Yasuhiro Aota: From That Day's Donation

2025/04/15

The origin lies in the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. As a junior high school student, I did my best just by donating a small amount at a fundraiser in front of the station, but in truth, I was intensely drawn to volunteering on-site. The feelings that had been smoldering deep in my heart since then erupted after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, becoming a major turning point in my life that led to my current career.

I was already working at a school then, but for three to four years from 2011, I frequently visited Tohoku, dedicating much of my energy in my early 30s to soup kitchen activities. Unexpected incidents were a daily occurrence, and I faced constant worries, especially in the years after starting the NPO. However, it was through those very situations that I learned the importance of perseverance, swift action, and flexible thinking. While there is no end to the memorable stories from Miyagi, Iwate, and Fukushima, I feel that the wealth of experience gained in the disaster areas has been fully utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic—which coincided with my appointment as principal in 2020—and in school management ever since.

I believe the strength of private schools lies in their speed and flexibility. We can easily address changes mid-year, and in some cases, same-day approval is possible. Schools today face a mountain of challenges: school rules on hairstyles and uniforms, educational DX involving ICT and generative AI, the development of non-cognitive skills, and restructuring curricula for university exams. Yet, that is exactly why it is worth the effort to act, think, and above all, take on the challenge. I recognize that this mindset was undoubtedly forged through my continued disaster relief work.

Looking back, the feelings that took root that day in 1995 were likely not just a desire to contribute to society, but also a wish to test my own potential. Going forward, while not quite "wearing two hats," I want to continue pursuing new challenges from my two bases—the school and the NPO—to bring the creativity needed in this VUCA era to both my students and the people in disaster-affected areas.

*Affiliations and titles are as of the time of publication.