An international volunteer organization serving the children of the world
Kiwanis Club of Sendai, Inc.
- Kiwanis dolls: production and donation.
- Annual presentation of the "Kiwanis Club of Sendai Community Service Award".
- Grants for sound development of youth.
- SLP support. Sponsorship of Circle K Miyagi Gakuin Women's University.
- Kiwanis One Day event.
- Fund-raising and contribution to the Kiwanis Children's Fund.
- Cooperation with the Tohoku University Eye Bank, Inc.
- Support for Children's Village Tohoku, Inc.
- Support for "Art to You!" Tohoku Public Exhibition of Art by People with Disabilities Nationwide.
- Participation in the Annual Kiwanis International Convention and the Annual Asia-Pacific Convention, as well as the organization of the Annual Japan Distric Convention.
- Learning at the club meetings and other activities.
- Interclub activities.
- Fellowship among members.
- Charity bazaars for fund-raising.
At the 1125th club meeting on November 28, 2024, Mr. Wataru SATO gave a talk on "danblocks" developed and manufactured at his company.
His company has been manufacturing cardboard boxes for over 70 years in Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture.
His company was not hit by the Earthquake and Tsunamin on March 11, 2011, but suffered from diminished demand for cardboard boxes
from companies hit by the Tsunami.
While searching for new business making good use of cardboard boxes, he found out how children at his daughter's kindergarten are enjoying
toys made from used cardboard boxes. He came to realize that cardboard boxes could be useful not only for containing things but also for other things
such as brick-size boxes used as building blocks like "Lego blocks" and named them "dan blocks."
The various possibilities for dan blocks can be found in the folling website:
Danblock Project, Inc. (in Japanese)
Mr. Wataru SATO giving the talk, and the Christmas tree made with "dan block" which attracted many attendees after the talk.
Members of the Service Committee made packages for Heartful Cart on November 26, 2024 and donated them to
Donald McDonald House Sendai on November 27, 2024.
Thank you message from Donald McDonald House Sendai.
On October 24, 2024, the 100th Club Meeting of Sennan Satellite was held in Marumori Town, Miyagi Prefecture.
On September 18. 2024, members of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai visited Donald McDonald House Sendai.
The visiting members of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai were: Service Committee Chair Shigenori TAKAHASHI, Committee Members
Hiroko TAKAGI and Noriko MINEGISHI, and club staff Akiko KASHIWA.
House Manager Kuniko KOMATSU of Donald McDonald House Sendai received us.
Kiwanis Club of Sendai donated goods worth 50,000 Yen for "hearful carts" together with 50,000 Yen in cash.
Goods for heartful cart.
Donald McDonald Houses in Japan have introduced "heartful carts" that carry indispensable goods
as presents for sick children and supporting family members at children's hospitals.
At the 1115th club meeting, Kiwanis Club of Sendai awarded the 51st Sendai Kiwanis Community Service Award to:
Nishikouen PlayPark Group (in Japanese)
nominated by the Children and Youth Bureau of Sendai City.
The group got organized in 1987, and, since 2000, has been active in building playparks in Nishi Kouen Park in
Sendai City. The group encourages children to be proactive in finding new plays, and encourages parents to cooperate
with one another. The group has been holding playpark activities about three times a week.
The group deserves Sendai Kiwanis Community Service Award.
From the left: President Fumihiro KIKUCHI (KC of Sendai), Play Leader Keiko SASAKI
(Nishikouen Play Park Group), Vice President Kenji SASAKI (Nishikouen Play Park Group), and
Deputy Director Toshimitsu KOMATSU (Children and Youth Bureau, Sendai City).
Flyer for June 2024.
On June 10, 2024, Kiwanis Club of Sendai visited Donald McDonald House Sendai
to donate disaster supplies kindly provided by its corporate member Kajima Corporation, Tohoku Branch.
Kajima Corporation (in Japanese)
From the left: Naoki HATA (Secretary, KC of Sendai), Kuniko KOMATSU (House Manager, Donald McDonald House Sendai
and Michio YAMATA (member, KC of Sendai, Administration Manager, Kajima Corporation, Sendai Branch)
On May 3, 2024, the semifinal and final games of the 52nd Sendai City Junior High School Softball were held.
The Kiwanis tent donated by KC of Sendai.
The four teams that played the semifinal and final games.
President Kenji Ohyama of the KC of Sendai congratulates the finalist Takamori Junior High School team.
President Kenji Ohyama of the KC of Sendai congratulates the semifinalist Nishikigaoka Junior High School team.
On April 17, 2024, KC of Sendai donated 10 Kiwanis dolls to the Pediatrics Department
of Tohoku University Hospital.
Professor Atsuo KIKUCHI of Tohoku University Hospital Pediatrics Department (right)
is presented the donation letter by President Fumihiro KIKUCHI (center) and Service Committee Chair
Shigenori TAKAHASHI (left) of KC of Sendai.
The donation was reported by The Kahoku Shimpo Newspaper on April 19, 2024.
At the 1109th club meeting on March 14, 2024, Mr. Kohei KAMEYAMA (Representative, Turtle Partners)
gave a talk on "The world of being supported and supporting."
Mr. KAMEYAMA is a specialist of side horse, and represented Japan at the Olympics and World Cups four times,
receiving one gold medal and one silver medal.
He now visits all elementary schools in Miyagi Prefecture (about 360 of them), inspiring children through sports
so that they stay forward-looking and open up their possibilities in the future.
He represents "Turtle Partners" whose activities are described at the following website:
Turtle Partners (mostly in Japanese)
His talk was on the power of words to guide your luck, and the importance of keep saying what you want to be
through his experience.
Pushup 3,300 times while handstanding!
On February 14, 2024, Service Committee members (Chair Shigenori TAKAHASHI, Vice Chair Yui OHKUBO,
Hiroko TAKAGI, Noriko MINEGISHI) and club staff Akiko KASHIWA visited Sendai Seiyo Junior College.
Two teachers and two students of the Junior College took part.
Sendai Seiyo Junior College blog (in Japanese)
Before COVID-19, Kiwanis Club of Sendai donated Kiwanis dolls every year for about ten years to the Junior College.
Those Kiwanis dolles have been playing important roles in pediatric nursing practice, and
its teachers and students have been interested in making Kiwanis dolls themselves.
The purpose of this visit was to show how to make Kiwanis dolls, and exchange information.
There seem to have been many other students who wished to join us this time. We decided to provide further
opportunities for them, and continue exchanging further information.
Chair TAKAHASHI explained the process of making Kiwanis dolls.
In about an hour, fifteen Kiwanis dolls were completed. Group photo of four members of the Junior College,
Chair TAKAHASHI and Vice Chair OHKUBO.
How Kiwanis dolls are used at the Junior College.
Some of the Kiwanis dolls are designed differently at the front side and the back.
The 1107th club meeting on February 8, 2024 was for cotton-wadding of Kiwanis dolls to meet the demand for donation.
Exactly 50 grams of cotton need to be wadded for each Kiwanis doll.
The 1105th club meeting on January 11, 2024 was for New Year Greeting.
On December 14, 2023 Kiwanis Club of Sendai had a year-end party.
36 members and guests participated. At the charity bazaar, articles brought by members were auctioned off
with the total of 269,000 Yen.
Participants enjoyed dancing during the singing by Feather.
Children with pediatric cancer at Pediatric Medical Center of Tohoku University Hospital use CV pochettes
that hold central vein catheters used for drip infusion.
Kiwanis Club of Sendai donated the CV pochettes in the photo below:
The Hospital's website reported the donation news on November 30, 2023.
東北大学病院みんなのみらい基金
The 1101st club meeting was held on October 12, 2023 at Sendai Kokusai Hotel, a year and three months since the 1074th
meeting on June 23, 2022. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the club meetings since the 1074th on July 11, 2022
till the 1100th on September 28, 2023 have been held at Koyo Grand Hotel.
To respond to the increasing demand for Kiwanis dolls, the members stuffed Kiwanis dolls.
Tohoku Organization for Artists with Disabilities, Inc.
(Representative Director Takayasu Susa) (in Japanese),
has been holding "Art to You! Annual Exhibition by Artists in Japan with Disabilities" to spread expression and
representation of people with disabilities, and to bring a truly inclusive society.
The nineth in the series was held at Sendai Mediateque in Sendai City from October 12 through 15, 2023.
