After 17 days of hot meal distribution, the first phase of Tzu Chi’s relief efforts in Anamizu, Noto Peninsula, Japan ended on January 29. Volunteers distributed a total of over 7,000 hot meals at the Anamizu Town Sawayama Communication Hall Pluto and Anamizu General Hospital. To make this possible, volunteers gave a total of 273 man-days. The selfless contributions of the volunteers attracted the attention of the local media and made a deep emotional impact on the local community. Gratitude was mutual as everyone said goodbye with heartfelt emotions. Not only were local people grateful for the selfless efforts of the volunteers, but the volunteers were even more grateful for the opportunity to give.
Most of the volunteers came to Anamizu from Tokyo and Osaka. At the time, due to airport closures, they had to endure a journey of at least five hours by road to reach their destination. Each day, they rose early in the dark and travelled over an hour into the disaster area. They worked tirelessly; they faced numerous challenges such as unsuccessful attempts to cook rice due to freezing conditions, insufficient ingredients and water shortages. These experiences tested and honed the volunteers' ability to adapt to unexpected obstacles.
Undeterred by the cold, the volunteers carried out hot meal distributions every day at the Anamizu Town Sawayama Communication Hall Pluto and Anamizu General Hospital. Their efforts attracted the attention of local Japanese media, with at least eight interviews conducted as of January 28. That was the final day of hot meal distributions at Anamizu Town Sawayama Communication Hall Pluto – it left both residents and volunteers reluctant to part ways.
Yohhei Niwa, a reporter from TV Asahi, commented on the important support from Taiwan for the hot meal distribution in Anamizu. Various media outlets covered the efforts; as it was the last day, reporters came to conduct interviews.
Tzu Chi volunteer Chen Jing-hui (陳靜慧) said: "The sudden departure from here truly feels heart-wrenching. We accompanied the local residents, but in reality, they accompanied us as well."
Although the hot meal distribution ended at Anamizu General Hospital on January 29, we believe that what we gave goes beyond the warmth of the food; it is kindness and mutual assistance among people. The spirit of helping others never ceases. May this warmth reach the hearts of everyone in need.