On the 6th, four years after the heavy rains in western Japan, a memorial service for the victims was held in Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, which was severely damaged.
The heavy rains in western Japan four years ago killed 95 people in Okayama prefecture, including disaster-related deaths, and three are still missing.
Of these, a memorial service for Kurashiki City, which killed 75 people, was held in Mabi-cho, where the damage was concentrated, and about 60 people, including representatives of the bereaved families and residents, attended.
At the ceremony, after the names of the victims were read aloud, everyone offered a silent prayer, and Mayor Ito of Kurashiki City stated that "the progress of reconstruction is steadily progressing." He showed his intention to work on creating a strong community.
Next, Yorio Hiramatsu (69), who lost his 87-year-old mother on behalf of the bereaved family, said, "Last year, I got a qualification as a disaster prevention officer based on my painful experience. I want to go. "
After that, the participants offered flowers one by one in front of the altar and quietly joined hands.
The bereaved family who attended the memorial service "There is nothing but sadness"
Minoru Oto (88), who attended the memorial service, lost his wife in the disaster in Okada, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki-shi.
Mr. Oto said, "I've been with her wife for over 50 years. I'm sad. It's a regret that her wife left behind saying,'She wasn't a good life.'"
In addition, Ms. Shiko Matsuo (81), who lives in Tsujita, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki, lost her best friend and her husband, who had been with her for more than 10 years, when her automobile-related factory was damaged.
Mr. Matsuo said, "I was a really good friend because he thought about me when I was in trouble and took me to a study session in the town. Even though I lived nearby, I helped. It's always hard to think that I couldn't do it. I'm sorry I couldn't help, so I'll join hands. "
The bereaved family who attended the memorial service "I want to meet each other every year."
Kazuko Nishi (77), who attended the memorial service, suffered a disaster in the Kawabe district of Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, and her husband Takahiro died four months later in a disaster-related death.
Mr. Nishi said, "I was thinking of attending the ceremony last time, but she attended because of her feelings for her husband. Year after year, I'm looking forward to seeing her." rice field.
She said, "I've been running for the last four years and I've finally settled down, but I'm mentally tired because there aren't any people living alone to talk to. There are many people around me who get sick." I was talking.