The Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund
Introduction to Grant Projects
NPO Miyagi Shiryou Net (Network for Preserving Historical Materials)
Regeneration of Michinoku culture and traditions: carrying on historical heritage
Activity grant
- Project Description
The organization preserves historical materials such as ancient documents and old buildings of the region that faced destruction during the earthquake, and records and carries on in detail the regional history and culture that has been built up though the approach of the people of the Michinoku region towards the natural environment. The organization records and gathers information from disaster historical heritage that will contribute to regional reconstruction in Sendai. In addition, the organization is restoring and developing a database for ancient records related to the Ogatsu Hoin Kagura tradition that is a nationally designated important folk cultural property in Ogatsu-cho, Ishinomaki City. Through these series of activities, we will share information on regional historical heritage, and support the activities of residents who are engaged in reconstruction from the perspective of history and culture.
- Grant year
- FY2011 Activity Grants
- Grant term
- 1 years
April 2012 - March 2013
- Grant amount
- 2,000,000 yen
- Activity region
- Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan

Overview of the Organization

- Representative
- Shin Hirakawa, Director
- Establishment year
- 2003 (certified as NPO in 2007)
- Establishment purpose
- Preserve historical materials such as ancient documents, folk utensils, and antiquities remaining in the region from disasters and other risks that could lead to destruction. The organization was triggered by relief activities for historical materials affected by the earthquake that occurred in July 2003. Many materials were protected thanks to the cooperation of the parties involved. On the other hand, there were also historical materials that could not be saved in time. Learning from these experiences, we have adopted the approach of assessing the presence of materials and recording them together with the parties involved prior to the occurrence of disasters, such as for Miyagiken-oki Earthquake that was seen as a virtual certainty.
- Main activity areas
- Miyagi Prefecture and southern part of Iwate Prefecture (former Sendai Domain)
- Number of staff members
- 9 part-time staff members, 150 full members
- Annual operating budget
- 2.91 million yen in 2009, 3.99 million yen in 2010, 12.05 million yen in 2011
- WEB site
- http://www.miyagi-shiryounet.org/
- Main activities
-
- (1) Checking for the presence of historical materials
Check for the presence of historical materials in each region, and create ledgers that summarize this information. - (2) Keeping records of individual historical materials
We create digital records for historical materials for individual houses and organizations and create image data and photo books in preparation for destruction of the originals in the event of a disaster. - (3) Public relations and promotion efforts
We conduct broad public relations and promotion activities through surveys, the provision of our achievements, and courses.
- (1) Checking for the presence of historical materials
- Following the Great East Japan Earthquake, we have been engaged in relief and preservation activities for historical materials owned by individuals affected by the disaster.