nTitle: Passing the Torch: How a New Generation is keeping the Memory of the Great Hanshin Earthquake Alive
Thirty years have passed since the Great Hanshin Earthquake devastated Kobe, Japan, in 1995. For those who lived through it,the memories remain vivid. But for younger generations, the disaster is a distant event, learned through stories and school lessons. Coco Shimada, a 27-year-old NHK announcer born in 1997, is one of those who grew up in the aftermath.Now, she’s grappling with how to convey the gravity of the earthquake to those who didn’t experience it firsthand.
Shimada, who anchors the news program “Hotto Kansai,” often reflects on her role in sharing the story of the disaster.“As an announcer, I used to talk about the earthquake disaster on my programs, but I always felt conflicted about what I could convey to people who didn’t know the disaster directly,” she says. growing up in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, Shimada learned about the earthquake through annual disaster prevention classes.Yet, she admits, “when I mention the earthquake disaster on a program, I often find myself wondering, ‘What can I say to someone who hasn’t experienced it firsthand?’”
To gain insight, Shimada interviewed genki Hasegawa, a 38-year-old elementary school teacher and earthquake survivor who now works as a storyteller. Hasegawa was just a second-grader when the earthquake struck his apartment in Higashinada Ward. “the first floor of the apartment I was living in collapsed, crushing me,” he recalls. Hasegawa and his father Hiroya managed to escape, but his younger brother Yohei had his foot trapped in a dresser. Their father rescued Yohei, but their mother Noriko and youngest brother Shoto were missing.
“Mom! Shoto!” Hasegawa called out, but there was no response. As aftershocks continued, he and Yohei evacuated to a nearby park, waiting for their father to return. “The reason I didn’t get a reply was as it was still early in the morning,” Hasegawa explains. His mother and brother were later found, but the trauma of that day has stayed with him.
Hasegawa’s story is one of many that highlight the human toll of the earthquake. For Shimada, hearing these firsthand accounts has been invaluable. “Thirty years have passed as the earthquake, and as the number of generations who don’t know what happened is increasing, how should we convey the message?” she asks. Hasegawa’s work as a storyteller offers one answer: by sharing personal experiences, he ensures that the lessons of the past are not forgotten.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Event | Great Hanshin Earthquake |
| Year | 1995 |
| Location | Kobe, Japan |
| Impact | Over 6,400 lives lost, widespread destruction |
| Legacy | Annual disaster prevention classes, storytelling initiatives |
As the 30th anniversary approaches, the challenge of keeping the memory alive grows.For Shimada, the answer lies in bridging the gap between generations. “I interviewed him to get some hints,” she says of Hasegawa. By sharing these stories, she hopes to ensure that the lessons of the Great Hanshin Earthquake continue to resonate, even as time moves on.
For more on the impact of earthquakes, visit the world Health Institution’s page on earthquakes.
from Tragedy to Hope: Genki Hasegawa’s Journey of Resilience and Inspiration
Genki Hasegawa’s life changed forever on the day of the devastating earthquake that struck his hometown. The disaster not only shattered his home but also took the lives of his mother and younger brother, Shoto. years later, as the representative of the storyteller’s organization Karibe KOBE1995, Hasegawa continues to share his painful experiences to convey the importance of life and gratitude.
A Shattered Reality
The earthquake left Hasegawa and his family in a state of unimaginable grief.“My father came to the park just as the sun was setting and the sunset was starting to appear,” Hasegawa recalls. “But even from a distance, I could see that he had tears in his eyes. He came in front of me and my younger brother Yohei and said, ‘That’s no good.’ That’s when I realized that my mother and shoto had died.”
The family of three clung to each other, their father offering words of encouragement: “From now on, there are only three of us in the family. Let’s work together as a family of three and do our best.”
Dreams and Harsh Realities
In the aftermath of the disaster, Hasegawa often found solace in dreams where his family was still whole. “I often had dreams of eating meals with my mother and Shoto, or playing soccer with Shoto,” he shares. “When I dreamed, I thought to myself, ‘The disaster was the one that made my dreams come true.’ But the dream didn’t last forever, and I suddenly woke up.”
The harsh reality would hit him every morning. “When I saw the ceiling of the house where I lived after the earthquake, I was brought back to reality and thought, ‘Ah, there was an earthquake after all.’ I felt like I couldn’t except something, and I burst into tears and had a hard time getting up.”
Finding Strength in Kindness
Despite the overwhelming sadness, Hasegawa found moments of comfort in the kindness of others. At school, he struggled with the absence of his mother. “Even though I loved my school, whenever I heard the word ‘mom’ come up in a conversation with my friends, I felt sad, thinking, ‘I don’t have a mom anymore,’” he says.
