The Great Chuetsu Earthquake which struck Niigata Prefecture on October 23, 2004 is permanently engraved in the memories of most Japanese people today. Hardest hit was the small mountain village of Yamakoshi, located right above the quake’s epicentre. What has become of the villagers who suffered through this disaster seven years ago? This film enters the hearts and minds of the people of Yamakoshi as they pull together over four hard years to rebuild their village, their community, and their lives.
On March 11 of this year, Japan was hit by yet another earthquake. Larger than any other on record in the country, it precipitated devastation on an unprecedented scale. In light of this tragedy, Yamakoshi inspires hope for Japan, as well as other communities in Australia and abroad who are also battling to rebuild in the wake of recent natural disasters. |
