A remote fishing village that was destroyed by the tsunami that followed the March 11, 2011 earthquake has been given a unique new bus stop, thanks to ¥200,000 raised by the Summerhill International School community.
Requests made by the head of Ohara village on the Oshika peninsula were repeatedly turned down by the local government, citing lack of funds. The money was raised by the school, and a Saitama-based construction company created the luxurious bus “house,” dreamed up by an Ohara supporter.
Inside the bus shelter are two bright red double-seater sofas donated by IKEA, a bookshelf, plants, framed photographs of members of the Ohara community, as well as artwork created by the Summerhill students.
Outside is a terrace area, complete with table and chairs. The bus shelter has been built on land donated by an Ohara resident, who lost his wife, his home, and his business. To thank him for donating the land, his temporary storage building, where he keeps belongings salvaged from the debris, was painted bright blue with with red and white hearts.
In addition to the practical benefits in a remote area with a mostly elderly population, the bus stop has now become a popular tourist attraction.