His homeroom teacher became a source of strength during this difficult time. “Genki-kun,I’m sure you’ll do your best. Your teacher is always watching over you,” the teacher told him. These words inspired Hasegawa to pursue a career in education. “I want to become a person who can be close to people who are in trouble and cheer them up, just like my teacher,” he decided.
Sharing Pain to Inspire Hope
Today, Hasegawa uses his experiences to inspire others. As the representative of Karibe KOBE1995, he shares his story to emphasize the importance of life and gratitude. “It’s easy to say out loud, ‘The importance of life’ or ‘The importance of the people around you,’ but the reason I think that way is as I’ve had this experience,” he explains. “I think it’s easier to get the message across if you share your story.”
Through his work, Hasegawa continues to touch the lives of many, reminding them of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of kindness.
| Key points | Details |
|—————–|————-|
| Tragedy | Lost his mother and brother in an earthquake |
| Inspiration | Encouraged by his homeroom teacher to pursue teaching |
| Mission | Shares his story to emphasize the importance of life and gratitude |
| Organization| Representative of Karibe KOBE1995 |
Genki hasegawa’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. By sharing his painful experiences, he not only honors the memory of his loved ones but also inspires others to cherish life and the people around them.To learn more about Genki Hasegawa’s work with Karibe KOBE1995, visit their official website.
Empowering the Next Generation: How Teachers Are Using Empathy to Teach Disaster Preparedness
In the wake of natural disasters, the importance of education and preparedness cannot be overstated.For children who have never experienced such events, understanding the gravity of disasters like earthquakes can be challenging. However, educators like Genki Hasegawa and Yuto Maeda are pioneering innovative methods to make disaster education more relatable and impactful.
The Power of Empathy in Disaster Education
At the heart of Hasegawa’s approach is the idea of empathy. “Thinking about the feelings of disaster victims leads to thinking about disasters more closely,” he explains. By encouraging students to consider the emotional and personal experiences of those affected, Hasegawa believes children can begin to see disasters as “their own business.”
“Of course, it is important to know the actual records and conditions through data,” Hasegawa says. “But by thinking about the feelings of the people affected by the disaster, you will be able to think about the disaster as ‘personal.’ When this happens, children will start thinking about what they can do now and what preparations they can make.”
This philosophy has driven Hasegawa to develop training sessions for fellow educators, notably those who, like Yuto Maeda, have never experienced a major earthquake themselves.
Bridging the Experience Gap
Maeda, a teacher of the same age as Hasegawa, has been incorporating earthquake disaster discussions into his classes for years.Though, he admits to feeling uncertain about how to effectively communicate the gravity of such events to his students.
“Up until now, I had taught classes with older teachers and teachers who had experienced the earthquake,” Maeda shares.“Compared to them,I felt a sense of inadequacy. I think that’s something that only those who have suffered from the disaster can do, so I feel that I have a mission to convey the message.”
this sentiment is shared by many educators today, as the number of teachers without firsthand disaster experience continues to grow. to address this, Hasegawa has begun organizing training sessions aimed at equipping teachers with the tools they need to teach disaster preparedness effectively.
Innovative Teaching Methods
One such training session took place at Kobe City Wakamiya Elementary School, where Hasegawa introduced a method called “Crossroads.” This interactive approach simulates difficult decision-making scenarios during disasters, prompting participants to choose “yes” or “no” to specific questions and then discuss their reasoning.
“While it is fun like a game, it also provides an chance to think about disasters,” Hasegawa explains. The method not only engages students but also encourages critical thinking and empathy, helping them understand the complexities of disaster situations.
Along with Crossroads, Hasegawa emphasizes the importance of daily gratitude. By teaching children to appreciate the safety and stability they frequently enough take for granted, he hopes to instill a deeper sense of obligation and preparedness.
A collaborative Effort
The training sessions have also fostered collaboration among educators. Teachers like Maeda have found value in sharing ideas and strategies, ensuring that disaster education remains a priority in classrooms across the region.
“At the training session, we discussed specific ideas for classes while referring to these methods,” Maeda notes. “It’s been incredibly helpful to hear from colleagues who are also navigating this challenge.”
Looking Ahead
As the number of teachers without firsthand disaster experience continues to rise, initiatives like Hasegawa’s training sessions are more important than ever. By focusing on empathy and personal connection, educators can help children understand the importance of disaster preparedness in a way that feels relevant and urgent.