As in the previous years the following awards among others were presented: Prime Minister's Award, Lower House Speaker's Award,
Upper House Speaker's Award, and Governors' Awards of six Prefectures in Tohoku Area.
Kiwanis Club of Sendai cooperated this year again.
Sendai Kiwanis Club Award recipient Ms. Kanabi (Okayama Prefecture).
Sendai Kiwanis Club Award winning piece entitled "Girls need to be strong" done with acrylic pen
of Mona Lisa with tender face and eyes.
Starting from this year, members of the Service Committee of the Club took part in selecting
the Sendai Kiwanis Club Awardee from among those pieces chosen by specialists.
The opening ceremony of the Exhibition after all the award winners had been chosen.
The 44th Japan District Convention was held on September 8, 2023 at Hotel Nikko Kanazawa in Kanazawa City.
Some photos taken of the Sendai Kiwanis Club members during the party.
On August 28, 2023, President Morimoto, Vice President Inomoto and Vice President Asaoka
of Circle K Miyagi Gakuin Women's University made activities report at the club meeting.
Questions and Answers session.
On July 24, 2023, members of the club made Kiwanis dolls.
Members of Circle K Miyagi Gakuin Women's University made Kiwanis dolls (April 2023).
The activities of Circle K Miyagi Gakuin Women's University were highlighted
in the first three pages of vol. 18 of the PR magazine
Volanteer Center Report 18 (in Japanese)
of
Sendai Social Welfare Council, Inc. (in Japanese)
On June 26, 2023, Naoki HATA (Club Secretary), Koichi ABE (Service Committee Chair), and Takehiko SUZUKI
(Service Committee Vice Chair) visited Aoi Kai's Sendai School of Nursing to donate 20 Kiwanis dolls.
The school uses them for preparation training of nurses.
(From the left) Naoki HATA (Club Secretary), Yoshimi OHNUMA (teacher), and Koichi ABE (Service Committee Chair).
On June 26, 2023, the Kiwanis Club of Sendai held a banquet to celebrate its 52nd Anniversary at Koyo Grand Hotel.
(The club was built on June 23, 1971.)
Members enjoyed the live performance of eight popular songs (including an encore) by "Feather".
On June 22, 2023, President Fumihiro KIKUCHI, Service Committee Chair Koichi ABE, and Service Committee
Vice Chair Takehiko SUZUKI of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai visited Palliative Care Center of
Tohoku University Hospital to donate 23 Kiwanis dolls.
The Center provides palliative care to cancer patients and their family, especially children of parents with cancer.
Children of patients with terminal cancer have difficulty in spending time together with parents, and feel deep sorror
by watching worsening parents. They look eagerly for what they can do for worsening parents.
Kiwanis dolls can provide valuable means for connecting such children with parents.
For instance, a child whose mother is a cancer patient draws his/her own face on a Kiwanis doll, and brings it to
the mother's hospital room. The mother then holds the doll tightly and transfers her odor and warmth.
The mother gives the doll back to the child when the child visits the mother the next time.
The child spends some time embracing the doll and feeling the odor and warmth of the mother, and then
returns the doll to the mother at the following visit to the mother's room.
Director Akira INOUE (Tohoku University Hospital Palliative Care Center) receives a Kiwanis doll
presented by President Fumihiro KIKUCHI (Kiwanis Club of Sendai).
Joint Project of 3 Universities for Multilingualization of Disaster Mitigation Picture-story Show
Picture-story show produced by:
- Family members of deceased Hiyori Kindergarten children (Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture)
- Circle K Miyagi Gakuin Women's University (Sendai City)
The narration was translated into Chinese and Korean languages to spread the message by students of Miyagi Gakuin Women's University, Josai International University, and Kanda University of International Studies.
Original narration in Japanese
Narration in easy Japanese
Narration in Mandarin
Narration in Korean
Kiwanis Club of Sendai at its 1094th club meeting on June 12, 2023 awarded its 50th Community Service Award
to Miyagi Transliteration Service, which is a non-profit volunteer group founded in 1972 and has been providing
valuable services to visually impaired people in Miyagi Prefecture.
Conveying the written contents to visually impaired people involves transliterating not only the text but also the
pictures and tables, with careful proofreading.
The group transliterated not only the books and manuals at the Miyagi Information Center for Visually Impaired, but also
provided audio announcements of Miyagi Prefecture.
Address by Vice President Shuku KIKUCHI of Miyagi Transliteration Service
(From left) President Fumihiro KIKUCHI (Kiwanis Club of Sendai), Vice President Shuku KIKUCHI (Miyagi Transliteration Service),
and Deputy Director Takehisa TAKEDA (Miyagi Prefecture Health and Welfare Department)
The Kiwanis Club of Sendai has been supporting the activities of the Sendai City Softball Association.
In response to their request, the club donated two outdoor tents.
On April 24, 2023, the club invited Association Director Yoshiro HOSHI and Association Secretary Shuichi ABE to
the club meeting and presented the list.
Sendai City Softball Association Director Yoshiro HOSHI.
One of the tents donated with prominent Kiwanis logo.
On May 4 and 5, 2023, the 51st Sendai City Junior High School Softball Competition was held at
Sendai City Seashore Park Baseball Field.
President Fumihiro KIKUCHI of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai gave awards to the winning teams on May 5.
(March 17, 2023) 50 Kiwanis dolls were donated for the first time to Sendai City Hospital thanks to the introduction
by Past Governor Yoshiaki SATO of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai.
From the left: (Sendai City Hospital) Motonobu KAMEYAMA (Service Manager), Mitsutaka OKUDA (Hospital Director),
Hiromi SUGAWARA (Director), Ikuma FUJIWARA (Counselor of Diagnosis and Treatment Division, Pediatrics Department Director)
(Kiwanis Club of Sendai) Toshiyuki SATO (President), Naoki HATA (Secretary), Koichi ABE (Service Committee Chair).
The annual Year-end Party of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai was held at Koyo Grand Hotel on December 13, 2022
from 18:00 till 20:30. As safety precaution against COVID-19, round tables were placed away from each other.
34 participants sat at these table with 4 or 5 at each table.
The annual Charity Bazaar was carried out by the usual auction.
The total JPY 154,000 was put into the Merci Box of the club.
Program
Opening address by President Toshiyuki SATO
Toast proposed by Immediate Past President Osamu UJIIE
Science show by Science Instructor Kiyoto ABE
Charity auction conducted by Service Committee Chair Koichi ABE
Closing address by Auditor Noriko MINEGISHI
On December 10, 2022, a Christmas Market was held as a collaboration of
Miyagi Gakuin Women's University and Shopping Center "BRANCH Sendai."
4 student circles of Miyagi Gakuin Women's University took part.
Circle K Miyagi Gakuin Women's University was one of the student circles.
Presents for children who took part in the quiz competition.
Cotton stuffing of Kiwanis dolls was another event sponsored by the Circle K.
As a part of Kiwanis One Day activities, members of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai visited Donald McDonald House Sendai
on November 24, 2022. Due to the continuing prevalence of COVID-19, the number of visitors was restricted.
The visiting members of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai were: President Toshiyuki SATO, Secretary Naoki HATA,
Service Committee Chair Koichi ABE, and staff Emiko FUKUSHIMA.
House Manager Kuniko KOMATSU and Field Consultant NAKAJIMA of Donald McDonald House Sendai received us.
Kiwanis Club of Sendai donated 50,000 Yen, 5 Kiwanis dolls, and goods for "hearful carts."
Donald McDonald Houses in Japan are beginning to introduce "heartful carts" that carry indispensable goods
as presents for sick children and supporting family members at children's hospitals.
From President Toshiyuki SATO to House Manager Kuniko KOMATSU.
An example of "heartful cart"
In October 2022, the Nursing Department of Sendai Seiyo Junior College requested Kiwanis dolls.
In its childcare class, students were asked to develop tools to prepare four year old boys for drip infusion.
Here are some of the tools that made use of Kiwanis dolls.
Tohoku Organization for Artists with Disabilities, Inc.
(Representative Director Takayasu Susa) (in Japanese),
has been holding "Art to You! Annual Exhibition by Artists in Japan with Disabilities" to spread expression and
representation of people with disabilities, and to bring a truly inclusive society.
The eighth in the series was held at "Prefecture Residents' Gallery" of Miyagi Prefecture Museum from September 8 through 11, 2022.
