When Yuzuru-kun visited the temporary housing in Iwaki, I went to be a volunteer from morning. I remember everyone was in smiles because the gold medalist was coming. Just seeing their smiles made me happy. The disaster was more than 4 years ago but Yuzuru-kun made his way here to the affected area; I am writing to carefully convey the feelings.
In the temporary housing, there are many elderly people (grandpas and grandmas); people of that generation are strong in endurance and do not complain. But to Yuzuru-kun, they told everything, that their homes were washed away, that they have no family, that they are all alone, that they want to go home; I was relieved they talked. Yuzuru-kun created the place and the atmosphere where one could talk.
Just because Yuzuru-kun has come, the entire place dazzled and brightened up like flowers had bloomed. All the grandmas clapping with smiles that they never had before this, just seeing this made me break down and my tears could not stop flowing. What was aired on TV is only one part; I wish they had aired the whole thing.
Yuzuru-kun looked at everyone with eyes that were gentle, warm and beautiful, and his words were spoken with great care and kindness. There was a grandma that started crying. Yuzuru-kun went to her side and was crying with her and saying ‘I will come again’. This remains a deep impression in me.
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In the evening, when they saw themselves on TV, everyone was noisy and excited; it was heartwarming to see them like that. There were also some who were moved to tears. After this, there were people who feel so proud that Yuzuru-kun came. I am happy that everyone became so “genki” (invigorated). I am full of gratitude to Yuzuru-kun. Thank you.