Shimojyuku Permanent Resident Promotion Housing (Earthquake Relic)

Overview

The Shimojyuku Permanent Resident Promotion Housing was a municipal housing complex in Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture, that suffered significant damage from the tsunami of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The tsunami reached a height of 14.5 meters, completely submerging the building up to the fourth floor. The extent of the building's damage powerfully illustrates the force of the tsunami. Preserved as an earthquake relic, it is now open to the public. Visitors can witness firsthand the height the tsunami reached and the water level, experiencing the horrifying reality of the disaster. Seeing this relic can also serve as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the preciousness of life. Nearby is the Takata Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park, built on the site of the devastated Takata Matsubara pine grove. Visiting both sites allows for a deeper understanding of the earthquake and tsunami, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past and using these lessons for the future. While the Shimojyuku Permanent Resident Promotion Housing is certainly not a joyful place, it is worthwhile visiting to help ensure the lessons of this disaster are remembered and utilized for a safer future.