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About Ofunato Onsen
This is the south of Iwate Prefecture.
A town living with the sea, surrounded by magnificent nature, Ōfunato.
Many come annually from across the nation for the seafood nurtured by the beautiful seas of Ōfunato.
Every year, many people visit from all over the country.
Just over 10 years ago,
such a vibrant town was struck by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
In the freezing cold, mountains of debris lay before our eyes.
That day, we lost so much.
But among it all, one thing remained unyielded.
It was the people’s unwavering hope for the future.
People, sweating to rebuild their beloved homeland, now a shadow of its former self,
and those living earnestly in temporary housing, enduring the cold,
were inspired by a single fisherman who took a stand.
”I want everyone to eat their fill,
to stretch their legs in a warm bath.
And to see Ōfunato once again filled with smiles and vibrancy,
just like it used to be.
With such a passion for his hometown,
and a burning desire like boiling water,
Ōfunato Onsen was born.
To eat is to live.
12 years after the earthquake, this sentiment remains unchanged,
believing that a warm meal and a warm bed slowly warm the chilled heart,
the fisherman heads to the market from morning, dons his work clothes, and grips his knife,
wishing that those who visit Ōfunato live energetically for tomorrow.
