3.11 Great East Japan Earthquake Tono City Rear Support Archive

Overview and Appeal

The 3.11 Great East Japan Earthquake Tono City Rear Support Archive is a dedicated facility established to record and display the rear-support activities Tono City undertook for the coastal areas affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Originally opened as a temporary exhibition space in 2015, it was later converted into a permanent facility to ensure that the lessons learned from these support roles are passed down to future generations. Today, it serves as a comprehensive archive featuring disaster heritage, video footage, and information panels with English translations.

Historical and Cultural Context

During the Great East Japan Earthquake, Tono City became a central hub for both public and private sector support activities. This massive coordination effort drew significant attention from national governments, local municipalities, and research institutions as a leading model for disaster-relief-based support. To mark the 10th anniversary of the disaster, the facility underwent a renewal and expansion, transforming from a temporary display into a permanent museum. It now stands as a lasting testament to the history of human resilience and community cooperation.

Main Highlights

The museum houses a diverse range of materials that illustrate the situation during the disaster. Key exhibits include:

• Rear Support Activity Panels: Approximately 40 panels detailing the logistics and support processes, all featuring English translations.
• Disaster Headquarters Records: About 25 large-scale charts and documents used by the disaster response headquarters.
• Photo Panels: Roughly 50 photographic panels capturing the reality of the time.
• Newspaper Archives: Approximately 15 panels featuring news reports and headlines from the period.
• Heritage and Video Corner: A dedicated area where visitors can experience the history through archival footage and physical disaster-related artifacts.

Seasonal Information and Visiting Hours

The facility is open year-round with no seasonal restrictions. Visitors can explore the exhibits at their own pace during regular hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please note that because the facility is managed by the Disaster Prevention Center, it may close unexpectedly in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. We recommend visiting during daylight hours for a calm and focused viewing experience.

Experience and Learning

Through the various panels and videos, visitors can gain a deep understanding of the specific processes involved in rear-support operations and how the local community mobilized. The exhibits are designed not just as historical records, but as educational tools showing the vital role of local communities during a crisis. The facility also handles specialized publications, such as the "Tono City Rear Support Activity Verification Record."

Surrounding Area

The archive is located within the grounds of the Tono City General Disaster Prevention Center. This area is a hub for disaster-related facilities, making it an informative location for understanding regional-level disaster preparedness. As Tono is a region rich in folklore and traditional culture, you may wish to explore the surrounding historical landscapes after your visit to the museum.

Essential Information for Visitors

• Payment: Admission is free. However, if you wish to purchase any recorded publications or materials, please bring cash.
• Language Support: Exhibition panels include English translations for international visitors.
• Reservations: No advance booking is required; you may enter freely during opening hours.
• Clothing: Standard casual attire suitable for general sightseeing is perfectly fine.
• Photography: Please follow the local instructions regarding photography within the exhibits.
• Accessibility: The facility is a single-story structure and is designed with barrier-free accessibility in mind.