The context of this project is not just post-disaster economic revitalization, but a more general imperative to develop new and ultimately self-sustaining business opportunities taking advantage of the natural advantages of the Tohoku region.

This program was implemented in response to the Japan earthquake and tsunami that hit the northeastern Tohoku region on March 11, 2011.

Based at a picturesque location in Moune, near the town of Kesennuma, this initiative recognized the need not just to restore what was lost to the tsunami, but also to identify and develop self-sustaining business opportunities that provide for the longer-term regeneration of Tohoku.

Implemented by Peace Winds Japan, and its partner Peace Nature Lab, this program invested into the Tohoku region, already popular with tourists (some 2.6 million visits annually) – for example, to develop visitor centers that capitalize on the abundant agricultural and fishing resources of the area. In its initial phases, PWJ developed a café, a food-processing facility and kitchen, and finally a restaurant, on a bay near the town of Kesennuma.

The combined facilities will process and retail locally sourced agricultural and fish/seafood products. By combining these activities in a single location, maximum economic benefit is retained in the local community, and will provide employment opportunities.

Key numbers

OVER 20 YEARS OF INVESTMENT IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES

45

Countries where we have supported our partners’ work in response to a growing range of threats to life and livelihood

50

Million USD invested since 2001 to help communities better prepare for – and recover from – natural and man-made disasters

100

Projects addressing a broad range of challenges, including mine-clearance, emergency shelter, resilient housing solutions and capacity building

Other projects

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The JTI Foundation works with some of the most renowned organizations in the fields of disaster risk management and disaster response. If you think you have a project that meets our criteria, please use this link to complete an application.

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Preparedness

We support measures that increase the preparedness of communities threatened by natural disasters. We assist in project design and implementation and promote risk awareness and community collaboration.

Response

We invest in partnerships that allow us to provide rapid and effective support to victims in the immediate aftermath of disasters, including droughts, earthquakes, floods, famines and armed conflicts.

Resilience

We promote projects that help communities recover from the impact of disasters and strengthen their resilience – rebuilding lives and livelihoods as quickly and sustainably as possible.

About us

Established in 2001, the JTI Foundation is a charitable organization registered under Swiss law and financially endowed by JT International SA.

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