Why Moai Statues in Minamisanriku? New 'Tourism x Disaster Prevention' Walking Course with Storytellers Launched
Minamisanriku 311 Memorial has launched a new 60-minute walking program. Led by survivors (storytellers), participants visit disaster ruins and Moai statues while learning about the town's history and friendship with Chile.
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- 📰 Published: April 29, 2026 at 00:17
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Minamisanriku 311 Memorial has officially launched the 'Tourism x Disaster Prevention! Encountering Real Moai Statues Course,' an experiential program where visitors walk through the town with storytellers to learn about disaster memories, disaster prevention, and the history of exchange with the Republic of Chile.
This course is a approximately 60-minute walking program starting from Minamisanriku 311 Memorial, a disaster transmission facility, and visiting points such as the former Disaster Prevention Center, local shopping streets, and the Moai statues of Minamisanriku.
As a new experience that combines tourism and disaster prevention, where visitors can learn about the memories and lessons of the disaster while actually walking through the reconstructed town, the program is being offered to a wide range of visitors, including educational school trips and individual tourists.
### Background of the New Course Development
Minamisanriku 311 Memorial has been working to pass on the memories and lessons of the earthquake through exhibition viewings and lectures by storytellers. Meanwhile, many visitors have voiced a desire to learn about the disaster and reconstruction while walking through the town and hearing stories at the actual locations. In response to these needs, this course was developed as a new program that allows visitors to experience the events and the path to reconstruction firsthand.
### Why are there Moai Statues in Minamisanriku?
Minamisanriku is home to Moai statues installed as symbols of exchange with the Republic of Chile. This stems from the historical background of Minamisanriku suffering damage from the Chile Tsunami in the past, symbolizing friendship with Chile, which has also experienced tsunami disasters. After the Great East Japan Earthquake, Moai statues were re-installed as symbols of reconstruction and international exchange, and have now become popular tourist spots. In this course, visitors can learn about this unique background through the storyteller's guidance.
### Characteristics of the Course
1. Disaster Transmission Program with Storytellers: Learn about the events and lessons of the time by visiting actual locations with survivors' explanations.
2. Experiencing the Reconstructed Town: Feel the progress of reconstruction and community ties through the current state of shopping streets and local areas.
3. Experiential Program Merging Tourism and Learning: A new form of learning that allows visitors to enjoy the town as tourists while learning about disaster prevention and local history.
### Course Overview
- Program Name: Tourism x Disaster Prevention! Encountering Real Moai Statues Course
- Duration: Approx. 60 minutes
- Main Highlights: Minamisanriku 311 Memorial, Former Disaster Prevention Center, Shopping District Area, Minamisanriku Moai Statues
- Target Audience: Educational trips, groups, individual tourists
### Fees
- 5 or more people: 2,000 yen / person
- 3-4 people: 2,500 yen / person
- 2 people: 3,500 yen / person
- 1 person: 7,000 yen
*Preschoolers are free. Group discounts available for 10+ people.
### Booking Method
Reservations can be made through 'Minatabi,' the experience booking site of the Minamisanriku Town Tourism Association.
This course is a approximately 60-minute walking program starting from Minamisanriku 311 Memorial, a disaster transmission facility, and visiting points such as the former Disaster Prevention Center, local shopping streets, and the Moai statues of Minamisanriku.
As a new experience that combines tourism and disaster prevention, where visitors can learn about the memories and lessons of the disaster while actually walking through the reconstructed town, the program is being offered to a wide range of visitors, including educational school trips and individual tourists.
### Background of the New Course Development
Minamisanriku 311 Memorial has been working to pass on the memories and lessons of the earthquake through exhibition viewings and lectures by storytellers. Meanwhile, many visitors have voiced a desire to learn about the disaster and reconstruction while walking through the town and hearing stories at the actual locations. In response to these needs, this course was developed as a new program that allows visitors to experience the events and the path to reconstruction firsthand.
### Why are there Moai Statues in Minamisanriku?
Minamisanriku is home to Moai statues installed as symbols of exchange with the Republic of Chile. This stems from the historical background of Minamisanriku suffering damage from the Chile Tsunami in the past, symbolizing friendship with Chile, which has also experienced tsunami disasters. After the Great East Japan Earthquake, Moai statues were re-installed as symbols of reconstruction and international exchange, and have now become popular tourist spots. In this course, visitors can learn about this unique background through the storyteller's guidance.
### Characteristics of the Course
1. Disaster Transmission Program with Storytellers: Learn about the events and lessons of the time by visiting actual locations with survivors' explanations.
2. Experiencing the Reconstructed Town: Feel the progress of reconstruction and community ties through the current state of shopping streets and local areas.
3. Experiential Program Merging Tourism and Learning: A new form of learning that allows visitors to enjoy the town as tourists while learning about disaster prevention and local history.
### Course Overview
- Program Name: Tourism x Disaster Prevention! Encountering Real Moai Statues Course
- Duration: Approx. 60 minutes
- Main Highlights: Minamisanriku 311 Memorial, Former Disaster Prevention Center, Shopping District Area, Minamisanriku Moai Statues
- Target Audience: Educational trips, groups, individual tourists
### Fees
- 5 or more people: 2,000 yen / person
- 3-4 people: 2,500 yen / person
- 2 people: 3,500 yen / person
- 1 person: 7,000 yen
*Preschoolers are free. Group discounts available for 10+ people.
### Booking Method
Reservations can be made through 'Minatabi,' the experience booking site of the Minamisanriku Town Tourism Association.