This is Mr. Yoshikawa, a life-time resident of Mashiki-machi, standing in front of his ruined house. He is both a victim and one of many people volunteering his expertise and labor to help with the recovery effort. Mr. Yoshikawa works in construction and therefore has access to a backhoe and ot her equipment, which he has been using to clear rubble away so that vehicles can get in.
He confirmed that the double punch of the two quakes has been especially devastating. He also said that he had been quite annoyed by various media personnel who had gotten in the way of his work. He expressed particular disdain for reporters who sat in taxis, which, like all four-wheel vehicles in the area, tend to exacerbate the congestion.
Mr. Yoshikawa was quite nice to me, however. He was kind enough to approach me on a short break in his work and ask me if I spoke Japanese. He then told me about his experiences and graciously showed me his home where he allowed me to take this picture.
We talked a little about volunteering, too. He said that he thought is was too early now – that most novices would be more likely to get in the way than to help. He said, though, that after about a week, lots of hands would be needed for the vast clean up job.s
Kirk Masden
Tags: Photography, media, volunteering