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