#Japan #SAPESI-Japan #Mobile Library #Otsuchi #Ōtsuchi Town

A Beacon of Hope: The Journey of the Mobile Library from Japan to South Africa

On the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the mobile library vehicle "Nakayoshi Kyōwakoku-go," which played a crucial role in supporting the community of Ōtsuchi Town, Japan, has embarked on a new mission in South Africa, bridging learning and hope. Managed by SAPESI-Japan, a nonprofit organization based in Tokyo, this initiative continues to deliver books to children in South Africa's Gauteng Province.

The Journey Begins: Supporting Ōtsuchi

The town of Ōtsuchi was devastated by the tsunami during the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, losing nearly 10% of its population. The local library suffered immense damage, disrupting the community's access to literature and learning. In February 2012, the mobile library "Nakayoshi Kyōwakoku-go" was donated by the Japan UNESCO Association to help rejuvenate the spirit of the town. The mobile library served as a crucial gathering point for residents during the recovery period, fostering a culture of learning.

By June 2018, the Ōtsuchi Town Library was rebuilt, allowing the library vehicle to continue its operations for some time. However, with the intention of giving the mobile library a second life, it was decided to send it to South Africa, where it would continue its vital role in promoting education.

A New Chapter in South Africa

In 2022, the mobile library was officially launched in South Africa as part of SAPESI-Japan's educational support project. With its excellent condition, it became a central resource for the Gauteng Province Educational Library. The library offers book loans and reading classes, engaging numerous children and enhancing their relationship with reading and literature.

Preserving Memories and Expanding Horizons

Normally, mobile libraries donated to South Africa are repainted. However, for "Nakayoshi Kyōwakoku-go," local stakeholders chose to retain the artwork created by children in Ōtsuchi. This design remains visible on the vehicle, serving as a testament to the enduring spirit and creativity of Ōtsuchi's children. Their hopes and dreams, born from the challenges of disaster recovery, now resonate with children nearly 13,000 kilometers away in South Africa.

Reflections from the Field

According to Toshiyuki Suzuki, the secretary general of SAPESI-Japan, a visit to a school in South Africa in March 2026 revealed the profound impact of the mobile library. The sight of the vehicle delivering books and conducting reading sessions filled him with admiration. "It is remarkable to see a vehicle that once supported recovery in Japan now delivering learning opportunities on the opposite side of the world," he remarked.

A Relay of Goodwill

The journey of a single mobile library does not end; instead, it signifies a continued commitment to delivering education. What once served the community of Ōtsuchi has transformed into a bridge that connects children in South Africa with knowledge and inspiration. This goodwill transcends borders, shaping new educational landscapes.

SAPESI-Japan remains dedicated to its mission of strengthening educational support between Japan and South Africa, ensuring that the spirit of compassion and resilience continues to thrive across continents.

About SAPESI-Japan

• - Name: SAPESI-Japan (Japanese Nonprofit Organization for Supporting Primary Education in South Africa)
• - Location: 2F, 2-2-15 Hamamatsucho, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Chairperson: Kenichi Ikesawa
• - Established: December 2008
• - Activities: Donation of mobile libraries and educational support projects to South Africa
• - Website: SAPESI-Japan

Contact Information

For inquiries, please reach out to: SAPESI-Japan Secretariat
Email: [email protected]