What is the Kesen region?
About KESEN
It consists of Ofunato and Rikuzentakata, and Sumita in Iwate Prefecture of Japan. The villages facing the Pacific Ocean have an elongated mild climate, and are graced with the Japan Current. They have suffered many tragedies because of tsunami, but have successfully revived each time due to their strong willingness to survive. The Kesen region is blessed with an abundance of forest and fishery resources.
We are grateful for all of the support and encouragement we have received from all over the world in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.
We continue to move forward in our reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, but in order to truly rebuild, it is important to learn about the local history and culture, and then pass that on to the future. That’s why we have compiled this blog showcasing the Kesen region of Iwate Prefecture as an attractive tourist destination.
What is this blog about?
Meet the Bloggers
Amanda
International Communications Officer, Iwate Prefecture
In Iwate since 2009, Amanda is just about used to the cold Iwate winters. She likes spending her free time knitting (again, cold winters) and sampling craft beer from the region.
Mark
International Education Manager, Sumita Town Hall
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Mark has been living in Sumita, Iwate since 1999 and enjoys being surrounded by Sumita's abundant natural beauty. When not at work he spends his free time spending time with his family and enjoys cooking, singing a-cappella music and soaking in some of Iwate's many fabulous onsen.
Dylan
Coordinator of International Relations (CIR),City of Rikuzentakata
Dylan is a Germany-born American who's never lived anywhere longer than three years, so instead of having one hometown he has about a dozen. He just arrived in Rikuzentakata, and in between discovering and exploring Tokoku and the Kesen region, he enjoys cooking, reading, and playing tennis.
Yas
Staff, Iwate Prefecture
Iwate native wanderer. Yas believes, “Everything happens for a reason.” A huge football fan (AC Milan in the 90s rocks!) who loves to play pool and spend time in bookstores. He also believes that his second home is Sacramento, California U.S.A. (having lived seven years there. Go Kings!)
Jennifer
Coordinator of International Relations (CIR), Iwate Prefecture
A Guam native from Seattle, WA (USA) who is passionate about learning Japanese culture. She enjoys drawing, painting, and watching Netflix on her free time.