Doi lifts the day’s catch from his boat onto the docks in Shiogama.

SABUSAWA ISLAND, Japan – As a fisherman, Doi’s livelihood and the wellbeing of his family depends on having good fishing nets.

When the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan earlier this year, Doi lost his home and nearly all of his fishing equipment. Thankfully, his boat had been safely moored on the side of Sabusawa Island that was protected from the brunt of the giant wave, but with his fishing nets destroyed, he had no means to provide for his family.

Doi and his family were living in a small evacuation center located in a school building on the island’s hilltop when Operation Blessing arrived at Sabusawa Island to help tsunami survivors get back on their feet.

Doi sorts his fish as he prepares to sell them at the Shiogama fish market.

And they came with exactly what Doi and his family needed: brand new gill fishing nets.

Doi immediately got back to work with his new nets and was soon catching an abundance of fish—or as the Japanese call it—“umi no sachi,” which means “blessings of the sea.”

Now Doi is able to take his “blessings” to the Shiogama fish market where he receives a fair price for his catch and is able to provide his family with food, temporary housing, and even schooling for his daughter.

“These nets are a great help!” Doi said. “I didn’t think things were going to go so well after the tsunami. And usually a good catch means lower prices, but we are getting a good catch, and good prices!”

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 1997- 2012 by Operation Blessing International of this page and all contents. No part of this site may be used without prior written consent from OBI. All Rights Reserved. Questions or comments? Email us at operation.blessing@ob.org.