Fukushima Language Lessons
I recently had the opportunity to travel to Fukushima in the Tōhoku region of Japan. As a member of a delegation of volunteers from the Tokyo American Club, I taught English Language workshops at a local junior highschool school and to a collection of younger students and their parents at a community center. It was amazing! These students were incredible, and it was so wonderful to be able to participate in a form of outreach that brought joy and a whole lot of laughter to a group of children, and a couple of public officials too!
You see, these children have grown up in the shadow of a life altering event. Fourteen years ago today, on March 11, 2011, a 9.1-magnitude-undersea-megathrust earthquake struck off the coast of the Tōhoku region of Japan. It was the largest earthquake ever recorded in the country’s history--the fourth largest ever recorded in the world. It lasted for 6 minutes, but the devastation and damage from its intensity and the subsequent tsunami and nuclear disaster shook and shifted the trajectory of this beautiful area and greater Japan for years to come.
However, the resilience and fortitude of this community and the unwavering sense of duty for the common good so ingrained in the Japanese mindset steadied the course. And today in 2025, Fukushima is thriving and continues to grow. So it was no wonder that the children brought pride and humor to their introductory presentations about their favorite parts of Fukushima in English. I learned so much!
It never ceases to amaze me, the bravery and humility required to learn a new language. My Japanese, three years in, can get me home in a taxi but not much more. As an English Language Acquisition, or more commonly monikered ESL, teacher, I give witness to the unwavering determination of these students all the time. They are warriors. Learning a new language is hard and impressive, but learning in that new language is just something awe-some. I was so proud and privileged to spend time with these students in Fukushima, to learn about their home from them, and to share in the magic of cultural exchange. There is no doubt that these children are evidence of the region’s very bright future.
