A Friend in Need

By Sarah Umetsu
British, Translator & Narrator

In the recent disasters around the world with Hurricane Katrina in the US and the giant quake in Pakistan, what was just as heartbreaking as hearing about the thousands who had died was seeing the thousands more left homeless. People outside for days on end, their only possessions what they can carry with them, left to the mercy of the unbearable heat or harsh cold and, particularly in the case of the elderly and infirm, with absolutely no means of getting themselves out of the situation. Totally helpless.

Switch to Japan. Fukuoka City, Tenjin. There is an old man, in his late seventies, who lives on the street. His only possessions are what he has with him. He is outside all year round, left to the mercy of Japan’s sometimes harsh weather conditions. He can get water from a public restroom not far away but for food he relies on the kindness of strangers. He has bad legs and, although mentally tough, he is physically frail. He has no means of getting himself out of his situation. While there are organizations that aim to help get people off the streets, they invariably see getting a job as the first step. At his age and in his physical condition his working days are over. Despite this, he has a keen sense of pride and considers it his responsibility to pick up cigarette butts and other trash, sweep up fallen leaves and generally keep clean the stretch of public road that has become his home. His greatest pleasure is receiving a lottery ticket that I sometimes buy for him. He says it gives him the chance to dream of a better life.

I first met him several years ago when I was teaching in a nearby building. I wanted to help but was wary. Overcoming my trepidation, one day I took him a bento. He was courteous and appreciative. It was the start of a mutually beneficial relationship: I take him food and other essentials; in return he’s become a sort of grandfather figure to me, always pleased to see me, always ready for a chat. When my son was born he somehow managed to buy him a present. When we part he never fails to tell me to drive safely. It is one of the warmest relationships I’ve experienced during my 15 years in Japan.

I’ve been taking him daily necessities every week since that first bento nine years ago. Now, I’m not looking for a pat on the back, I’m looking for people to take my place. I’m going back to England at the end of the year and I’m worried about Matsubara-san. If you’re reading this and thinking, “Japan has the second biggest economy in the world – they can take care of their elderly” or “Nobody ends up on the street without contributing to their situation themselves” or even “I’m only a visitor here – it’s not my problem,” then you are not the person for the task.

Hurricane, earthquake or unexpected circumstances… Whatever the cause, homelessness can be the result. Unlike Katrina and Pakistan, where you might have sent money to a charity and hoped for the best, this is a chance to do something directly, and see the results with your own eyes.

If you’ve been moved by this piece and feel a desire to help someone in need, please contact me via e-mail at umelou@yahoo.com. While people outside of Japan need our, help someone in our community does too.
Helping the Homeless

Please feel free to get in contact with Sarah about helping her friend Matsubara-san. However, if you would like to help in another way, the following groups are involved in helping the city’s homeless. Interested people are urged to get in contact with them.

Fukuoka Onigiri-no-Kai
http://www.pastorama.com/homeless.html

This group, operating from the Minoshima Pastoral Center, provides takidashi (simple food) to homeless people throughout the year. During the colder months from Dec. 2nd to the end of the second week in March, they provide food every week. For the rest of the year food is given out once a month, always in the evenings. They are always open to donations of clothes and daily necessities.
Hakata New Life

With the aim of helping the homeless return to society as soon as possible, they provide bread, fruit etc. to those who live on the street. On the last Saturday of every month, they provide basic food at Dekimachi Park near Hakata Station. Call 092-481-5477 if you want to help.

 

 

 

 

