[Testimony] Mr. Hiroyuki Kumagai, Director of Fish Market, Kesennuma Fisheries Cooperative Association

Mr. Hiroyuki Kumagai, Director of Fish Market, Kesennuma Fisheries Cooperative Association

All the people involved in the fishing industry were victims of the tsunami and the fire. 70 percent of the citizens make their living in the fishing industry. Fortunately, only the buildings of the fish market remained, so I think it become a symbol of the rebuilding and reconstructing the industry and our community.
There was nothing for the restoration including the materials, but all of the people in the industry worked hard and made every effort to recover from the bonito fishery season started in June. It was a key industry in the region, so I said, "Let's just give it a try anyway", I was pushing co-workers to move forward and then we went our own way without thinking about money. Immediately after the earthquake, fishing was resumed, but it was only about a third of our normal sales. It was impossible to store and process the full quantity of fish because the related facilities were not reconstructed. We also could not process and distribute them until the port was fully recovered.
We had a close relationship with World Vision Japan which which helped us with the sale of goods to raise the money for the victims, but I've never imagined that we could receive a large amount of donation from this organization. Therefore, we were able to recover with the support right on schedule. It was a very helpful for us. When donors came here to see the ultra-low-temperature cryopreservation refrigerator and an ice-making plant that we purchased with the contribution, I realized that we are able to be here because of their support from overseas. We have to develop more our industry and strive to thank the donors one day. I really mean it.