Around 1,300 individuals took part in the Tour de Tohoku 2024 on Sunday, cycling through the tsunami-strike-southern-japan/” title=”7.1 Earthquake And Small Tsunami Strike Southern Japan”>coastal areas of northeastern Japan that were devastated by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The event aims to support reconstruction efforts in these affected regions, with participants focusing on completing the race rather than competing for time or rankings.
Before starting their journey at Ishinomaki Senshu University, participants observed a moment of silence to honor the victims of the disaster. Despite occasional rain, cyclists enjoyed riding through three different courses spanning 65, 100, and 180 kilometers. Along the way, they marveled at the beautiful scenery of the ria coast and mountains. During rest stops, some participants had a chance to savor local delicacies.
At Okawa Elementary School, which was tragically struck by the tsunami resulting in the loss of 84 children and teachers’ lives, some cyclists paused their ride to offer quiet prayers with hands clasped together.
Haruhisa Kawaragi from Hachinohe city in Aomori Prefecture expressed his enjoyment despite unfavorable weather conditions: “The ups and downs were fun. I want to participate again next year.” Another participant from Yokohama shared how he has witnessed significant changes over time: “There was nothing at first but now there is aquaculture; it’s a completely different ocean view.”
Since its inception in 2013 as a sponsored event by regional newspaper publisher Kahoku Shimpo Publishing Co., Tour de Tohoku has been organized annually with support from Yahoo Japan Corp. However, this year’s edition was co-sponsored by Kahoku Shimpo and an organization established to enhance cooperation with local governments involved in reconstruction efforts.
