In addition to the human loss and ecological impact, 1,150 of Ofunato’s 1,786 small businesses were damaged or washed away by the tsunami.
The JTI Foundation, working with Peace Winds Japan, helped struggling shop owners to get back into business.

The city of Ofunato in Iwate prefecture was hit particularly hard by the March 11, 2011 disaster. Alongside the human losses, the devastation to infrastructure, and the environmental impact, small businesses took suffered.

In the aftermath of the tsunami, more than 60% of small shops went out of business. While some managed to reopen with private funds, around 200 less fortunate shop owners were left struggling to get back into business.

Local authorities and the Ofunato Chamber of Commerce helped 116 entrepreneurs in seven new shopping areas to get back on their feet. JTI Foundation partner Peace Winds Japan (PWJ), helped shop owners by providing the funds needed to create infrastructure to facilitate access to and around their shops. In addition, further support was given to 59 shopkeepers in need of extra assistance – allowing them to purchase essential shop equipment and fixtures ahead of reopening.

As the business of local retailers and their suppliers picked up, this program provided a much-needed boost to the revitalization of the local economy and wider community benefitting 46,000 residents and numerous visitors to the area.

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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Do you have a project in mind?

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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