Volunteers save photos of disaster victims: ``Don't throw them away'' Kumamoto earthquake, memory cleaning activities

Volunteers are working to rescue photos that were soiled by collapsed houses and other items caused by the earthquake that hit Kumamoto Prefecture with a maximum seismic intensity of 7. Koki Nagayama (58), the representative of Araiguma Hitoyoshi (Kumamoto City), established his own organization after working in areas affected by the heavy rains in western Japan in 2018. Based on his experience of seeing people regret disposing of their photos after a disaster, he urges people, ``You don't have to ask for a request six months or a year from now, just don't throw them away now.''

Kinnikuman original author gives encouragement to children in disaster-stricken areas with "meat" mark on forehead - Misato-cho/Kumamoto earthquake with seismic intensity 6+

"Are there any important photos or albums left in your house?" In late August, Nagayama visited Hikawa Town with a map in hand. When I approached Yasuhiro Hamada (64), a farmer, I found albums stacked in front of his eaves containing family memories, including his daughter's childhood and coming-of-age ceremonies, and overseas trips with his wife and friends.

Mr. Hamada found it while cleaning up his home, which was completely destroyed, and was drying negatives that had gotten wet from the rain. ``I thought all I had to do was throw it away,'' but after hearing about cleaning from Mr. Nagayama, I entrusted him with two boxes. Her eldest daughter Shiori (28), who was looking at the photo with nostalgia, also tweeted, ``I'd be happy if it turned out pretty.''

Nagayama started the organization in response to the heavy rains in Kumamoto in 2020, and has received requests for approximately 210,000 copies so far. ``When we call out to people, some people bring back the photos they kept instead of throwing them away.It's important to meet face-to-face.''

Approximately 30,000 coins were deposited during this earthquake. From now on, volunteers will clean the cards one by one by washing them with water and wiping them dry before returning them. They are also calling on disaster victims whose lives have stabilized to participate in the work. "Some people feel uncomfortable because they are constantly receiving support. Feeling that they are also helping someone can lead to emotional recovery."

Cleaning requests are also being accepted through the organization's website and the social welfare councils of affected municipalities. Nagayama appealed, ``Right now, I'm doing my best to make ends meet, but please don't be in a hurry to throw it away.''