Sompo Japans Volunteer Organization Held Puppet Show to Relieve Those Affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake
Summary
Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 (Public Holiday) Place: Morning Osanai Hall (Unosumai-cho, Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture) Afternoon Goyoryo Day Service Center, Aikeikai Social Welfare Corporation (Same as above) Background: Sompo Japan inquired the local government, NPOs, and others in Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture and found that the needs for psychological care were particularly high for people living in temporary accommodation facilities.In light of past experience with puppetry bringing joy to the areas affected by the Great Hanshin Earthquake, it was decided that the Puppet Show would be held for those living in temporary accommodation facilities in Kamaishi City.The morning performance was held as part of an event which targeted young children and their parents and guardians, hosted by the Unosumai District Livelihood Support Center in Kamaishi City.The unit performed two productions for this event – “Princess Kaguya,” staged by Noriyuki Sawa, an international puppetry writer based in Prague, and “The Story of a Goat,” co-produced by painter Emi Hiramatsu and Yumemi Trunk.In light of past experience with puppetry bringing joy to the areas affected by the Great Hanshin Earthquake, it was decided that the Puppet Show would be held for those living in temporary accommodation facilities in Kamaishi City.Description of Activities:Hoping to bring back smiles to those in the earthquake-affected areas through puppetry, Sompo Japan formed the “Sompo Japan’s Smiles Delivering Troupe!” consisting mainly of the company’s employees.