In Japanese poet Miyazawa Kenji’s poem “Strong in the Rain,” the main character spends his life going wherever he is needed by his fellow human beings, always concerned more about their well-being than his own during difficult times.
The sentiment of selflessness and giving in the poem is the reason it was chosen to serve as the inspiration for masks produced by the city of Hanamaki, Iwate, Japan’s Office of International Relations. Each mask includes the title of the poem in English and Japanese. The design is also inspired by a mural in Hanamaki of another of Kenji’s literary works — “Night on the Milky Way Express.” The office cooperated with Koyata, a local fabric workshop, to produce the masks to be shared with its sister cities during a time of struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hot Springs is one of those sister cities, and the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts was fortunate enough to be included in the gift. ASMSA students taking a Japanese language course this semester each received one of the masks. Mary Zunick, cultural affairs manager for Visit Hot Springs, recently presented the masks to the students.
Zunick said the two cities have a long history of supporting each other during times of celebration. Deer dancers from Hanamaki helped Hot Springs celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Hot Springs National Park. Representatives from Hot Springs traveled to Hanamaki for its annual festival and other milestones dating back to 1993 when the partnership was established.
They also have been supportive of each other in times of crisis, she said. When evacuees from coastal areas fled Hurricane Katrina to Hot Springs, Hanamaki sent contributions to those in need. When the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami devastated the eastern coast of Japan in 2011, Hanamaki received thousands of evacuees who had lost everything. Hot Springs friends sent $25,000 to assist Hanamaki in caring for them.
“Now during a time of crisis, one that has impacted us in Arkansas on a much larger scale than Japan, they want to assist,” Zunick said. “Masks, which are a common sight in Japan, are worn anytime someone doesn't feel well and they want to protect those around them from possibly contracting what they have. These special masks sent by Hanamaki are decorated with artwork celebrating one of the writings of Miyazawa Kenji, who was from Hanamaki.”
Elizabeth Brown serves as ASMSA’s Japanese language instructor. ASMSA is the only public school in the state that provides local Japanese language instruction. Students from the school have participated in Sister City trips to Hanamaki, and ASMSA has a long-term educational exchange with Hanamaki Kita High School, with students from each school visiting their Sister School.
Brown said the city and the longstanding and deep relationship with the people of Hanamaki is profoundly important to the Hot Springs and ASMSA communities.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and it became clear that we would be unable to carry out our exchanges this year, my students and I were devastated,” Brown said. “I am so humbled by this gift from our friends in Hanamaki. The gesture reminds us that our relationship can weather even the strongest of the storms and that we must support and care for each other through hard times.
“Every time I wear my mask or see my students wearing theirs, I am reminded of the special bond between our communities and feel empowered to carry on.”
Brown’s students wrote essays about the poem, its meaning and the thoughtfulness of those who made the masks.
“Remaining ‘strong in the rain’ while simultaneously caring for others is critical during this time,” wrote junior Mika Brown. “A prime example of this is the masks from Hanamaki. This selfless act of the citizens of Hanamaki sending masks to its sister cities exemplifies the nature of Miyazawa’s poem. Despite also going through trying times, the people of Hanamaki were able to be compassionate and caring. Receiving the mask and learning about the poem honestly made my entire day.”
The Hanamaki Office of International Relations said it chose to use some of the funds originally given to the city for the postponed 2020 Summer Olympics that were to be held in Japan to help promote international relations.
“We are so grateful to be a part of this global community and feel that it is important to do what we can to help each other in times of need,” a statement from the office said. “While these masks may not be much, they are certainly sent with love, as we strive to keep alive Kenji’s dream of being strong in the rain. The sincerity and meaning behind this famed poem have helped us through many hardships, and this time, we’d like to share it with you.”