As in the previous year the following awards among others were presented: Prime Minister's Award, Lower House Speaker's Award,
Upper House Speaker's Award, and Governors' Awards of six Prefectures in Tohoku Area.
Kiwanis Club of Sendai cooperated this year again.
"My Picture Book on Electric Trains" (by Kazuki HONDA of Hiroshima) received the Kiwanis Club of Sendai Award.
Volunteer activities by Circle K Miyagi Gakuin Women's University on August 27 and 28, 2022
in Minami Sanriku. Kiwanis Club of Sendai supported their traveling expenses.
Ringtoss organized by the Circle K students was immensely loved by children.
Visit to Mizuno Mori Children's House on August 4, 2022 to observe activities of
Circle K Miyagi Gakuin Women's University.
The students were teaching Children how to use tablets and learning applications.
Talks afterward on future cooperation on Circle K between Prof. Ken KURIHARA (Circle K faculty adviser),
Yuji MAYAMA (Head of Community Cooperation Section) of Miyagi Women's University, and
Osamu UJIIE (President), Naoki HATA (Secretary), Hiroko TAKAGI (Service Committee Vice Chair),
Michiko ODA (Circle K Kiwanis adviser).
Visit to the Pediatric Department of Tohoku University Hospital on August 3, 2022.
Presentation of 10 Kiwanis dolls and 20 CV (central vein) pochettes.
Koichi ABE (Service Committee Chair), Haruka WATANABE (Child Life Specialist of the hospital),
and Hiroko TAKAGI (Service Committee Vice Chair).
The 1074th club meeting on June 23, 2022 of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai happened to coincide with the Club's 51st Anniversary.
It also coincided with the last club meeting day held at Sendai Kokusai Hotel.
The speaker was Mr. Takefumi SUZUKI, a paralympic athlete, who lost both of his legs when he was a second grader.
After half a year treatment at the hospital, he returned to his school. Thanks to no special treatment by his teachers
ans school mates, he grew up to be an excellent chair skier, and got a gold medal at the 2014 Paralympics in Sochi.
At the 1073rd club meeting on June 9, 2022 of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai, the 49th Social Welfare Award
was presented to the NPO organization
FORYOU nikoniko no ie
(Takako Koiwa, Representative).
The organization (started in 1995 and designated an NPO in 2004) has been very active in social welfare activities
mainly around Higashi Nakata Area of Sendai City.
Among other things, the organization has been engaged in elderly care prevention, help for elederly people's daily living,
children's house and children's cafeteria, and prevention and mitigation of disaster.
The award presented by President Osamu UJIIE of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai to Ms. Takako KOIWA representative
of the organization.
The KC of Sendai has been supporting Sendai City Junior High School Soft Ball Spring Competition as one of its service activities.
The 50th competition was held from May 3 till May 5, 2022 at Sendai Coastal Ball Park.
The players enjoyed the games under excellent weather, especially after the long break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On May 4, we invited Mr. Kenji TOMURA (former pitcher at Tohoku Rakuten Eagles Baseball Team, and currently
serving as a coach at Rakuten Academy) to give a class on baseball.
In the infield of the baseball park, he gave instructions and practice sessions on ball throwing and catching surrounded
by many junior high school players.
At the ceremony on May 5, President Osamu UJIIE of the KC of Sendai awarded plaques with Kiwanis logos
to the Champion and Vice-Champion Teams of the Competition.
Sendai City Coastal Ball Park
Practice session by Mr. Kenji TOMURA (former pitcher of Tohoku Rakuten Eagles Baseball Team, Current coach of Rakuten Academy
Chair Koichi ABE of Kiwanis Club of Sendai Service Activities Committee
Christmas card dated December 25, 2021 arrived from Tohoku University Pediatrics Department.
Pouches for hanging central venous catheters from children's neck continue to be useful.
Kiwanis dolls are useful not only for children in the Pediatrics Department but also for children of patients
in other departments.
COVID-19 made it impossible for the KC of Sendai to hold at the Donald McDonald House Sendai the
annual Kiwanis One Day charity concert that children seem to like very much.
As an alternative, on December 14, 2021 the club donated five Kiwanis dolles and JPY 50,000.
From left: Hiroko TAKAGI (Service Committee Vice Chair), Kouichi ABE (Service Committee Chair),
Kuniko KOMATSU (Donald McDonald House Manager), Osamu UJIIE (Club President),
and Naoki HATA (Club Secretary/Treasurer).
The annual Year-end Party of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai was held at Sendai Kokusai Hotel on December 13, 2021
from 18:00 till 20:30. For safety precaution against COVID-19, round tables were placed away from each other.
50 participants sat at these table with 4 or 5 at each table.
The annual Charity Bazaar was carried out by the usual auction.
The total JPY 134,000 was put into the Merci Box of the club.
The program of the party.
50th Anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai (2)
The ceremony was reported by The Sankei Shimbun on November 6, 2021.
The front cover and the table of contents of the 50th Anniversary Volume (published on December 10, 2021).
It contains congratulatory messages from Kiwanis International President, ASPAC Chair,
Current and Immediate Past Governors of the Japan District, President of Kiwanis Japan Foundation,
Miyagi Prefecture Governor, and Sendai City Mayor.
It records the history of the club in the fifty years, as well as the Anniversary Ceremony and the Party.
50th Anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai (1)
June 23, 2021 was the 50th Anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai, Inc.
However, its celebration was postponed until November 5, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Invitation was sent only to the clubs in the Hokkaido-Tohoku Division.
The program of the Ceremony and Celebration Party.
With Member Kenji OHYAMA (top left) as MC, Vice President Fumihiro KIKUCHI (top right) gave the opening message.
(Upper left) Opening address by President Osamu UJIIE of the KC of Sendai.
(Upper right) Congratulatory address by International Trustee Buheita FUJIWARA.
(Lower left) Congratulatory address by Japan District Governor Takahide HAYASHI.
Video on the destruction and reconstruction of the Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11, 2011.
It was presented at the 2021 ASPAC eConvention. (Recorded in the following YouTube.)
Video on March 11, 2011
The 48th Kiwanis Club of Sendai Community Service Award presented to
Non-Profic Corporation "The Liaison Council of Mental Health Organizations in Sendai City".
Shuichi HIRAMA (Top left, 2020-2021 Service Committee Chair) explained the selection process,
Kuniharu KATO (Top right, Health and Welfare Director of Sendai City) made recommendation,
and Satoru MOROHASHI representing the Council received the award and gave appreciative words..
Legion of Honor Awards were awarded to members who joined the club 25 years ago or earlier:
Yoshiaki SATO (member since 1989), Takashi AKAGI (since 1993), Ryozo MINEGISHI (since 1995),
Yoshio KATO (since 1996), and Takayasu SUSA (since 1996).
Yoshiaki SATO expressed gratitude on behalf of the recipients.
Toshihiko URAHISA gave a commemorative lecture on
"Guide through culture and art the children who are to lead the next generation."
Celebration Party facilitated by Ms. Yuka SHOJI (top row left).
Opening speech by President-elect Toshiyuki SATO (top row middle), and
greeting by Immediate Past President Takayasu SUSA (top row right).
Congratulatory message by Sendai City Mayor Kazuko KORI (mid row lefft),
Congratulatory video message by Miyagi Prefecture Governor Yoshihiro MURAI (mid row middle).
Lieutenant Governor Hiroshi KATO (mid row right) proposed a toast.
(left) Music by Henri TARTAR (violin) and Junko KINOSHITA (piano), a couple very active in performance throughout the world
including the Kiwanis One Day Charity Concert of the KC of Sendai.
(right) Closing remark by Kazuhiro TAKAGI, Chair of the Anniversary Activities Planning Committee.
Commemorative photo after the party.
Tohoku Organization for Artists with Disabilities, Inc.
(Representative Director Takayasu Susa) (in Japanese),
has been holding "Art to You! Annual Exhibition by Artists in Japan with Disabilities" to spread expression and
representation of people with disabilities, and to bring a truly inclusive society.
The seventh in the series was held at "Sendai Mediatheque" from October 21 through 24, 2021.
As in the previous year the following awards among others were presented: Prime Minister's Award, Lower House Speaker's Award,
Upper House Speaker's Award, and Governors' Awards of six Prefectures in Tohoku Area.
Kiwanis Club of Sendai cooperated this year again.
"Paralympics player in wheel chair tennis" received the Kiwanis Club of Sendai Award.