“It’s not just about teaching facts and figures,” Hasegawa emphasizes. “It’s about helping children see disasters as something that could affect them personally. That’s when they start thinking about what they can do to prepare.”
through these efforts, educators are not only teaching children about disasters but also empowering them to take an active role in their own safety and the safety of their communities.
Key Takeaways
| aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Focus on Empathy | Encouraging students to consider the feelings of disaster victims. |
| Interactive Methods | Using tools like “Crossroads” to simulate decision-making during disasters. |
| Collaborative Learning| Teachers sharing ideas and strategies to improve disaster education. |
| Daily Gratitude | Teaching children to appreciate safety and stability as a foundation for preparedness.|
By integrating these approaches, educators are ensuring that the next generation is not only informed but also emotionally prepared to face the challenges of natural disasters.
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What are your thoughts on using empathy to teach disaster preparedness? Share your insights in the comments below!
Genki-kun’s Dream: A Lesson in Empathy and Resilience
In a quiet classroom,sixth-grade students sat in solemn silence as their teacher,Mr. Maeda, guided them through a poignant lesson using a teaching material titled “Genki-kun’s Dream.” This story, based on the real-life experiences of Mr. Hasegawa, a survivor of a devastating earthquake, was brought to life through vivid illustrations and heartfelt narratives. The lesson aimed to help students understand the emotional weight of disaster and the importance of empathy, even for those who had not directly experienced such tragedies.
The Story of Genki-kun
The story begins with Genki-kun, a young boy, desperately calling out for his mother and younger brother, Shoto, after a catastrophic earthquake. “Mom! Shoto!” he shouted until his voice grew hoarse, but there was no response.his father took Genki-kun and his brother Youhei to a park, where they sat on a bench, waiting anxiously for their father to return after he left to search for their missing family members.
As the hours passed, Genki-kun’s anxiety grew.The children in Mr. Maeda’s class were asked to imagine what Genki-kun might have been thinking during this harrowing wait.
“I was thinking, ‘Are mom and Shoto okay?’” one student shared.
Another added, “I hope your mother and Shoto are alive.”
A third student reflected, “I want to eat meals with my family again and live a happy life.”
These heartfelt responses highlighted the students’ ability to empathize with Genki-kun’s plight, even though they had not experienced such a disaster themselves.
Teaching Empathy Through Storytelling
Mr. Maeda’s decision to use “Genki-kun’s Dream” as a teaching tool was inspired by his realization that empathy could be fostered through storytelling, even among those who had not directly experienced a tragedy. During a training session, he had heard from fellow teachers who struggled to discuss the earthquake with their students.
One teacher admitted, “I was living in Hyogo Prefecture at the time, but the damage was not that great, so I can’t talk about it in depth.” Another confessed, “I didn’t lose anyone important to me, so I wondered if it was okay to talk about the disaster.”
These reflections underscored the challenge of conveying the gravity of such events to younger generations. However, Mr.Maeda believed that by encouraging students to “know and think about what happened at that time,” rather than simply focusing on whether they had experienced it, they could develop a deeper understanding and connection to the past.
A Classroom Transformed
As Mr. Maeda led the discussion, the children’s faces grew serious. They listened intently, imagining themselves in Genki-kun’s shoes. The room was filled with a palpable sense of empathy and reflection.
Mr. Hasegawa, the survivor whose experiences inspired the story, addressed the class. His presence added a layer of authenticity to the lesson, allowing the students to connect the narrative to a real person who had lived through the tragedy.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Teaching Tool | “Genki-kun’s Dream” – A story based on Mr. Hasegawa’s earthquake experience. |
| Objective | Foster empathy and understanding among students who did not experience the disaster. |
| Student Reflections | “Are mom and Shoto okay?” “I hope your mother and Shoto are alive.” |
| Teacher Insights | Importance of encouraging students to “know and think about what happened.” |
Why This Matters
In a world where natural disasters and crises continue to affect communities, teaching empathy and resilience is more important than ever. By using stories like “Genki-kun’s Dream,” educators can help students develop a deeper understanding of the human experience, fostering compassion and a sense of shared responsibility.
As Mr. Maeda concluded the lesson,the students left the classroom with more than just a story—they carried with them a newfound gratitude for the strength of the human spirit and the importance of standing together in times of adversity.
What lessons can we learn from Genki-kun’s story? How can we better prepare future generations to face challenges with empathy and resilience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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for more stories on education and disaster preparedness,visit NHK News.
Remembering the Past, Shaping the Future: A Reflection on the 30th Anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake
On the morning of january 17, 2025, a solemn gathering took place at Higashi yuenchi Park in Kobe, Japan, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the great Hanshin Earthquake. Despite the biting cold and occasional snowfall,a steady stream of people came to pay their respects,their prayers lingering into the night. The event was a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of the disaster, which claimed over 6,400 lives and left an indelible mark on the nation’s collective memory.
