Team Members
Masami Itabashi
In my previous position at the Tohoku Regional Environment Office, I served as the public relations officer for the Michinoku Coastal Trail, promoting the trail’s attractions.
I was born and raised in Miyagi. After experiencing the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, I wanted to do whatever I could to help with the recovery efforts, and that’s when I became involved in this project through a series of fortunate circumstances.
I deeply resonated with the idea that the Michinoku Coastal Trail is “a path that passes on the memory of the disaster to future generations” and “fosters a spiritual connection between local residents and visitors who come to hike here,” and I remember feeling strongly at the time that I wanted to see this trail fully connected throughout the disaster-affected areas.
As this trail gradually came together, my own heart, without my realizing it, shifted its focus from that day in the past toward the future.
Just as there are hikers whose outlook on life changes through walking, I believe it’s perfectly fine for people’s outlooks to change through supporting the trail. That is who I am today.