The awardee Ryo HIEDA (Tokyo).
Hokkaido-Tohoku Division meeting was held on August 2, 2021 via Zoom.
Lieutenant Governor Hiroshi KATO presided. Governor Kohei MASUDA took part from Tokyo.
12 members of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai joined the meeting at Sendai Kokusai Hotel.
President Takayasu SUSA (Kiwanis Club of Sendai), President Hiroshi SEINO (Kiwanis Club of Fukushima),
President Tadao TSUSHIMA (Kiwanis Club of Aomori), and President Makoto HAYASHI (Kiwanis Club of Sapporo) reported
activities of each club.
Reports by President Hirohide NAGANE (Kiwanis Club of Akita), and President Hiroshi WADA (Kiwanis Club of Yamagata)
were read by Lieutenant Governor KATO due to Zoom connection failure.
After the meeting, participants of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai took a group photo.
ASPAC Convention 2021
Kiwanis Asia-Pacific (ASPAC) Convention in 2021 was scheduled to be held in Sendai before and after
the 10th Anniversary, March 11, 2021, of the Earthquake and Tsunami in Eastern Japan.
Due to the uncertainty of the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, ASPAC Joint (2019-20 and 2020-21) Executive Committee
decided to cancel the convention at its meeting on August 15, 2020.
For the ASPAC Convention in Sendai, the Kiwanis Club of Sendai had already adopted the logo and the uniform
(happi coat, necktie, and scarf) designed with Star Festival as theme.
By the emergency declaration by the Kiwanis International Board, virtual (online) ASPAC Convention became possible.
The ASPAC Executive Board decided to hold the online "ASPAC eConvention" instead of the in-person convention in Sendai.
The eConvention was decided to be held on May 28 and 29, 2021 using Zoom, and the ASPAC Executive Board
set up the Special Committee for it.
The above is the page of the Souvenir Program eBook describing the members of the Special Committee.
Two days were needed for the eConvention because of the 8 and a half hour time difference from India at the west-end of ASPAC,
and Tahiti at the east-end of ASPAC. The registration fee was set as US$10. Over 2,900 people registered from all over the world.
The 181 Delegates and Delegates-at-large were asked to pay additional US$20.
Lee Kuan Yong and Amanda Russel of the Malaysia District served as masters of ceremony of the eConvention using Zoom webinar.
Members of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai viewed the eConvention with Japanese interpretation as a group at Sendai Kokusai Hotel,
where the club usually has its club meetings.
The group viewing scene was originally planned to be shown as a scene of the eConvention.
Members wore the uniform for the occasion. Unfortunately, however, the plan was not realized.
Group photo after the first day sessions with the club motto "Delightful, enjoyable and beneficial".
A 8 minutes long video was presented during the eConvention to express the gratitude for the generous financial support of over
half a million US dollars from all over the world for children devastated by the earthquake and tsunami.
Also shown in the video were the devastation and reconstruction in Shizugawa and Ishinomaki Minamihama areas.
Originally, the KC of Sendai planned to invite Sendai Convention participants to these areas to show the reconstruction.
These are the pages summarizing the contents of the video and are contained in the Souvenir Program eBoom
available at:
ASPAC eConvention Website
The pages above can be downloaded:
Download the Sendai 10th Anniversary Memorial pdf file above
On the second day May 29, ASPAC House of Delegates was held.
The election of the incoming ASPAC Chair, Chair-elect, Vice Chair, Nations Representatives were uncontested,
and all the candidates were declared elected.
Proposed amendments to the ASPAC Bylaws were about adding provisions on the meeting of Delegates-at-large in emergency,
and was approved by vote taking. The method was via Election Runner software. Each of the Delegates and Delegates-at-large
received invitation to vote and casted his/her vote anonymously.
Handing over of the ASPAC flag at the end on May 29 of the eConvention to Philippine Luzon District to which
the 2022 ASPAC Convention venue Manila belongs.
At the end of the 2020 ASPAC Convention in Kathmandu, Nepal, the Kiwanis Club of Sendai had received the ASPAC flag,
and had been keeping it at its office. The 2021 Convention Executive Committee Chair Yoshiaki Sato and the 2021 Convention
Organizing Committee Chair Tadao Oda took a video of handing it over to Secretary Treasurer Takashi Miura.
The flag was then mailed via EMS to Immediate Past Governor Raymund Yap, the 2022 Convention Organizing Committee Chair.
After the presentation of the video, Raymund Yap carried the flag he had received by mail to Governor Mauro Cocjin
of the Philippine Luzon District.
The unveiling ceremony of the 3.11 Monument was carried out on March 18, 2021
at the Minamihama Reconstruction Memorial Park in Ishinomaki City.
The unveiling was carried out by Miyagi Prefecture Governor MURAI, Ishinomaki City Mayor KAMEYAMA,
Creator Junkyu MUTO of the monument, Executive Committee Chair Ryozo MINEGISHI
of the Monument Project, and others.
Congratulatory speeches were given by the world-renowned sculptor Mr. Junkyu MUTO,
the creator of the monument, Monument Project Executive Committee Chair Ryozo MINEGISHI
(member of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai, and Past Lt. Governor), and others.
To the upper left is the photo of Kadonowaki Minamihama Area of Ishinomaki City taken on June 24, 2011
during the 40th Anniversary Excursion of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai. The building in the upward center
is Kadonowaki Elementary School hit and burned by cars carried to it by the Tsunami.
The lower photo shows the Kadonowaki Minamihama Area on March 18, 2021.
To the right (north) is the Kadonowaki Elementary School Building. Located to its left (south)
is the Minamihama Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park to be opened on March 28, 2021.
The circular building in the center is the national Miyagi Tsunami Memorial Building.
To the extreme left (south) is the location of the 3.11 Monument.
The photo on the upper right is a scene during the 40th Anniversary Excursing of the
Kiwanis Club of Sendai. This indicated the need for an adequate place to put floral tribute,
and motivated Past Lt. Governor Ryozo MINEGISHI of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai to start the
3.11 Monument Project.
A letter and a card of gratitude dated December 25, 2020 from Tohoku University Hospital Pediatrics Department.
Letter from the Pedictrics Department staff thanking for Kiwanis dolls and pouches for hanging central venous catheters.
Card from children.
Pouch for hanging central venous catheters from children's neck.
The annual Year-end Party of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai was held at Sendai Kokusai Hotel on December 7, 2020 from 18:00 till 20:30.
For safety precaution against COVID-19, round tables were placed away from each other. 47 participants sat at these table with 4 or 5
at each table.
The program of the party.
President Takayasu SUSA gave an opening speech. He and the other members of the club wore happi coat and necktie/scarf that
the club made for the ASPAC Convention in Sendai in March 2021, which unfortunately was cancelled due to COVID-19.
Santa Clause's present to children.
The participants enjoyed the favorite melodies played by
Henri TARTAR (violin) and Junko KINOSHITA (piano), a couple very active in performance throughout the world
including the Kiwanis One Day Charity Concert of the KC of Sendai.
The annual Charity Bazaar was carried out by bidding instead of the usual auction.
Service Committee Chair Shuichi HIRAMA announced the result of bidding for each of about 70 pieces.
The total of over JPY 200,000 was put into the Merci Box of the club.
COVID-19 made it impossible for the KC of Sendai to hold at the Donald McDonald House Sendai the annual charity concert
that children seem to like very much.
As an alternative, on November 19, 2020 we donated five Kiwanis dolles and JPY 50,000.
Presentation of five Kiwanis dolls.
(From left, Hiroko TAKAGI, Service Commitee Vice Chair;
Shuuichi HIRAMA, Service Committee Chair;
Akemi MIURA, Service Committee member;
Takayasu SUSA, Club President;
Takashi MIURA, Club Secretary/Treasurer)
Donation from Club President Takayasu SUSA to Donald McDonald House Manager Kuniko KOMATSU
Tohoku Organization for Artists with Disabilities, Inc.
(Representative Director Takayasu Susa) (in Japanese),
has been holding "Art to You! Annual Exhibition by Artists in Japan with Disabilities" to spread expression and
representation of people with disabilities, and to bring a truly inclusive society.
The sixth in the series was held at "Sendai Mediatheque" from November 5 through November 8, 2020.
The following awards were added to the awards in previous years: Prime Minister's Award, Lower House Speaker's Award,
Upper House Speaker's Award, and Governors' Awards of six Prefectures in Tohoku Area.
