Matsunoya

In the Iriya district, Matsunoya, a “farmer & fisherman’s” restaurant, opened for business. Ms. Mieko Matsuno, who manages the restaurant, was hospitalized in Shizugawa Hospital with terminal cancer on the day of the disaster. She barely escaped with her life by climbing to the roof of the hospital. After the tsunami had receded, she walked to her house in a mountainous area, and found that no less than 28 people had taken refuge there. Since that day, she has provided evacuees with hot meal service day after day. Her life revived miraculously.

“Matsunoya” was built on land formerly used to cultivate rice which she had spent many years protecting as the wife of a farmer. “We could have offered the land to a relative who wanted to build a house here. Looking back, I’m very glad that I decided to keep the rice fields as they were,” she reflects.

Many people were greatly impressed by her way of life. Some offered their support, such as those who helped prepare the land for building, a master builder who supplied quality building materials, and those who contributed tableware. Mieko cannot help but think that her hard work was closely linked to the generous support of numerous people, allowing her to be the success that she is today.

A young woman who was undergoing anticancer drug treatment came to the restaurant accompanied by her husband the other day. When leaving, she spoke to Mieko. “Although I almost lost my will to live, I learned that keeping a smile on your face is essential for living.” She returned home with a smile on her face.

With a warm smile on her face, Mieko lives each day to the fullest.