15 Years Since the Great East Japan Earthquake: A Mobile Library That Supported Otsuchi Town Heads to South Africa—A 'Relay of Learning' Continues Across the Sea

'Nakayoshi Kyowakoku' Mobile Library Moves from Otsuchi to South Africa

SAPESI-Japan, an NPO dedicated to supporting primary education in South Africa, announced that the 'Nakayoshi Kyowakoku' mobile library, which supported post-disaster recovery in Otsuchi town, Iwate Prefecture, is now actively serving as a key mobile library in Gauteng Province, South Africa.

A Relay of Goodwill from Disaster Recovery to South Africa

Otsuchi town suffered massive damage during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. In February 2012, the National Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan donated the 'Nakayoshi Kyowakoku' mobile library, which became a vital place for residents to gather and learn during the recovery period. Although the Otsuchi Municipal Library was rebuilt in June 2018, the vehicle continued to support the community for some time.

In 2022, as part of our educational support project, the vehicle—still in excellent condition—was donated to South Africa. It is currently based at the Gauteng Department of Education library, where it not only lends books but also conducts storytelling sessions for many local children.

Otsuchi Children's Vision Keeps Running

While donated vehicles are typically repainted for South African specifications, local authorities made a special exception for 'Nakayoshi Kyowakoku' by preserving the illustrations drawn by children in Otsuchi on its body. The spirit that supported disaster recovery is now being passed on to children over 13,000km away.

Toshiyuki Suzuki, Secretary General of SAPESI-Japan, commented after visiting in March 2026: 'I was deeply moved to see the vehicle delivering new learning on the other side of the world.' SAPESI-Japan remains committed to continuing educational support activities that connect Japan and South Africa.