Kiwanis Club of Sendai cooperated this year again.
Kiwanis Club of Sendai Award-winning work "Big group of creatures"
(washable markers, colored pencils and oil pastels were used on drawing paper).
The award-winner Ryuuki NAKAJIMA, who is a 13 year old junior high school third grader living in Gunma Prefecture,
is in the middle of drawing.
According to his family, he is very fond of drawing, rearing, and catching reptiles and amphibians,
hoping to get in touch with creatures worldwide as a reptile hunter in the future.
Kiwanis Children's Fund gives scholarship as economic assistance to diligent students in higher education.
The Kiwanis Club of Sendai sought nomination from Miyagi Gakuin Women's University, which nominated
Ms. Sayaka AKIYAMA. The club then nominated her to KCF through the Kiwanis Japan District.
She turned out to receive the scholarship, and was awarded the certificate at the office of
President Maki SUEMITSU of Miyagi Gakuin Women's University on July 31, 2020.
By the Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11, 2011, her house was distroyed and swept away by the tsunami,
when she was a fifth grader.
President Eiji HAYASAKA awarded the certificate to Ms. Sayaka AKIYAMA.
(From the left) Yuji MAYAMA (Head of Community Cooperation Department),
Ken KURIHARA (Faculty Advisor, Circle K Miyagi Gakuin Women's University),
Sayaka AKIYAMA, Maki SUEMITSU (President, Miyagi Gakuin Women's University),
Eiji HAYASAKA (President, Kiwanis Club of Sendai),
Fumihiro KIKUCHI (Service Committee Chair, Kiwanis Club of Sendai),
Michiko ODA (Kiwanis Advisor, Circle K Miyagi Gakuin Women's University).
At the club meeting on July 9, 2020, the members stuffed cotton for Kiwanis dolls.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the club cancelled its meetings since March 2020, and resumed its meeting
on May 28. For social distancing, each round table has 4 members only in a room much larger than before.
Each member wears face mask except when eating.
20 Kiwanis dolls were donated to Tohoku University Hospital, Pediatrics Department on
March 2, 2020. They will be used by students at the Department of Health Science, Tohoku University.
Ms Haruka WATANABE (Child Life Specialist), together with President Eiji HAYASAKA and
Service Committee Vice Chair Hiroko TAKAGI of the KC of Sendai.
"Sennan Club Sattelite" of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai is located in a community called
Marumori Town 50 Km south of Sendai City.
Typhoon Higibis (which was season's 19 th Typhoon in Japan) made a landfall on October 12, 2019
and brought about once-in-hundred-years heavy rain in central and northern parts of Japan.
Marumori Town was hit by unprecedented heavy rain (421 mm a day) that caused flood throughout
the community. The 11 members of the satellite suffered severe damage. Water supply was stopped.
To help children in the community in need of drinking water, Kiwanis Club of Sendai
requested Kiwanis Children's Fund (through the Japan District) for JPY 47,050 to purchase
500 PET bottles of 2 litter mineral water.
President Hiroaki YOKOYAMA of the satellite forwarded these bottles to the following schools:
250 bottles to Marumori Junior High School, 200 bottles to Marumori Elementary School (that also
accomodated 35 pupils of flood-devastated Kanenama Elementary School, and
50 bottles to Kosai Elementary School.
The Japan District and Kiwanis Japan Foundation, Inc. requested the Kiwanis Clubs in the Japan District
for disaster relief donation to help children suffering from severe typhoons in September and October
in 2019. The donation totalled JPY 4,823,758. The Japan District decided to help children
through the Kiwanis Clubs (Fukushima, Sendai, Chiba, and Saitama) in four disaster-stricken areas.
Kiwanis Club of Sendai received JPY 1,205,940, and through Sennan Satellite donated the total amount
to Marumori Town School Board for "the promotion of educational activities at elementary and
junior high schools in town".
(January 17, 2020) Past Governor Yoshiaki SATO presented the list to Mayor Kunio HOSHINA of Marumori Town.
(from left) Hiroaki YOKOYAMA (Satellite President), Kaoru AKIBA (Satellite member),
Kunio HOSHINA (Mayor), Yoshiaki SATO (Past Governor), Fumio YANAGIYA (Satellite member),
Yasuaki KASUKABE (Satellite member), and Junko SATO (Marumori Town Superintendent of Schools).
.
Tohoku Organization for Artists with Disabilities, Inc.
(Representative Director Takayasu Susa) (in Japanese),
has been holding "Art to You! Annual Exhibition in Tohoku by Artists with Disabilities" to spread expression and
representation of people with disabilities, and to bring a truly inclusive society.
The fifth in the series this year reached out to the whole country
instead of the six prefectures in Tohoku Region until last year.
"The Fifth Annual National Exhibition in Tohoku by Artists with Disabilities" was held at
"Sendai Mediatheque" from October 17 to 20, 2019.
Kiwanis Club of Sendai cooperated for the first time this year.
Kiwanis Club of Sendai Award-winning work "We, shining buddies"
President Eiji Hayasaka of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai and the award-recipient group "Hikaru Hikare"
of Hiroshima Prefecture.
As the Kiwanis One Day event, the Kiwanis Club of Sendai held on October 19, 2019
the fourth charity concert at the Donald McDonald House Sendai for families of children hospitalized
at Miyagi Children's Hospital. At the dining hall, more than 70 people including children and their parents
at the hospital and members of the KC of Sendai enjoyed the favorite melodies played by
Henri TARTAR (violin) and Junko KINOSHITA (piano), a couple very active in performance throughout the world.
#KiwanisOneDay
20 Kiwanis dolls were donated to Tohoku University Hospital, Pediatrics Department on
September 11, 2019. They will be used by students at the Department of Health Science, Tohoku University.
Ms Haruka WATANABE (Child Life Specialist) and President Toshiya CHUBACHI of the KC of Sendai.
Kiwanis Children's Fund gave scholarship to eight diligent students receiving higher education in Japan,
since the Japan District gave large amount per member in the 2017-18 Annual Giving Program.
KC of Sendai sought nomination from Miyagi Gakuin Women's University, which nominated
Ms. Shino SAITO and Ms. Nichika KIMURA. The club then nominated them to KCF through the Kiwanis Japan District.
Both of them turned out to receive the scholarship, and were awarded certificates at the club meeting
on Thursday, August 22, 2019. At the Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11, 2011, their houses were totally
distroyed and swept away by the tsunami while they were elementary school kids.
At the meeting following the award ceremony, both of them as well as members of Circle K
Miyagi Gakuin Women's University joined the members in stuffing Kiwanis dolls.
Club President Toshiya CHUBACHI awarded the certificate to Ms. Shino SAITO (above, from Kesennuma City)
and Ms. Nichika KIMURA (below, from Onagawa Township). Both of them then thanked the award.
Stuffing of Kiwanis dolls.
On Tuesday, August 6, 2019, KC of Sendai held the second "Tanabata (Star Festival)" meeting.
50 members (19 members from 9 other clubs and 31 members from Sendai Club) took part.
The members of the KC of Sendai wore the Happi coat prepared as a uniform for the 2021 ASPAC Convention
to be held in Sendai on March 10--13 here in Sendai.
Before the Tanabata meeting, Hokkaido Tohoku Division held its meeting presided by Lt. Governor
Kazuhiro TAKAGI. Governor Koji YOSHIDA took part.
After Club President Toshiya CHUBACHI called the meeting to order, the participants sang the Japan District
song "Dream to Children."
Immediate Past Club President Hiroshi KATO
gave a talk on Tanabata (Star Festival) and Sendai. Then dinner.
Group photos at the tables with guests from other clubs. Then participants at each table formed
a group to visit Tanabata decorations in downtown Sendai along Chuo and Ichibanncho Streets.
Then participants got together again for a downtown after-party.
KC of Sendai member Yoshiaki SATO, who served as 2017-18 Governor of the Japan District, received
K.I.D.S. (Kiwanis International Distinguished Service) Award at the Kiwanis International Convention
held in June 2019 in Orlando for his accomplishments in membership growth and new club building.
On Thursday, June 13, 2019, the Kiwanis Club of Sendai awarded the 47th Community Service Award
to "Family Home Suzuki" (Shigyoshi SUZUKI, Representative).
