Earthquakes are a frequent occurrence for Japan, but the magnitude-9.5 temblor and the resulting tsunami on March 11, 2011, killed thousands of people and destroyed a thriving island city.
However, the real disaster reared its head when the natural forces proved too much for the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant prompting meltdowns that contaminated surrounding areas.
Nearly five years and 80,000 evacuees later, the capital city of Honshu remains part of a 12-mile exclusion zone where former residents are restricted access to their homes. The radiation exposure is still a threat. Forty-four percent of the 300,000 children living in Fukushima at the time of the nuclear disaster have developed thyroid cysts and 120 children have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, according to Yumi Morita, c0-founder of Fukushima Kids Hawaii, which brings affected children to Hawaii for respite.
Akemi Rogers, president of nonprofit Aloha-Keiki, is on a mission to help the children heal.
“After the disaster in Fukushima, our family felt we needed to help the families in Japan. We all know the special and healthy lifestyle we have in Hawaii and our friends and family felt the mothers and children of Fukushima could truly benefit from being here with us,” said Rogers. “Fukushima Kids was charitable mission started in Japan, but seemed limited to Japan. We felt that by bringing Fukushima Kids to Hawaii this would truly give the mothers and children the relief they needed.”
Morita, herself a survivor of the 2011 disaster, said that the continued exposure of radiation is not fair to the children.
“They have no choice,” she said.
Her heartfelt dedication has blossomed into hosting on the Big Island more than 70 people from Fukushima with more expected each summer.
Fukushima Kids Hawaii is a project of Aloha-Keiki that hosts children from the island of Honshu in the Kona area. Children range in ages from 10 to 17 years of age are hosted during winter and summer vacations. In addition to being a reprieve from the tumultuous events, they come to find healing and joy in the landscape and aloha that is so much a part of Hawaii.
They also learn sustainable life skills. The summer session is a month long and with John Avery Maguire’s historic Huehue Ranch as a backdrop they harvest vegetables and fruits or shop at local farmers markets. In addition, “Farm to Table” skills are gained by using those fresh, local ingredients to enhance the health and immunity of their young bodies.
The disaster has not stopped the children from being active and curious, taking in all Hawaii has to offer.
What do the children find most enjoyable about the program?
“Swimming in the ocean,” said Morita, adding they also enjoy “cooking and eating fresh, organic healthy meals and to learn something new, something they do not know.”
The empathy for the children is echoed in the words of accomplished violinist Ursula Vietze. The Kona resident has donated her talent to an upcoming fundraiser slated Aug. 9 in Kailua-Kona to support Fukushima Kids Hawaii. During the event, she will be performing three of the four concertos of Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
“If you share aloha, it will return to you” she said. “Catastrophe can happen to anyone. They were told to evacuate in an hour. It’s still not safe to return.”
The Aloha-Keiki Ensemble evening gets underway at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Hawaiian Queen Coffee Garden in Kailua- Kona at 4 p.m. The date also marks the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The late afternoon event features a silent auction, art songs by Kaiulani Trainer, as well as a special performance by the children from Fukushima.
Tickets are $20 and $25 at the door; children enter free. Tickets can also be purchased in advance and are valid for the Sunday event and future concerts. They can also be purchased at http://peatix.com/event/103927/
A second fundraising event is slated 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Puu Waa Waa Ranch where ukulele star Kris Fuchigami will perform for the children visiting from Fukushima. Tickets start at $25; $30 for children. Buffet for $50. Attendees can also sponsor meals, maintenance and flights for those taking part in the Fukushima Kids Hawaii program. Visit http://peatix.com/event/103891 for more details.
For more information, visit www.fukushimakidshawaii.com or call 334-9616.