just turned 82 the previous day, the volunteers celebrated with her by singing "Happy Birthday." Touched, Grandma Kawagishi thanked them and received warm wishes along with a cup of hot oolong tea, bringing tears of joy to her eyes once more.
Another recipient, 81-year-old Grandpa Nagae, also shed tears upon receiving the relief fund. He shared his current living situation, describing the loneliness of living alone in a severely damaged house and his uncertain outlook on the future. The funds would help him get by one day at a time. Volunteers comforted him, explaining that the relief came from Tzu Chi’s global network of volunteers and donations. Mr. Nagae, moved by the generosity, expressed his gratitude to Tzu Chi in Taiwan, vowing to remember this kindness and urged the volunteers to take care.
A Thank-You Note
Seventy-five-year-old Takao Taniguchi expressed his gratitude to Tzu Chi volunteers, saying, "Receiving the relief fund was a surprise; it felt miraculous and filled me with indescribable happiness. As a fellow Buddhist, I plan to place it on my altar so I can see it every day."
Despite having undergone about twelve surgeries and dealing with high blood pressure and a rapid heart rate, Grandpa Taniguchi continues to work on his farm, believing each day might be his last. His faith helps him endure, reminding him of Buddha’s teachings and instilling a desire to serve society and his community with gratitude and simplicity.
On his birthday, an earthquake added to his physical struggles, deeply impacting him. He shared with those present the importance of three things: a heart of gratitude, a smile to face the future bravely, and a commitment to contributing to society. For Grandpa Taniguchi, the past cannot be changed, and the future is uncertain, so he focuses on moving forward with a smile. "You can't change the past, but when you face hardships, you can change your mindset." His insights resonated with the volunteers.
Thrilled to receive a peace charm, Grandpa Taniguchi carefully wrote a thank you note, saying, "I am so happy to receive the relief fund. 'Thank you' is not enough. I will use it with care." His genuine gratitude deeply moved the volunteers, who invited him to join them in their compassionate efforts.
Hope and Resilience in Noto
On July 14th, Tzu Chi volunteers returned to the distribution site. Among those in line was a pregnant woman accompanying her parents. Volunteers, concerned for her comfort, invited her to rest and offered her a peace charm, wishing her a smooth delivery.
After receiving his relief fund, a middle-aged man returned to ask for two more peace charms, wanting one for his car and one for his home, hoping to keep the peace with him. Volunteers gladly obliged, wishing peace for Noto.
Two sisters traveled from Tokyo to accompany their mother to receive their funds. After the January earthquake caused severe damage to their home, their mother expressed gratitude for the volunteers' journey despite Taiwan's own earthquakes. The sisters shared their intention to visit the Tzu Chi branch in Tokyo, leaving a lasting impression of love and gratitude.
Seventy-six-year-old Takashima from Monzen-machi came with his wife. He recalled the fear of watching their furniture fly around during the quake. While tidying up afterward, his wife accidentally broke her thigh bone and was hospitalized for a month and a half. Facing these challenges left him visibly weary, and volunteers comforted him, offering blessings from Master Cheng Yen and volunteers worldwide.
Mr. Takashima’s home suffered a cracked exterior wall, and he worried about enduring the winter's wind and snow. An estimate for repairs was ¥960,000 (about USD 6,262). Grandpa Takashima said he would save the relief fund to help pay for the repairs. With renewed hope, his steps were lighter as he left.
Genuine Care
On July 14th, Tzu Chi CEO Po-wen Yen and his team visited Mr. Matsuda, who had received his relief fund the day before. The warm-hearted Matsuda greeted the volunteers at his new government-provided temporary home with gratitude.
Three years ago, Grandpa Matsuda suffered a stroke but has since fully recovered. Before the earthquake, he and his wife lived in a 150-year-old house on a mountain, 10 kilometers (about 6.21 mi) from flatland. The volunteers, guided by Grandpa Matsuda, navigated the rain-soaked, damaged path to his old home, where they saw collapsed roads and distorted beams. Grandpa Matsuda recounted the earthquake’s impact, describing how he was trapped in the bathroom, unable to move. After the quake, he and his wife escaped their home, spending a frightening night outdoors with neighbors before moving to a shelter until late May.
Grandpa Matsuda proudly showed the volunteers his undamaged Buddhist altar, attributing its preservation to divine protection. CEO Yen observed the altar's inscription, "Infinite Life," and explained it as a blessing from Amitabha Buddha, which comforted Grandpa Matsuda.
Grandpa Matsuda’s children moved to the city after the parking area beneath their home was damaged in a previous earthquake 20 years ago. He expressed deep appreciation for Tzu Chi’s aid, and his wife embraced Tzu Chi member Zhi-ming Deng as if he were her own child.
This touching interaction highlighted the boundless love and the elders' warmth and kindness. With the volunteers' support, the people of Noto find companionship and hope as they rebuild their lives.