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They have done and achieved so much in the past year. Cleaning and rebuilding in major areas has been phenomenal, truly, and it's safe to say that Japan is probably one of, if not the most self efficient, self disciplined societies on the planet. But unfortunately there is still a long way to go. The Tsunami of 3.11 generated over a 100 years worth of trash, in one day, ONE DAY! Cars, buses, boats, homes all turned into piles and piles of trash to sift through and separate. They have spent the last year trying to clean up and rebuild but living in those effected areas is still a constant reminder of what happened and what was lost. Since most people lost their homes they are living in temporary housing provided by the government. These homes are not much by any stretch of the imagination and are located about 20 miles outside of the disaster areas. In fact for most people the thought of revisiting their home town is too painful and many haven't been back since the tsunami.
We were given the opportunity to follow some small business around in the disaster areas to document how they are trying to rebuild those communities. We wanted to capture the work being done so it would encourage people to move out of the temporary housing and get back to enjoying their daily life.
We partnered up with CRASH Japan to work with some local churches and see who could benefit from this type of ministry. The images you see below are only a handful of the portraits taken. There were thousands and thousands of photos we took for one reason or another. As random as they may appear they were taken with a specific purpose. Either to remember something lost, to capture a moment in time, document the rebuilding of a community or even as simple as providing a fun escape from the pain they are still battling. Thus the real need and reason for our going was not only replace those precious family memories in the form of photographs but ultimately to restore hope in the daily lives of those affected. Specifically by sharing with them the everlasting hope found only in Jesus Christ. We hope that you enjoy these photos! I will explain the background stories behind some of the images but for others due to privacy and respect to the individuals I will only be sharing the image itself.
What used to be a High School
The bottom left photos shows how quickly the Tsunami came since the kids shoes were still in the cubby. 
If you know Japan or ever been there before, you know how denselt populated every square inch of the country is. This is one of hundreds of areas that used to be completely filled with houses, restaurants and businesses. 
This man lost his brother in the Tsunami along with his house. He has taken over his brothers book store along with staying in his brothers house. I couldn't imagine living with the constant reminder of loosing my brother like that. 
Best Udon chef in town
Below is probably one of the most powerful photos I have ever taken. The couple standing on the foundation of where their house once stood. 
The two girls below met and became friends living in the temporary housing shown above. I can't imagine the pain these girls have gone through. When we met one of the girls, she was completely closed off emotionally and who could blame her. Her grandfather wanted some portraits of the two of them together but Miss L, refused. We eventually got a couple of the two of them together but encouraged Miss L to grab her friend for some additional pictures. It was great to see this incredibly hard shelled little girl transform into the joy filled little teenaged firecracker that she should be! 
I was honored to photograph the Kessenuma High School mens baseball team. The school itself was situated high enough to not really be directly affected by the tsunami (only the first floor was flooded) but a majority of the students watched their homes and other loved ones get washed away from the schools rooftop. The schoool opened up its facilities with neighboring schools and many students lived here while temporary housing units were built. 
Probably my favorite memory from our trip was celebrating the anniversary of the Tsunami with all of the remaining survivors of the Kesennuma First Bible Congregation. The church was washed away in the disaster along with many of its members. The church body still stands although the church structure does not. During the anniversary of 3.11 Japan as a nation had a moment of silence for remembrance of loved ones lost in the disaster. During this time they sounded the Tsunami sirens at the exact time of the earthquake along with a second siren of when the Tsunami hit. It was such an incredibly powerful feeling standing on the foundation of where buildings once stood, holding hands with some of the remaining survivors and imagining the fear that must have overwhelmed them when they saw the huge wall of water heading their way. Once the sounds of sirens stopped there was nothing but silence accompanied by the sight and sound of tears and sniffles. A few moments passed then one of the members of the congregation picked up his guitar and starting singing "How Great is Our God". Even in the midst of pain, sorrow and complete brokenness they lifted their hands up high and started singing to and praising our Savior King.
A picture of the remaining survivors and the new prayer center planted behind them. 
