Thoughts I want to gift to children who do not know the earthquake disaster
What kind of gift is truly unforgettable?
For me, it is the character "Puni Puni-kun" and the picture book born from my 10 years of experience in the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Puni Puni-kun was born based on the private-led reconstruction process I researched for my doctoral thesis, specifically the case of the "Yuriage Port Morning Market" in Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture. Reconstruction is supported not only by systems but by the proactive activities of people. The role of planners shifted from "creators" to "connectors," and the presence of those who listened to local voices and bridged the gap between systems and the field was a crucial key.
However, 14 years have passed since the earthquake. Now in 2025, many children have no memory of that day. As disasters are becoming something that happens to others, how can we pass on the lessons learned?
That is why I chose a picture book.
I realized this through reading to my 5-year-old son. Picture books soak into the subconscious of children, and adults and grandparents can enjoy them together as well. It is a medium that connects all generations. By reading them repeatedly, understanding deepens intuitively.
Puni Puni-kun is a soft and free-spirited character. Instead of directly depicting the pain of the earthquake, I deliver a spark of hope through a story about reviving a "lively market" in a fantasy world. I created the character from keywords found in the complex content of my thesis and expressed it with cute illustrations and gentle words.
This is my gift.
You can view the actual picture book from the link below.
If you are interested in Puni Puni-kun, please also check this version for children,
I hope that instead of forcing memories of the disaster onto children who do not know it, we can help them cultivate the heart to "prepare for emergencies" and "cheer someone up" while having fun.
I named this project "P.U.N.I."
Place to Understand, Nurture & Imagine
It is a place to understand the earthquake, nurture connections, and imagine the future.
May Puni Puni-kun become a bridge for parents and children to pass on stories. I would like to deliver this unforgettable gift to your hands as well.
Merry Christmas
