神道 Defying the Tsunami, Otsuchi - Kozuchi Shinto Shrine Survives

It has been over a month since the Tsunami devastated the town of Otsuchi, Japan. And yet despite the catastrophic loss of human life and property, Otsuchi's Kozuchi Shinto Shrine remains beautifully intact. Set on a small hill the Kozuchi Shrine managed to survive the March 11th 2011 earthquake, raging fires from a resulting gas explosion, then the tsunami that literally wiped Otsuchi off the map leaving a sea of shattered lives and debris. Call it luck or the power of the Shinto Kami (For those not familiar with Shinto - What can best be described in Western terms as the Divine in Nature), this shrine has survived to become a place of refuge and place of prayer for those who seek favor and comfort of the Shinto Kami in hopes of finding their lost relatives and the strength to carry on. The Shrine has since become a shelter for twenty-two survivors and a focal point for those who would ring the Shrine's bell and make offerings. We at American Mishima ask you to please watch this video and continue to pray and donate to the countless victims of the multiple tragedies that have devastated Japan. ありがとう!