By Jing-Huey Chen | Japan

On July 15, the fourth round of Noto earthquake relief fund distribution concluded. Volunteers from Tokyo, Osaka, and Tohoku departed from Kanazawa Station, leaving a mark of love and kindness. | Photo courtesy of Keng-mei Pan | Noto, Japan | 2025/07/15

On July 15, the fourth round of Noto earthquake aid distribution concluded. Volunteers from Tokyo, Osaka, and Tohoku region departed from Kanazawa Station, returning to their daily lives. Late at night, Tzu Chi volunteer Emi Fukashi arrived at Kyoto Station, where her husband was waiting. Reflecting on the devastation of the earthquake, volunteers were deeply moved by what the locals have had to endure.

During the distribution, volunteers invited everyone to sit down and chat. | Photo courtesy of Jing-Huey Chen | Noto, Japan | 2025/07/15

During the aid distribution, volunteers served hot Taiwanese tea to each recipient and invited them to sit and chat.

Misfortune Upon Misfortune

79-year-old Masaharu Iwata (right), whose house was severely damaged and uninhabitable, received aid with a heavy heart. Emi Fukashi (left) approached with care, listening quietly as he shared his hardships. | Photo courtesy of Jing-Huey Chen | Noto, Japan | 2025/07/15

During the distribution on July 15, Tzu Chi volunteers met 79-year-old Masaharu Iwata at the Shika Town Cultural Center who received Tzu Chi’s aid with a heavy heart. His house was severely damaged by the earthquake and is now uninhabitable. Living in a makeshift shed after the quake, he recounted his hardships: falling and breaking his leg, his wife’s fall and hospitalization, and the daily struggle to care for his teenage grandson. Life in their small, makeshift dwelling with minimal cooking facilities has been challenging.

Emi Fukashi (left) sincerely told Masaharu Iwata (right), "This is my number. Let's stay in touch. We will come back." Continuous care doesn't end with the distribution. | Photo courtesy of Jing-Huey Chen | Noto, Japan | 2025/07/15

Volunteer Emi Fukuashi, whose husband is the same age as Mr. Iwata, listened empathetically. She comforted him with a gentle hug, "This is a natural disaster. Master Cheng Yen gives you, her blessings. We are from Tzu Chi, not a scam. Here’s my number. Let’s stay in touch. We will come back." Touched by her sincerity, Mr. Iwata wept.

Reflecting on the day, Emi said, "I was deeply moved. Many residents are still in distress. His house is partially collapsed and uninhabitable, and repairs are very costly."

Finding Courage to Volunteer

Kazuko Ueno (left) received aid on July 13 at the Togi Revitalization Center in Shika and felt an immediate connection with Emi Fukashi. | Photo courtesy of Jing-Huey Chen | Noto, Japan | 2025/07/13

76-year-old Kazuko Ueno who struggles with Parkinson’s disease is temporarily staying at her son's house after her own home was damaged in the quake. On the afternoon of the 15th, she stood at the venue entrance, warmly reminding everyone, "There are Taiwanese lucky charms and snacks here! Please come this way!" She was eager to ensure that no one missed out on these blessings from Taiwan.

LEFT: When Emi Fukashi (right) learned from her phone that Kazuko Ueno (center) was coming to volunteer, she was so moved that tears welled up in her eyes. ‌ ‌RIGHT: On the afternoon of July 15, Ms. Kazuko Ueno warmly reminded attendees of the Taiwanese lucky charms and snacks at the distribution venue. | Photo courtesy of Wenky Yeh | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/15

During a conversation on July 13, Emi Fukashi explained that the aid came from global fundraising efforts and highlighted Tzu Chi's spirit of selfless giving. Moved by this, Ms. Ueno, whose late husband had worked for a fellow volunteer, decided to volunteer herself.

Encouraged by her son, who agreed, "Yes, we should give back," he personally drove her to the venue on July 15. Her presence brought immense joy and encouragement to the team. Then at around 4 PM, her son came to pick her up. When volunteers praised him for being a filial son and letting his mother enjoy a day of volunteering, he replied, "It's the right thing to do. Thank you!" This is how Ms. Ueno's participation symbolizes the strong bonds formed in the aftermath of the earthquake.

You Are Not Alone

Emi, deeply affected by the residents' plight, emphasized the emotional and economic challenges they faced. Despite the brief interactions, sincerity and mutual support were evident.

Emi Fukashi (left) showed a photo of Master Cheng Yen to the residents, introducing her beloved teacher and explaining that all the love comes from Master Cheng Yen’s compassion and teachings. | Photo courtesy of Meng-Chuan Wang | Noto, Japan | 2024/07

After returning home, Emi called each resident to ensure they recognized her number. "It's not a scam. I’ll call occasionally. Remember my number!" She also keeps a photo of Master Cheng Yen on her phone, saying, "I carry our compassionate Master with me everywhere."

Volunteers found fulfillment through their efforts, understanding blessings by witnessing suffering. The Noto relief mission brought them closer to the residents, hearing their hearts, feeling life’s impermanence, and cherishing normalcy. Through the pain and sorrow, they witnessed the unifying power of love.