Mr. Shigeyoshi SUZUKI and his wife Hiroko were registered as foster parents in February 2003.
In the following 10 years, they accepted and fostered altogether eight children
from child counseling centers.
They got qualified as foster parent specialists, and started in April 2013 "Family Home Suzuki"
for six children. Since then, the family home has been fostering always five to six children
who were under abuse or other difficult circumstances.
The family home is the only one such institution in Sendai City, and has been contributing a great deal
to Children's welfare.
President Toshiya CHUBACHI and Representative Shigeyoshi SUZUKI (Photograph: courtesy of The Sankei Shimbun)
On Tuesday, June 11, 2019 three members of the Kiwanis Club of Sendai visited Circle K
Miyagi Gakuinn Women's University from 12:00 till 14:00.
University Vice President Atsuko TONOZUKA, Faculty Advisor Ken KURIHARA, and
Regional Liaison Section Head Yuji MAYAMA observed the Kiwanis Doll making.
Eleven first-year members and three third-year officers of the Circle K took part.
First, Michiko ODA (Kiwanis Advisor) explained what Kiwanis is for the new first-year members.
Then, Alumna Miki OBATA CUNAT (2001-02 Kiwanis International First Lady) explained her experience
after going from the University to the US for study, and how she introduced Kiwanis dolls
to Japan as Kiwanis International First Lady.
Then, Hiroko TAKAGI (Vice Chair of the Activities Committee) explained how to stuff cotton
inside the cover.
In three groups, the Circle K members stuffed cotton.
The new members of the Circle K were very good at stuffing and enjoyed the work.
15 Kiwanis dolls of usual size and 14 smaller dolles
were donated to Tohoku University Hospital, Pediatrics Department on May 28, 2019.
Ms Haruka WATANABE (Child Life Specialist) and Michiko ODA, Vice President of the KC of Sendai and
Circle K Kiwanis advisor.
Smaller Kiwanis dolls could be useful in preparation for CT scan, MRI, and others.
They also discussed future plans for the volunteer activities of Circle K Miyagi Gakuin Women's Univeristy
at the Pediatrics Dining Hall of the Tohoku University Hospital.
Earlier on January 24, 2021, Ms Haruka WATANABE gave a talk at the KC of Sendai meeting on
Child Life Specialists. Currently 41 Child Life Specialists are at 41 medical facilities in Japan.
Kiwanis dolls play important roles at the preparation during "Child/Family Centered Care".
As the Kiwanis One Day event, the Kiwanis Club of Sendai held on October 27, 2018
the third charity concert at the Donald McDonald House Sendai for families of children hospitalized
at Miyagi Children's Hospital. At the dining hall, more than 70 people including children and their parents
at the hospital and members of the KC of Sendai enjoyed the favorite melodies played by
Henri TARTAR (violin) and Junko KINOSHITA (piano), a couple very active in performance throughout the world.
#KiwanisOneDay
At the beginning, members of the planning committee introduced Kiwanis dolls. Club member Ryoko SUSA served as MC.
This year, 4 members of the Circle K Miyagi Gakuin Women's University took part, served as receptionists, and
led the chorus by the members of the audience.
Group photo of the performing couple, President, Immediate Past President and Planning Committee members of the club,
Circle Kers, Kiwanis and faculty advisors, and two kids who served as flower girls.
Kiwanis Children's Fund (formerly known as Kiwanis International Foundation) gave US$1,500 scholarship each
to four diligent students receiving higher education in Japan, since the Japan District gave next-to-largest
(after the Southwest District) amount per member in the 2016-17 Annual Giving Program.
KC of Sendai sought nomination from Miyagi Gakuin Women's University, which nominated
Ms. Mana ISHIGAKI and Ms. Momoyo HANASAKA. The club then nominated them to KCF through the Kiwanis Japan District.
Ms. ISHIGAKI (sophomore) had her house in Ishinomaki City devastated by the tsunami in 2011 when she was a sixth grader.
Her father passed away at home last year due to strain since then. Witnessing her father's medical treatment at home,
she hopes to be a registered dietitian.
Ms. HANASAKA (sophomore) had her house in Higashi Matsushima City devastated by the tsunami in 2011 when she was a sixth grader.
She had to study at a junior high school inland, and realized that people inland could not understand her bitter experiences.
She hopes to be a clinical psychotherapist and help people with bitter experiences.
Ms. Mana ISHIGAKI (above) and Ms. Momoyo HANASAKA (below) being presented with the scholarship list
from President Hiroshi KATO of the KC of Sendai at its meeting on Thursday, August 23, 2018.
On Friday, August 10, 2018, members of the Circle K Miyagi Gakuin Women's University
(sponsored by the KC of Sendai) visited Tohoku University Hospital Pediatric Department to donate 20 Kiwanis dolls.
(From the left) Kiwanis adviser Michiko ODA, Faculty adviser Ken KURIHARA, Yuu KUMASAKA,
Mizuki NAKATSUGAWA, Sayaka MIKAMI, and Tohoku University Hospital Pediatric Department Child life specialist
Haruka WATANABE.
On Monday, August 6, 2018, the KC of Sendai held the first "Tanabata (star festival)" meeting from 17:00 till 19:00.
72 attendees: 36 guests from 12 Kiwanis Clubs in the Japan District, 30 members of the KC of Sendai, and 6 members of
Sennan Satellite. Club President Hiroshi KATO gave a talk on "Sendai and Tanabata".
After the party, members of each table formed a team to visit the Tanabata decorations in downtown Sendai.
The teams got together at an after-party held near the Tanabata decorations.
On Friday, July 6, 2018, Chair Reiko TADA of the Japan District SLP Committee visited
Circle K Miyagi Gakuin Women's University (sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Sendai).
She attended the club meeting during the lunch recess, and in the afternoon conducted training
for members who did not have class.
Club meeting
Training in the afternoon
On Saturday, June 23, 2018, members of Circle K Miyagi Gakuin Women's University (sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Sendai)
accompanied students, graduates and teaching staff of
Kanto Gakuin University (in Japanese)
to visit
Children's Village Tohoku (in Japanese)
and
Sendai Tensien (in Japanese).
Members of Kango Gakuin University have been providing support to these institutions for recovery from the disaster.
Circle K Miyagi Gakuin Women's University learned a lot about these institutions, and hopes to support them in the future.
3 photos above at Children's Village Tohoku, while 2 photos below at Sendai Tensien
The 46th KC of Sendai Community Service Award to the Group "Keyaki" (Sachiko SAITO, representative).
Around 1998, aging of the residents became conspicuous in the Shogen Housing Complex, where the group is located.
Volunteers started to support the aging residents through food. They started providing lunch twice a week.
Since 2005, the group of 35 members provides supper suitable to elderly four times a week
totalling 15,000 suppers annualy. Since 2015, the group also organizes "Hot Salon Shogen" for elderly
in cooperation with other groups in the community.
Group Representative Sachiko SAITO and KC of Sendai President Hiroshi KATO (June 14, 2018)
Kiwanis Club of Sendai together with its Sennan Satellite held a golf competition on Wednesday, June 13, 2018
at Sendai Country Club.
7 members of the KC of Sendai and 5 members of the Sennan Satellite participated.
Club President's award (Kiwanis doll sculpture by club member Takayasu SUSA) was presented
by Governor Yoshiaki SATO (KC of Sendai) to the champion Kazuhiro TAKAGI (Immediate Past President, KC of Sendai).
The KC of Sendai took part in the prize awarding ceremony on May 5, 2018 of the 46th Spring Softball
Competition of Junior High Schools in Sendai City.
The club has been sponsoring the Competition since 2007 as one of its Signature Projects.
The venue "Gamou Seaside Park Baseball Fields" was devastated by the Tsunami on March 11, 2011.
Kiwanis Clubs Joint Fund
helped repurchasing of the baseball equipment that used to be stored at the venue and lost by the Tsunami.
This year the games were played at the newly reconstructed "Gamou Seaside Park Baseball Fields 1 through 6".
Until last year, the games were played at various junior high school yards.
This year, 24 Junior High School teams participated in the Competition.
Unfortunately, games had to be cancelled on May 3 because of rain.
Consequently, the games were played in tournament style on May 4 and 5 at Fields 1 through 4.
The cover of the Softball Competition together with the newly reconstructed baseball fields.
The baseball fields are in the middle of the areas devastated by the tsunami,
whichi also destroyed the beautiful pine forest along the ocean.
