Tohoku Tomo

On March 11, 2011, while the rest of the world watched, much of the northern coast of Japan was washed away by a massive tsunami, triggered by a 9.0 earthquake.The tragedy was devastating to Tohoku, Japan, and the entire world. People lost loved ones, their homes, and even their way of life. Now, years later, while the world's attention may have moved on, the people of Japan are still struggling to pull their communities back together. In the months after the disaster, countless volunteers rallied from around the world and came to Japan's aid to help begin the long process of rebuilding. Whether by donating money, organizing events, or coming to volunteer, these individuals showed they truly care about Japan and about the people of Tohoku. This is their story. In March 2013, Wesley Julian launched and successfully funded a Kickstarter campaign to create Tohoku Tomo - a documentary film telling the story of true friendship and commitment to Japan's recovery by the international community following the Great East Japan Earthquake. Julian and a small team traveled across the United States and Japan to interview individuals who have made and continue to make a difference in Tohoku. Many of these people dropped what they were doing and dedicated themselves to Japan's recovery. Many of them even took it upon themselves to establish non-profit organizations aimed at connecting with and rebuilding Tohoku and its communities. At the core of all of these organizations are individuals. Many of these groups were founded by members of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET Program). What started as a love of Japan through teaching blossomed into a true friendship and commitment to the Tohoku region. These founders and many other volunteers have truly become friends of Tohoku. They are, in Japanese, Tohoku Tomo.