The memorial was not just a time for reflection but also an opportunity to hear from those who lived through the tragedy. Among them was Genki Hasegawa, whose words resonated deeply with attendees.“It is often said that 30 years is a turning point,” Hasegawa shared, “but for those involved, there is no turning point. even after 30 years, the sadness will not fade. I think we must continue to convey the message.”
Hasegawa’s sentiments were echoed by Yuto Maeda, a teacher who has dedicated himself to educating the younger generation about the disaster.Maeda, who did not experience the earthquake firsthand, admitted to feeling uncertain about how to connect with survivors’ emotions. “I haven’t experienced the earthquake myself, so there are a lot of things I don’t understand and worry about,” he said. “But I felt that if I increase my knowledge, there is a lot that I can pass on to children.”
Maeda’s approach to teaching emphasizes the importance of listening to survivors and fostering empathy among students. “I think it was good that the children thought carefully about Genki-kun’s feelings,” he reflected. “This time, I was able to ask Professor Hasegawa about his experiences at the time, but I also realized once again that it is important to ask people what they have done.”
The memorial also highlighted the role of storytelling in preserving history. As one reporter noted, “I wonder if I, who don’t know directly what happened at that time, can empathize with the thoughts of those who experienced the disaster.” This concern underscores the challenge of bridging the gap between generations,ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten.
through interviews and personal accounts, the event revealed the resilience of the human spirit.Survivors like Hasegawa and educators like Maeda are working tirelessly to ensure that the memory of the earthquake lives on, not as a source of sorrow but as a catalyst for change.
Key Takeaways from the 30th anniversary Memorial
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Date | January 17, 2025 |
| Location | Higashi Yuenchi Park, Kobe |
| Key Speaker | genki Hasegawa |
| Key Message | “Even after 30 years, the sadness will not fade. We must continue to convey the message.” |
| Educational Focus | Yuto Maeda’s efforts to teach children about the disaster |
| Challenges | bridging the generational gap and fostering empathy |
As the sun set on Higashi Yuenchi Park, the flickering candles and quiet prayers served as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Great Hanshin Earthquake.the event was not just a memorial but a call to action—a reminder that the lessons of the past must guide us as we build a safer,more compassionate future.
For more information on the Great Hanshin Earthquake and its impact, visit 250123163601231647290203.jpg”>Coco Shimada, an announcer at Osaka Broadcasting Station, discovered, listening to these stories can be a powerful act of empathy and solidarity.
Shimada, who joined the station in 2020 and currently hosts “Hotto Kansai,” recently had her first opportunity to speak with individuals directly affected by a disaster. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “Even those of us who have not experienced the disaster can still do something.” This sentiment underscores the importance of understanding and connecting with survivors, even when we haven’t lived through their pain.
The act of listening, Shimada emphasized, is not passive. It requires active engagement and a willingness to step into someone else’s shoes. “I listened to their feelings and thought about ‘what they would do themselves,’” she said. This approach not only fosters empathy but also highlights the resilience of those who have endured unimaginable hardship.For Shimada, this experience was transformative.“As a reporter, I would like to continue to convey the importance of listening to stories from people who experienced the earthquake, learning about what happened at the time, and making efforts to sympathize with their feelings,” she stated. Her commitment to amplifying these voices serves as a reminder that storytelling is a vital tool in disaster recovery, helping communities heal and rebuild.
Why Listening Matters
Listening to survivors’ stories does more than just document events—it humanizes them. It allows us to connect on a deeper level, fostering a sense of shared humanity.Shimada’s experience illustrates how even small acts of empathy can have a profound impact, bridging the gap between those who have experienced disaster and those who haven’t.
Key Takeaways from Shimada’s Experience
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| role of Empathy | Listening fosters understanding and solidarity, even without shared experiences. |
| Impact of Storytelling| Survivors’ stories humanize disasters and aid in community healing.|
| Reporter’s Responsibility | Journalists play a crucial role in amplifying survivors’ voices. |
shimada’s reflections remind us that empathy is not just a feeling—it’s an action. By listening to and sharing the stories of those affected by disasters, we can contribute to a more compassionate and connected world.
As we navigate an era marked by increasing natural disasters, Shimada’s message is a call to action: “Even those of us who have not experienced the disaster can still do something.” Whether through storytelling, volunteering, or simply lending an ear, we all have the power to make a difference.
For more insights into the latest earthquake news and recovery efforts, visit Sky News or explore updates from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center.