The "Evacuation Hill" (10 meters ASL) on the ocean side of the baseball fields
Takamori JHS team won 13 to 3 called game against Koriyama JHS team.
Plaques for Champion, Vice-Champion and two 3rd place teams (protected with plastic sheet)
Awards presented by Vice President Michiko ODA of the KC of Sendai.
On April 4, 2018, we donated 20 Kiwanis dolls to Tohoku University Hospital Pediatrics Department.
We were told that Kiwanis dolls are being used for treatment preparation as well as for the hospitalized children to play
doctors, and felt that we should make more Kiwanis dolls for children.
(From the right hand side.) President-elect Toshiya CHUBACHI, Child Life Specialist Haruka WATANABE,
Head Nurse Mitsue SUDO, and Service Committee Vice Chair Hiroko TAKAGI.
Circle K Miyagi Gakuin Women's University was chartered on December 22, 2017. Its Charter Ceremony
was held on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Conference Room 2 of the University.
Governor Yoshiaki SATO and Governor-elect Koji YOSHIDA of Kiwanis Japan District attended.
Also in attendance were 10 members of KC of Sendai (sponsoring club).
The Circle K has 25 charter members, but only 7 members including President Akari TOMITA could make it
due to internship and other duties.
President Hiroshi KATO (KC of Sendai) and President Arata HIRAKAWA (Miyagi Gakuin Women's University)
gave opening addresses. Governor Yoshiaki SATO presented the charter to President Akari TOMITA.
Immediate Past President Kazuhiro TAKAGI (KC of Sendai) then presented the charter kits, officers' badge
and advisor badges.
Vice President Atsuko TONOZUKA (Miyagi Gakuin Women's University), Ryozo MINEGISHI
(Former Lt. Governor, KC of Sendai), and Ikuko MIYAHARA (Dean, Miyagi Gakuin Women's University)
gave addresses.
Kiwanis Club of Sendai held its 1,000th anniversary meeting on February 22, 2018, which is
46 years and 8 months after its establishment on June 23, 1971.
Among the 58 attendees were club members and guests, members of Sennan Satellite, former club members,
and members from Kiwanis Clubs of Fukushima and Aomori.
Mr. Toyokazu KONDO (Head, Seiron Research Room, The Sankei Shimbun Tokyo Headquarters) gave a talk entitled
"Corporate scandals and responsibilities of the executives." The party afterwards included the performance by
Violinist Yukihiro NISHIMOTO (concert master, Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra) and pianist Chiaki WATANABE.
As the Kiwanis One Day event, the Kiwanis Club of Sendai held on October 28, 2017
the second charity concert at the Donald McDonald House Sendai for families of children hospitalized
at Miyagi Children's Hospital. At the dining hall, more than 60 people including children and their parents
at the hospital and members of the KC of Sendai enjoyed the favorite melodies played by prize winning
Tadayoshi NAGANO (saxophone), Yumemi SUZUKI (flube) and Megumu SAITO (electone).
#KiwanisOneDay
Presentation of Kiwanis dolls
The 45th KC of Sendai Community Service Award to the group "Star Festival Tradition" (Yoko SATO, representative).
The group, which was established in April 2000, has been trying to nurture the good tradition of Sendai Star Festival
by teaching children,elderly people and those living in temporary shelters after the Great East Japan Earthquake and
Tsunami. Sendai City participants at the National Health and Welfare Festival are famous for holding a traditional
Star Festival decoration each at the entrance procession.
Group Representative Yoko SATO and KC of Sendai President Kazuhiro TAKAGI holding a star festival decoration
made by the group. (June 8, 2017)
10 Kiwanis dolls were donated to Tohoku University Hospital Pediatrics Department.
Pediatrics Ward Chief Takeshi RIKIISHI, Head Nurse Tomoko SHIDA and Child Life Specialist Haruka WATANABE
of Tohoku University Hospital
together with President Kazuhiro TAKAGI and Service Committee Chair Atsushi NAKAROKKAKU of the KC of Sendai.
(June 6, 2017)
Kiwanis Club of Sendai together with its Sennan Satellite held a golf competition on Thursday, May 18, 2017
at Sendai Airport Country Club.
15 members of the KC of Sendai and 6 members of the Sennan Satellite participated.
Club President's award (Kiwanis doll sculpture by club member Takayasu SUSA) was presented
by President Kazuhiro TAKAGI to the champion Yasuaki KASUKABE of the Sennan Satellite.
On May 11 through 13, 2017, the 54th Annual Congress of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Surgeons was held
at Sendai International Center.
Kiwani Club of Sendai displayed Kiwanis dolls at a booth in the lobby in cooperation with the KC of Sapporo.
(50 dolls made by the KC of Sapporo and 150 dolls made by the KC of Sendai.)
Members of the Service Activities Committee were at a booth in the lobby.
86 Kiwanis dolls were given out during the meeting, and 30 more were requested for delivery.
On April 5, 2017, President Takahiko OGATA and three members of the Kiwanis Club of Lafayette, Indiana, USA
(established in 1916 and is a sister club of the Kiwanis Club of Tokyo) came to visit Sendai.
We took them to the following places in Miyagi Prefecture devastated by the Tsunami on March 11, 2011:
Ishinomaki City (Kadonowaki, Hiyoriyama Park, Former Okawa Elementary School),
Shizugawa, Minami Sanriku Town and Nobiru, Higashi Matsushima City.
They seem to have been amazed by the vastness of the disaster stricken areas,
and impressed by the patience and resilience of Japanese who are engaged in reconstruction
according to well established plans.
At Shizugawa Junior High School with Shizugawa, Minami Sanriku Town, Miyagi Prefecture in the background.
Ground raizing construction is under way.
Former Disaster Prevention Center Building (Minami Sanriku Town) completely destroyed by the tsunami.
Photo above was taken in October 2011. The photo below taken on April 5, 2017 shows that the surrounding is higher
than the building.
At the musium (former Nobiru Station building of JR Senseki Line) of Higashi Matsushima City showing
the photos and videos of the Tsunami Disaster on March 11, 2011.
Jack Brockley, Publisher of Kiwanis Magazine
(8 issues annually) of Kiwanis International came to visit Sendai.
His purpose was to report the accomplishments of the relief activities of
Kiwanis Clubs Joint Fund
and Kiwanis Club of Sendai, Children's Fund
established to make effective use of the donations from all over the world for children
devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.
Kiwanis Club of Sendai meeting (February 23, 2017), welcome party (February 24)
and sightseeing (Matsushima and Aoba Castle)
(February 22, 2017) 3.11 Disaster Recovery Memorial Museum of Higashi Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture.
It uses the former Nobiru Station building devastated by the tsunami.
(February 23) Former Nakahama Elementary School of Yamamoto Town, Miyagi Prefecture.
The building was flooded by the tsunami up to the second floor.
About 90 children and residents climbed to the roof and escaped the tsunami.
Helicopters of the Self Defense Force evacuated them the following day.
Study assistance activities at Sakamoto Junior High School and Community Center
by "Manabi no Mori, Inc." for children in the tsunami devastated Yamamoto Town, Miyagi Prefecture.
Ground-raising reconstruction in progress at Shizugawa, Minami Sanriku Town, Miyagi Prefecture.
(February 24, 2017)
(February 24) Mr. Souta SASAKI interviewed at Shizugawa Junior High School overlooking Shizugawa.
(February 24) Mr. Souta SASAKI interviewed at former Okawa Elementary School, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture.
First outside the classroom of the second graders (whom his late father was in charge)
and then at the foot of the hill in the back of the school.
(February 25, 2017) Unveiling of the new building of Miya no Mori Elementary School,
Higashi Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture.
The tsunami-devastated two elementary schools Nobiru and Miyato were combined to form this new school.
Classes had been held in temporary buildings until December, but the new buildings were completed in time
for the sixth graders to be able to study in the new buildings before their commencement in March.
As the Kiwanis One Day event, Kiwanis Club of Sendai (Japan) held on October 22, 2016
a charity concert at Donald McDonald House Sendai for families of children hospitalized
at Miyagi Children’s Hospital. At the dining hall about 70 people including 6 children
at the hospital and their parents enjoyed the favorite melodies played by prize winning
Ranko YOSHIDA (flute), Kazuhisa YOSHIDA (viola/violin) and Maya FUKUMURA (piano). #KiwanisOneDay
Kiwanis International Foundation gave US$2,000 scholarship each to five diligent students receiving higher education in Japan,
since the Japan District gave the largest amount per member in the 2014-15 Annual Giving Program.