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so moving. to read the story about the girl who lost every one but her grandfather put me in tears. how to find hope and joy in the midist of so much pain and loss can seem impossible. what a great journey for you and k to share christ's love and hope. thanks for sharing. xx
(05.04.12 @ 04:45 PM)Good to have you back. It was an interesting "tour" of your photography. Very real. You are a lovely couple. Keep up the good work.
Gob Bless you both!
What a blessing that you got to go there and meet all of those amazing people and photograph those moments. Love them all. I didn't shed tears until the 13 year old girl. It was waterworks then on. Beautiful images. Love you guys.
(05.04.12 @ 10:11 PM)I grew up in Japan and haven't been back in 12 years. These images capture the soul that is Japan and her people so beautifully and accurately. I love these photos with such a passion.
(05.04.12 @ 10:54 PM)Thank you for sharing. So touching.
(05.04.12 @ 10:55 PM)Once again, you have spoken volumes with your photographic talent. God bless you,
(05.05.12 @ 06:45 AM)I felt so touched by all the pictures ... glad you guys got to witness life and hope after all that happened... the shots were beautiful ... thanks for sharing that.
(05.05.12 @ 09:04 AM)Thank you for portraying the life that is still going on in Japan, and how much rebuilding needs to happen. I hope to be there with CrashJapan in June to aid in anyway possible. I would love to ask you questions about your experience. Thank you!
(05.06.12 @ 01:55 PM)thank you so much for sharing your trip. the last story is so touching and encouraging to see how faithful they are in such a time of pain and disaster to sing such a song of praise. it reminds of me of the story behind "it is well with my soul."
(05.06.12 @ 08:18 PM)Thank you for sharing your experience out there and capturing how God is working in the midst of this tragedy to bring hope and encouragement. Esther and I are both very excited to volunteer in Japan for a couple days this coming July with an organization called Be One Tohoku Aid!
(05.07.12 @ 12:05 PM)This photo journey is amazing. I could see and feel the emotion in each one. You both have done a remarkable job on this. What a blessing you have been to the many people affected by this tragedy. Their smiles say it all.
(05.07.12 @ 08:29 PM)This is amazing you guys. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with us. Hugs!
"How Great is Our God"..... this post is amazing.
(05.15.12 @ 01:44 PM)Your talent has no bounds. These images are incredibly beautiful and powerful and brought tears to my eyes. God is so good, all the time.
(05.19.12 @ 09:31 AM)
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Fly safe. Can't wait to hear ALL about your AMAZING trip. We will miss you guys!
(03.05.12 @ 01:48 PM)Beautiful Photo... but of course.... You are both an amazing couple.
Just peeking for the photos that you did for Flossy is curious of course too!
Have a great trip... Now you are the two lucky dogs..
Didn't realize you guys had just come back from an awesome trip! It was so nice to meet you guys on Saturday. Your photos are amaaaaaaaaziiiiiing!!!!!!! :) :) :)
(03.27.12 @ 03:43 PM)I can´t wait to see pictures of your trip! =)
(04.10.12 @ 01:33 PM)
Event Management: Tact Event ManagementRooftop Venue: LA Fashion District
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Marvimon
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Floral Design: Flower Allie
Wedding Cake and Desserts: Sweet and Saucy Shop
Caterer: Huntington Catering Company
Taco Bar: Jalisco's Mobile Taco Grill
Hair and Make up: Kelly Zhang
Invitations and Paper Goods: Minted
Coordinator: Christine Patron
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Your photography is amazing! You guys do a beautiful job with every shoot!:)
(02.27.12 @ 07:01 PM)AMAZING!! Seriously love the processing and the feel of this wedding. Beautiful wedding!
(02.27.12 @ 10:11 PM)
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I love the brides dress and the floral bridesmaids dresses. It's always fun to shoot at the Smog Shoppe. Great job you guys.
(02.10.12 @ 06:28 PM)I think this is my favorite wedding you've done so far... Beautiful! :)
You look beautiful and very happy, Shirley! Congrats on your engagement!! =)
(06.06.12 @ 01:25 AM)Gorgeous engagement photos!And sweet couple!
(07.19.12 @ 02:49 AM)