TOHOKU, Japan » Sponsored by the Japan-America Society of Hawaii, the Rainbow for Japan Kids program is aiding Japan’s recovery by bringing children from disaster zones to Hawaii for relief.

"We hope the affected children will experience the spirit of aloha of these islands, and return to Japan enlightened by the experience with new hope to create a better future for themselves and their community," said JASH President Ed Hawkins, who wants to bring 150 Japanese children to Hawaii over the next two years. JASH’s partners in the program include Japan Airlines, First Hawaiian Bank and Studio Rim Hawaii.

During the educational portion of the program, the children get opportunities to interact with Hawaii children. Some of the children also meet with grief counselors from the nonprofit Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, which has since formed the Kid’s Heart Project to offer continued grief and trauma recovery services to children in Japan.

"You can rebuild a house, but you can’t put a broken heart back together and have it look the same," said Cynthia White, executive director of Kids Hurt Too Hawaii.

While some may think that people are recovering along with Japan’s infrastructure and economy, grief and trauma often grow worse over time, said Hiro Ito, program director of Kids Hurt Too Hawaii. "In the aftermath, many were just trying to survive," he said. "Their emotional needs are greater now." 

Back in Sendai, Japan, a tentative smile darts across the mostly stoic face of Shoto Onome, a 12-year-old from Shichigahama Town, as he speaks about his experience with Rainbow for Japan Kids. The boy visited Hawaii in March.

"Many people have lost so much. I don’t want them to feel too depressed. I want them to cheer up and help each other so that we can all rebuild," Shoto said during a recent interview at the Bikki Organization Miyagi, which recruits child survivors to go to Hawaii as part of the Rainbow for Japan Kids program.

Masami Kanaya, executive director of Bikki Organization Miyagi, said that while damage varies, all of Japan’s children have suffered.

"Government statistics show that one-fourth of the houses in (Miyagi) were either fully or half destroyed. And, even if the houses were safe, cars may have washed away or relatives or acquaintances are dead," she said.

But children who live farther north or inland also show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, Kanaya said.

"I want people to understand that the damage was all over," she said. "All children need to know that they are not forgotten."

Thirteen-year-old Suzura Osawa, whose grandparents lost their home to the tsunami, visited Hawaii last summer as part of the program. "I met a lot of people in Hawaii and I realized that they really care for us and are watching out for us. I felt that I really have to pay them back in the long run," Suzura said.

While Japan’s children have lost a lot, they have learned much, said Kuniko Hashimoto, 41, whose daughter Haruka visited Hawaii in March.

"I learned that there are actually no borders and that people from different places can unite," said 14-year-old Haruka, who still grieves the death of three friends, including a tennis partner.

Since returning to Higashi-Ma-tsu­shima, Haruka said she has become a school leader and has focused on making life count. "All of the tennis club members are trying harder and harder in our practice," she said. "We want to win for our classmates."

Shoto said he has changed, too.

"I have become more cheerful," he said. "I really shout out words during my club activities and participate in my class now. I didn’t used to do these things. Now, I’ve made it a priority to get to know all 100 students in my grade."