KC of Sendai sought nomination from Tohoku University, which nominated Mr. Takumi SATO, Freshman in the School of
Engineering. The club then nominated him to KIF through the Kiwanis Japan District.
Mr. Sato's house was devastated by the earthquake on March 11, 2011. He hopes to be a space engineer.
Mr. Takumi SATO received the scholarship from Club President Yoshiaki SATO
at the 970th club meeting on August 25, 2016.
On June 10, 2016, Kiwanis Club of Sendai held
"45th Anniversary Celebration---5 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami".
About 100 people from all over Japan took part.
On the following June 11, about a half of them visited Okawa Elementary School (Ishinomaki City),
Shizugawa (Minamisanriku Town) and Hiyoriyama Park (Ishinomaki City) to see the current state of the areas
devastated by the tsunami.
Ceremony
The 44th KC of Sendai Community Service Award to "Children's Dream Network" (Yasuyuki BOKURA, representative),
which has been providing assistance for independence to orphans after they leave nursing homes.
Professor Fumihiko IMAMURA (Director, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University)
gave a talk on "Five years after the Great East Japan Earthquake---Lessons for future generations"
Party
Idol personality group "Michinoku Sendai ORI Hime Tai" formed by children in elementary schools, and
junior and senior high schools in the areas devastated by the earthquake and tsunami.
15 Kiwanis dolls were donated to Tohoku University Hospital Pediatrics Department
at the request by its Child Life Specialist.
Head Nurse Tomoko SHIDA and Child Life Specialist Haruka WATANABE
(April 13, 2016)
Kiwanis Club of Sendai accomplished the pledge to be a "Model Club" in the Eliminate Project
(joint project of Kiwanis International and UNICEF, from 2011 till 2015) that aims at eliminating
maternal and neonatal tetanus.
A model club pledges to pay US$750 per member in 5 years.
KC of Sendai pledged to pay US$42,750 (for 57 members then) on June 18, 2012, a year after the Great East Japan
Earthquake on March 11, 2011. On December 21, 2015, the club finished paying US$43,622.05 (JPY 4,533,462), more than
the pledged amount.
After the club meeting on February 25, 2016.
Annual Bone Marrow Registration Promotion Parade (on October 24, 2015)
KC of Sendai has been cooperating with Miyagi Bone Marrow Registration Promotion Association
since the Association's beginning, and took part in the 21st parade through downtown Sendai.
Ceremony before the parade. Club President Yoshiaki SATOU presented donation.
This year, a Kiwanian from the Philippine South District and her daughter took part in the parade.
Hwang Chia Sing, President-elect-designate of Kiwanis International Foundation, visited Sendai
from September 5 to 8.
Group photo with participants from KC of Sendai at the 39th Japan District Convention hosted by KC of Saitama
(September 4, 2015))
Welcome dinner by KC of Sendai.
Sendai City viewed from the Sendai Castle remain.
"Date samurai" at the Sendai Castle remain.
The statue of Lu Xun (famous Chinese novelist) at the headquarters campus of Tohoku University.
The "Lu Xun's Lecture Hall" at which Lu Xun in 1904--1906 attended classes of Sendai Medical School.
The seats around which Lu Xun is said to have sat during classes.
Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture was devastated by the tsunami (viewed from Hiyoriyama Hill).
The old Nobiru railroad station (in Higashi Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture) devastated by the tsunami
on March 11, 2011. A new station was built on the hill behind and put in service on May 30, 2015.
Sendai Airport was devastated by the tsunami.
2015 KC of Sendai Community Service Award
At the 948th Club Meeting (June 11, 2014), President Seiichi AGATSUMA presented the
43rd KC of Sendai Community Service Award to Ms. Yuki KOBAYASHI, President of the
Aoba BBS.
Aoba BBS was established in 1952 and is a member of
"Big Brothers and Sisters Movement of Japan".
Its volunteer activities consist in helping delinquent or at-risk youth as big brothers and sisters.
Currently, the members of Aoba BBS are mostly students of Tohoku Fukushi University.
Sennan Satellite
11 initial members
Inaugural meeting on November 19, 2014 in Marumori Town, Miyagi Prefecture
2014 KC of Sendai Community Service Award
At the 929th Club Meeting (June 12, 2014), President Hiroo SATO presented the
KC of Sendai Community Service Award to Mr. Hideyuki TAKAMURA, President of the
Specified Nonprofit Corporation
"Miyagi Prefecture Liaison Council of Patients' and Families' Organizations".
The corporation is composed of the Patients' Organizations of Rare Diseases and their Families.
It originated from the "Miyagi Prefecture Liaison Council of Patients of Rare Diseases" organized in 1988,
and the Families of Patients were added at its incorporation in 2005.
Kiwanis International President Gunter Gasser and First Lady Chiristiana came to visit Kiwanis Club of Sendai together with Governor Keizo OGAWA and District Secretary Masayuki ISHIHARA.
Welcome party at Hotel "Sakan" in Akiu Spa Resort (April 12, 2014).
Welcome address by Club President Hiroo SATO, and banner exchange.
(April 12, 2014) Welcome party at Hotel "Sakan" in Akiu Spa Resort and Tsugaru Shamisen performance.
(April 13, 2014) Cherry blossoms in full bloom at Tsutsujigaoka Park in Sendai City.
We then traveled to Ishinomaki City and Shizugawa, Minamisanriku Town which were
devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake 3 years ago. Kiwanis has been providing support
to children in these areas.
Annual Bone Marrow Registration Promotion Parade (on November 9, 2013)
KC of Sendai has been cooperating with Miyagi Bone Marrow Registration Promotion Association
since the Association's beginning, and took part in the 20th parade through downtown Sendai.
KC of Sendai printed the Kiwanis logo on the baloons, and blew them up with helium gas at
the club office.
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts took part in the parade.
Members of the club gave away the baloons to children during the parade through downtown Sendai.
Annual Bone Marrow Registration Campaign Parade (on November 17, 2012) .
Unlike in previous years, the club had to have Kiwanis logo printed on baloons and helium gas filling
had to be taken care of by the members at the club office.
President's Cup Golf Competition (on October 29, 2012 at Sendai Country Club Natori Course).
KC of Sendai annually supports activities for sound development of youth.
This activity was started in 2006 to commemorate the club's 35th Anniversary.
Two activities were supported in 2012:
(1) Team jerseys, net, volleyballs were donated to "Ohira Yamanami Girls' Volleyball Team"
(currently, 17 elementary school girls).
(2) Plaques and diplomas were donated to the 39th Sendai Junior High School Softball Spring Meet
of the Sendai Softball Association.
Members of Ohira Yamanami Girls' Volleyball Team with President Toshikatsu Hamada
and Service Committee Chairman Yoshio Kojima
The team jerseys have the Kiwanis logo.
The Volleyballs donated to the team
The team jerseys with the Kiwanis logo.
President Toshikatsu Hamada addressed at the 39th Sendai Junior High School Softball
Spring Meet.
2012 KC of Sendai Community Service Award
At the 890th Club Meeting (July 26, 2012), President Toshikatsu Hamada presented the
KC of Sendai Community Service Award to Ms. Chikako Sato, Representative of the Incorporated
Nonprofit Organization "Cosmos Club". (photograph: courtesy of The Sankei Shinbum).
"Cosmos Club" was established on May 1, 1999 and provides support to handicapped children and adults.
It runs "Cosmos Club Tsurugaya" and "Cosmos Club Donguri" for infants and elementary school kids,
"Cosmos Club Nikoniko no Ie" and "Pokapoka no Ie" for Junior and Senior High School Students,
as well as "Cosmos Club Smile Workshop" and "Cosmos Club Smile Workshop Ekubo" for aduts.
Currently, 141 members are registered altogether.
Paper crane folding
At the 881th Club Meeting (March 8, 2012), the members folded paper cranes as requiem prayer
for those who lost their lives by the earthquake and tsunami a year earlier.
The paper cranes are to be distributed at the Kiwanis Asia-Pacific Convention in Colombo City,
Sri Lanka (March 15--17, 2012) as tokens of gratitude for the disaster relief contributions.
Kiwanis doll making at the club meeting.
Annual Bone Marrow Registration Campaign Parade.
