New Sendai City Employees Learn About Disaster Memory and Regional Hopes

Sendai City conducts a program called 'Shisei Tanken' (Municipal Exploration) as part of its training for new employees, visiting city facilities and locations deeply connected to municipal administration to deepen their learning on-site.

In April of the 8th year of Reiwa (2026), the 'Shisei Tanken' visited the disaster heritage sites 'Nakano Densho no Oka' and 'Gamo Nakano Kyoshukan' in the Gamo district of Miyagino Ward.

With the cooperation of groups such as the Nakano Densho no Oka Preservation Society and Mori no Miyako Biomass Energy LLC, employees had the opportunity to directly encounter memories of the Great East Japan Earthquake, regional history, and the wishes of those who lived there, prompting them to reflect on their role as administrative officials.

## About Nakano Densho no Oka and Gamo Nakano Kyoshukan

### Nakano Densho no Oka
'Nakano Densho no Oka' is a regional monument built within Nishihara Park in Miyagino Ward, Sendai, to mourn those who perished in the Great East Japan Earthquake in the Gamo Nakano area, and to pass down regional history and daily life to future generations. Built on the former site of Nakano Elementary School—once a hub of the community—it is now maintained and protected by the Nakano Densho no Oka Preservation Society, organized by local residents.

The adjacent Nishihara Park multi-purpose plaza features large playground equipment and a lawn area, serving as an open, relaxing space for the community where children's laughter echoes.

### Gamo Nakano Kyoshukan
Opened in March of the 6th year of Reiwa (2024), this facility was created to convey the 'regional life and memories' lost due to mass relocation after the Gamo Nakano area was designated as a disaster hazard zone.

It is unique in that it is not a city-owned facility, but rather located on the grounds of the Mori no Miyako Biomass Power Plant, making it a very rare type of disaster heritage site. It serves as a place that comprehensively introduces everything from the region's past to its present appearance and its 'future role' in this location.

Another major feature of the facility is its collaborative planning and operation by a tripartite public-private partnership: Mori no Miyako Biomass Energy, the Nakano Densho no Oka Preservation Society, and Miyagino Ward. This operational structure, where the three parties have shared opinions since the exhibition planning stage and worked in close coordination under an agreement, is a success story for the sustainability of disaster heritage facilities.

## The Training Day

During the training, new employees heard from Mr. Masao Shimoyama, Chairman of the Nakano Densho no Oka Preservation Society and Director of the Gamo Nakano Kyoshukan. He shared his lived experiences—including the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and his expectations for the city employees who will lead the future—to which the new recruits listened intently.

At the Gamo Nakano Kyoshukan, the new employees received explanations from Mr. Oyamada and Mr. Kaden from the facility's exhibition production and operation team about the facility's origins and exhibition highlights. While touring the facility, they also posed questions to members of the Nakano Densho no Oka Preservation Society present, deepening their understanding of the thoughts and background behind the exhibitions.

Mr. Toshiyuki Yamaki, another member of the operation team, gave the new employees a message that left a lasting impression: 'Sendai is the only ordinance-designated city and prefectural capital to have suffered large-scale tsunami damage. That is exactly why I want you, as Sendai City and as administrative officials, to think about what you can do.'

A new employee who participated in the training noted: 'I learned that this facility was built based on the thoughts and feelings of the disaster victims. I want to work hard and do my best to help protect and preserve the region as a city official.'

Directly experiencing not only the history of the region but also real-world examples of community building involving various entities was a valuable opportunity for new employees to cultivate essential perspectives for their future work as city officials.

## Initiatives to Connect Regional Hopes to the Future

In the Gamo Nakano district, various initiatives are carried out by local residents and stakeholders, including special exhibitions at the Gamo Nakano Kyoshukan, events aimed at creating playgrounds for children, and candle memorial services.

Event information is also released on the official website of the Sendai Seaside Area, 'Sendai Kaihin Area Navi Gurutto, Uminote.' Please visit and feel the history and future of the region.

## Facility Overview

### Nakano Densho no Oka
- Location: 5-30 Gamo, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi
- Parking: Available
- Website: https://gurutto-uminote.com/spot/なかの伝承の丘

### Gamo Nakano Kyoshukan
- Location: 4-1-1 Gamo, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi (1st floor, Mori no Miyako Biomass Power Plant Management Building)
- Admission: Free
- Opening Hours: 10:00 - 16:00
- Closed: Every Monday (or the following day if a holiday), day after a holiday (except for weekends/holidays), year-end/New Year holidays, and temporary closures.
- Parking: Not available