June 2: Home-made pon-gashi popped rice for kids at Tsukidate Elementary School

This morning, we went to Tsukidate Elementary School in Yasse, Kesennuma, and showed the kids the traditional way of making pongashi popped rice. This school is located in the hills of Kesennuma, an area that remained without water and electricity for more than a month after the disaster struck. Among the staff working at the school, there are many who have lost family, friends acquaintances, or homes. However, everybody invited us in in the cheerful and welcoming way of the local people.

The school's kids are told to beware of the loud bang of the pongashi machine!

Oops!! The pongashi machine has spread some of the popped rice all over the place. The kids are quick to help gather it. Then the fun continues with home-made cotton candy:

Our cotton candy is popular with both teachers and kids. There are three different tastes, and the kids love exchanging the sweet treat. Lots of smiles today.

We thank the staff and children at the Tsukidate Elementary School for their warm welcome.

Text: Kanazawa Daisuke

Photos: Beatrix Yoshikawa

(translated by B.Y.)