Exploring a Disaster Storytelling Method through Survivors' Reflections on Recovery Experience

Implications and Potentials of “Hisao no Hitorigoto (Monologue by Hisao)”

Abstract

This research explores opportunities of passing survivors' post–disaster experiences via a short piece of writing by them reflecting on own experiences. This method, newly named “Hisao no Hitorigoto (literally translated as “monologue by Hisao”)”, was established in a study group which aimed at revisiting their Great East Japan Earthquake experiences. The method involves short senryu–like writing that only constitutes several words. This briefness makes authors and readers less burdensome to develop and read, much easier than those writings for traditional memoir and disaster education materials. It also has the advantages of leaving some rooms for readers to interpret, which enables them to verbalize difficult experiences of which may involve conflicting values. In addition, the method of fragmented personal experiences into short writings allow readers to better comprehend authors' personality. "Hisao no Hitorigoto" has implications and potentials to share disaster recovery experiences that have not yet been achieved in any previous methods used.