History of the Facility
Inamura-no-Hi no Yakata opened in April 2007. Its establishment was inspired by the local community’s desire to honor the achievements of Goryo Hamaguchi and pass his spirit of disaster preparedness on to future generations.
The facility was developed after the Hamaguchi family donated their former residence. Following the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, the exhibits were also updated to incorporate lessons learned from the disaster and to provide visitors with more practical knowledge about disaster preparedness.
In 2016, the facility began working with the Aceh Tsunami Museum in Indonesia. This international partnership has helped expand its role as a center for disaster prevention education that connects local Japanese history with experiences from around the world.
Explore the Tsunami Education Center
Learn Through Interactive Exhibits
The Tsunami Disaster Prevention Education Center uses interactive exhibits to make disaster prevention easier to understand. On the first floor, the Disaster Prevention Experience Room allows visitors to learn about disaster preparedness through games and hands-on activities.
There is also a tsunami simulation system that generates waves so visitors can observe how tsunami waves behave. These exhibits help explain the power of tsunamis and the importance of taking appropriate action and evacuating quickly.
Powerful Videos and Exhibits
The 3D Video Theater uses immersive visual presentations to explain how tsunamis occur and the kinds of damage they can cause. The experience provides visitors with a more vivid understanding of the mechanisms behind these natural disasters.
On the second floor, exhibits introduce the story of “Inamura no Hi”, along with information about major tsunamis that have occurred throughout history. Visitors can therefore learn about disaster prevention from both historical and scientific perspectives.
Learning from Disasters Around the World
An exhibition introducing the Aceh Tsunami Museum presents examples of disasters and reconstruction efforts from outside Japan. These displays encourage visitors to consider disaster preparedness from an international perspective and demonstrate that communities around the world face similar challenges.
The exhibits show why sharing knowledge and experiences across national borders is an important part of building safer communities.
The Goryo Hamaguchi Memorial Museum
The Goryo Hamaguchi Memorial Museum uses Hamaguchi’s former family home to introduce his life, character, and actions during the tsunami disaster.
Exhibits and a theater located in the traditional entrance area recreate the atmosphere of the time and help visitors understand what happened in the community. Through these displays, visitors can learn not only about Hamaguchi as a historical figure but also about the people who lived through the disaster.
The facility also has a community space where local residents and visitors can exchange ideas and discuss disaster prevention. This reflects the continuing importance of passing knowledge from one generation to the next.
The Story of “Inamura no Hi”
A Quick Decision That Saved Lives
“Inamura no Hi,” or “The Fire of the Rice Sheaves,” is a story based on an actual event that took place during the Ansei-Nankai Earthquake of 1854.
Goryo Hamaguchi recognized the danger of the approaching tsunami. To warn the villagers and guide them toward higher ground, he set fire to rice sheaves stored in his fields. Seeing the fires in the darkness, villagers followed them toward safety.
His quick thinking and willingness to take action are remembered as having helped save many lives. The story has since become one of Japan’s best-known examples of the importance of immediate evacuation when a tsunami threatens.
A Story That Became Educational Material
The story later gained international attention when it was introduced in English by Lafcadio Hearn, the Irish-Greek writer who became known in Japan as Koizumi Yakumo. It was subsequently translated and adapted into Japanese and eventually appeared in Japanese language textbooks.
For generations, children in Japan have learned about disaster preparedness through this story. As a result, “Inamura no Hi” has become an important symbol of disaster education in Japan.
A Lesson for the Modern World
The central lesson of the story remains highly relevant today: when you sense that a tsunami may be coming, do not wait—evacuate immediately to a safe, elevated location.
Tsunami warning signs are not always obvious, and natural disasters can develop quickly. Learning how to recognize danger and act without hesitation can make an important difference in an emergency.
Visit the Hiro-mura Seawall
Near Inamura-no-Hi no Yakata is the Hiromura Seawall, which Goryo Hamaguchi financed using his own wealth after the 1854 tsunami. The seawall is designated as a National Historic Site and remains an important physical reminder of his commitment to protecting the local community.
Visitors can walk along the seawall and imagine the challenges faced by the people of Hirokawa more than a century ago. Walking through the area after learning about Hamaguchi’s actions at the museum makes the history particularly meaningful.
Guided tours by local storytellers may also be available. Listening to explanations about the disaster and the lives of local residents can provide a deeper understanding of the history and the human stories behind it.
A Meaningful Tourist Attraction
Inamura-no-Hi no Yakata is more than a traditional museum. It is a place where history, hands-on learning, and disaster prevention education come together.
The facility is suitable for families, school groups, and individual travelers. Interactive exhibits make difficult scientific concepts easier to understand, while the historical story of Goryo Hamaguchi gives visitors a personal perspective on the importance of disaster preparedness.
Combining a visit to the museum with the nearby Hiromura Seawall and other attractions in Hirogawa Town also provides a deeper introduction to the area’s history, culture, and natural environment.
Passing an Important Message to the Future
Inamura-no-Hi no Yakata preserves the lessons of past disasters while teaching visitors how those lessons can help protect lives in the future.
The story of Goryo Hamaguchi demonstrates the importance of caring for others, making quick decisions, and taking action when danger approaches. These values remain meaningful regardless of time or nationality.
For international visitors, the museum also offers an opportunity to learn about Japan’s long history of living with earthquakes and tsunamis and the culture of disaster preparedness that has developed as a result.
When visiting Hirogawa Town, consider stopping at Inamura-no-Hi no Yakata. By exploring its exhibits and walking along the historic Hiromura Seawall, you can discover a powerful story about courage, community, and the universal importance of protecting human life.