Guida
The Kesennuma City Great East Japan Earthquake Memorial and Transmission Center is a facility located in Kamise, Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, dedicated to preserving the memories of the 2011 disaster. The center utilizes the former building of the Miyagi Prefectural Kesennuma Koyo High School as a permanent memorial site. By preserving the actual structural damage caused by the earthquake and tsunami, the facility allows visitors to visually witness the sheer power of natural disasters. The primary mission is to ensure that the memories and lessons of the disaster are passed down to future generations.
This facility was established to serve as a 'visible witness' to the tragedy. The preserved school building stands as a testament to the devastation faced by the community, serving as a vital hub for learning how to coexist with and prepare for natural disasters. It is not merely an exhibition space, but a crucial site for teaching the lessons of the past to inform future disaster prevention planning and individual preparedness.
The center features several areas designed to connect visitors with the history of the disaster. In Exhibition Rooms A and B, detailed panels and photographs illustrate the extent of the earthquake and tsunami damage, the progress of rescue operations, the conditions in evacuation centers, and the journey toward reconstruction. The video theater offers a moving experience through footage that conveys the emotions and experiences of those affected. Furthermore, the preserved school building itself is open to the public, allowing you to see the structural scars and damage up close.
The facility is open year-round, but closing times vary by season. From April to September, it is open until 17:00 (last entry at 16:00). From October to March, it closes at 16:00 (last entry at 15:00). We recommend allowing 60 to 90 minutes for your visit to fully experience the exhibitions, video theater, and the memorial building.
Beyond simple observation, the center offers programs for deeper learning. These include guided tours by professional 'storytellers' (narrators), disaster prevention seminars, and workshops for reflection. Please note that these specialized programs require advanced reservations.
The facility is located in the coastal area of Kesennuma City. The surrounding landscape shows the ongoing progress of reconstruction, allowing visitors to see the resilience of the community alongside the lessons of the past. To reach the center, you can take a taxi from JR Rikuzen-Kageura Station or use a highway bus to the 'Kageura Kominkan-mae' stop and walk from there.
Visitors can use their smartphones to access multilingual explanations in English, Chinese, Korean, and Indonesian. Photography of the memorial site (the old school building) is permitted. The facility is non-smoking throughout. While eating and drinking are allowed in the entrance and rental spaces, please maintain proper etiquette in the exhibition areas. Free lockers and wheelchairs are available for use.