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南三陸町東日本大震災伝承館

Learning Programs

ラーニングプログラム

Click here for theater schedule

On that day, faced with a natural threat completely beyond human understanding, how did the people of Minamisanriku act? If you had been in their shoes, how would you have made decisions and taken action?

In the Learning Program, you will think about natural disasters from your own perspective. It is the main content of the MINAMISANRIKU 311 Memorial.
You will watch the firsthand accounts of town residents, think about what you would have done in the same situations, and discuss your thoughts with the people around you.

ラーニングシアター

Voices of Customers Who Experienced the Learning Program

20s, Hiroshima Prefecture
I unexpectedly came across a wonderful facility, and I'm glad I visited Minamisanriku. I will continue to support your facility and the development of Minamisanriku Town from Hiroshima. When I return home, I will recommend this facility to my friends. I will definitely visit again!
60s, Okayama Prefecture
As a junior high school teacher, I also conduct disaster prevention education, but hearing the experiences of those who actually went through it left me speechless. I believe it is crucial for many people to visit this facility and consider these matters as their own.
60s
Since 100% safety is never guaranteed, I was reminded of the importance of continuously thinking, questioning, and discussing disaster preparedness. I hope such programs can be implemented in various schools. It would be great if something like an outreach lecture could be conducted. Thank you very much.
40s, Canada
Thank you for playing the subtitled video. The English translation was excellent. I hope many international visitors will see it.
30s, Kanagawa Prefecture
There were many memorable words. I was also deeply touched by how seriously the staff spoke and listened during the learning program. I’m really glad I came today. Thank you.
20s, Akita Prefecture
I visited as part of my study to educate elementary school students in Akita about disasters in Japan. I wanted the children to see and hear the testimonies and footage of local people. I will pass on what I learned today to my students. Thank you.
Teens, Tokyo
During the explanation of the art piece, the phrase "rather than thinking of the 831 lives lost as a whole" made me realize that each person had an individual life. It made me think about how important it is not to forget that these people once lived, even if we don’t know their names.
40s, Saitama Prefecture
On March 11, I only saw the events on television, but after coming to the memorial and participating in the learning program, I was able to hear the voices of local residents, which was very educational. Since we never know when or where a natural disaster will occur, this experience became an opportunity to discuss it with my family. It was very valuable. Thank you.
40s, Hiroshima Prefecture
As a nursery school staff member, I believe this experience has greatly influenced our daily disaster preparedness training and awareness. I deeply respect those who established this facility. Although reconstruction is still ongoing, I sincerely support your efforts.
20s, Tokyo
Due to my profession, I may be involved in evacuations during emergencies. This experience made me realize how inadequate my assumptions were. Considering that I will likely encounter a major disaster at least once in my life, I want to think more about how I should act.

  • PROGRAM 1

    An Evacuation That Became Matter of Life or Death

    Regular Program

    Minamisanriku has suffered from repeated damage by tsunamis. In preparation for future tsunamis, the residents of Minamisanriku held regular community-wide evacuation drills based on predetermined disaster-prevention plans. Despite these efforts, however, many people lost their lives in the tsunami that far exceeded our estimation. The program will bring you new understandings and discoveries from the accounts of residents who were faced with life-and-death situations on that day, about the actions people took, as well as how they spent that frigid night when all communication with the outside world was cut off, along with discussions with other participants about the ultimate preparation that can be made to protect lives in natural disasters.
    Venue ： Learning Theater
    Duration ： About 60 minutes, including the time to see the paid exhibition area

    *This program will be conducted with the Disaster Prevention Mini-Book, which will be distributed to participants. Please bring the mini-book back home with you for everyday disaster-prevention practice at home.
    *Short programs, which are excerpts of the Regular Program for smaller topics, with a duration of about 30 minutes (including the time to see the paid exhibition area).For visitors who are short on time, we recommend checking the screening times of the short programs before your visit.

    chapter 1 " Evacuation;Life and Death "
    "Evacuate to higher ground" or "evacuate to the rooftop"? What were the two years of debate among teachers regarding the evacuation plan for elementary schools and the decisions made on March 11? We ponder what we should do to protect lives.
    chapter 2 " Protecting the Lives of Survivors "
    In the darkness of the conference room on the 5th floor of the public Shizugawa Hospital, and atop the rooftop chilled by the freezing cold of a funeral parlor, residents endured nights repeatedly besieged by tsunamis. Who provided encouragement to people in such extreme conditions? We contemplate what can be done amidst adversity.
    chapter 3 " Townspeople Helping Each Other "
    When the disaster struck, inland residents immediately initiated relief efforts. Amidst the disruption of lifelines, we ponder why such swift action was possible.

  • PROGRAM 2

    When the Time Comes, Will You Be Able to Protect Your Life?

    Regular Program

    During the Great East Japan Earthquake, many municipally designated evacuation sites were struck by the tsunami. When a natural disaster such as a tsunami occurs, you may be faced with situations you have never imagined before. Simply following evacuation plans and drills may not be enough to ensure survival. On that day, residents encountered unexpected situations where they were forced to make life-and-death decisions. From their firsthand accounts, you will learn that keeping yourselves safe is not as straightforward as it might seem in our minds. Through dialogue with the others, the program will invite you to seek the essence of what it means to save lives from a natural disaster, thinking in terms of your own community and environment.
    Venue ： Learning Theater
    Duration ： About 60 minutes, including the time to see the paid exhibition area

    *This program will be conducted with the Disaster Prevention Mini-Book, which will be distributed to participants. Please bring the mini-book back home with you for everyday disaster-prevention practice at home.
    *Short programs, which are excerpts of the Regular Program for smaller topics, with a duration of about 30 minutes (including the time to see the paid exhibition area).For visitors who are short on time, we recommend checking the screening times of the short programs before your visit.

    chapter 1 " Protecting Life "
    Natural disasters bring about unexpected circumstances. On that day when a tsunami struck the hilltop middle school designated as an evacuation site, what were the thoughts and actions of the students? We reflect on what we should always keep in mind to respond to unforeseen situations.
    chapter 2 " All the Hard Training Was for That Day "
    Why were local residents and middle school students able to rescue the firefighter who drifted at sea for over three hours? Should we venture into danger to rescue others? We discuss and contemplate about preparations to protect lives.

  • PROGRAM 3

    Reflecting on Life

    Since losing so much in the natural disaster, the people of Minamisanriku have been thinking deeply about “life”. This new program reminds us that thinking about life creates strength for tomorrow and the power of renewal. We learn that the sense of security of being in a shelter with others can sometimes dull our sense of danger. Through the testimonies of elementary school students and fishermen from that time, we listen to how they lived their lives after the disaster. By learning about the sadness of losing loved ones and the process of rising up from the depths of disappointment, we are made to think about what we should cherish in our daily lives, not only in times of disaster, but also in our daily lives.
    Venue ： Learning Theater
    Duration ： About 60 minutes, including the time to see the paid exhibition area

    *This program will be conducted with the Disaster Prevention Mini-Book, which will be distributed to participants. Please bring the mini-book back home with you for everyday disaster-prevention practice at home.