米国を襲ったハリケーン・カトリーナやパキスタン地震はたくさんの尊い命を奪い、また多くの人がホームレスとして生活を余儀なくされてる。堪え難い過酷な生活状況は今も変わらず、特に体の弱い高齢者たちは、希望なき日々を送っているの。
そしてこの福岡でも、路上で生活をしている1人の老人がいます。冬の寒さに耐え、近くの公園の水道水を飲み、道行く人々からの食べ物をもらい、彼は両手に持てるだけの荷物で、年中外で暮らしてる。彼は体こそ弱いけれど強靭な精神力を持っているわ。彼のようなホームレスを救い仕事を探してくれる慈善団体もあるけれど、彼の年齢、体のことを考えると仕事を得るのは難しい。そんな中でも、タバコの吸い殻やゴミを広拾い、また落ち葉をかき集め、道をきれいにする事を彼は自分の仕事として誇りをもっている。そして彼の一番の楽しみは私が彼にプレゼントするロト券。豊かな生活を夢見ることね。
私たちが最初に出会ったのは私が近くの学校に勤務していた頃のこと。彼の助けになりたい気持ちはあったけれどやはり少し怖かった。彼に恐る恐るお弁当を届けた日のこと今でも忘れない。彼はとても喜んでくれて・・・それは彼と私のギブアンドテイクな友情の始まり。それから9年、私は彼に毎週食べ物や日用品を届け、彼も私を時には祖父のように優しく接してくれた。お金がないのに、私に息子が誕生した時はプレゼントを買ってくれたわ。私が帰るときは必ず「気を付けなさいね」と気遣ってくれる。彼との友情は日本にいる15年間でもっとも心温まるものよ。
今年の暮れイギリスに帰ることになった私。気がかりなのは彼の事。そこで私の代わりを探しているの。もし貴方がこれを読んで、「自分のことは自分で…」とか、「経済大国なんだからホームレスなんてありえない！」って思っていれば、仕方がないわ。
地震やハリケーンによってホームレスとなった人達に募金をしたみなさん、彼だったら直接会話を交わして助けてあげることができる。もしこれを読んで私の親友を助けたいって人がいたら、是非連絡を下さい。みなさんの親切心を信じているわ。ドォデショ。
E-mail: umelou@yahoo.com

ホームレス援助団体情報
福岡おにぎりの会 Tel: 092-431-4785
年間を通して路上で暮らす人たちへの夜間炊き出し（12月～3月の2週までは毎週、その他は月一回）を行う。また募金や日用品の寄付も募っている。
博多ニューライフ教会 Tel: 092-481-5477
１日も早い自立と社会復帰を願い、パン・果物等の食料配布をほぼ毎日行っている。また、毎月最終土曜日の午後には、博多駅近くの出来町公園で炊き出しも行っている。

 

 

 

 

By Sarah Umetsu
British, Translator & Narrator

In the recent disasters around the world with Hurricane Katrina in the US and the giant quake in Pakistan, what was just as heartbreaking as hearing about the thousands who had died was seeing the thousands more left homeless. People outside for days on end, their only possessions what they can carry with them, left to the mercy of the unbearable heat or harsh cold and, particularly in the case of the elderly and infirm, with absolutely no means of getting themselves out of the situation. Totally helpless.

Switch to Japan. Fukuoka City, Tenjin. There is an old man, in his late seventies, who lives on the street. His only possessions are what he has with him. He is outside all year round, left to the mercy of Japan’s sometimes harsh weather conditions. He can get water from a public restroom not far away but for food he relies on the kindness of strangers. He has bad legs and, although mentally tough, he is physically frail. He has no means of getting himself out of his situation. While there are organizations that aim to help get people off the streets, they invariably see getting a job as the first step. At his age and in his physical condition his working days are over. Despite this, he has a keen sense of pride and considers it his responsibility to pick up cigarette butts and other trash, sweep up fallen leaves and generally keep clean the stretch of public road that has become his home. His greatest pleasure is receiving a lottery ticket that I sometimes buy for him. He says it gives him the chance to dream of a better life.

I first met him several years ago when I was teaching in a nearby building. I wanted to help but was wary. Overcoming my trepidation, one day I took him a bento. He was courteous and appreciative. It was the start of a mutually beneficial relationship: I take him food and other essentials; in return he’s become a sort of grandfather figure to me, always pleased to see me, always ready for a chat. When my son was born he somehow managed to buy him a present. When we part he never fails to tell me to drive safely. It is one of the warmest relationships I’ve experienced during my 15 years in Japan.

I’ve been taking him daily necessities every week since that first bento nine years ago. Now, I’m not looking for a pat on the back, I’m looking for people to take my place. I’m going back to England at the end of the year and I’m worried about Matsubara-san. If you’re reading this and thinking, “Japan has the second biggest economy in the world – they can take care of their elderly” or “Nobody ends up on the street without contributing to their situation themselves” or even “I’m only a visitor here – it’s not my problem,” then you are not the person for the task.

Hurricane, earthquake or unexpected circumstances… Whatever the cause, homelessness can be the result. Unlike Katrina and Pakistan, where you might have sent money to a charity and hoped for the best, this is a chance to do something directly, and see the results with your own eyes.

If you’ve been moved by this piece and feel a desire to help someone in need, please contact me via e-mail at umelou@yahoo.com. While people outside of Japan need our, help someone in our community does too.
Helping the Homeless

Please feel free to get in contact with Sarah about helping her friend Matsubara-san. However, if you would like to help in another way, the following groups are involved in helping the city’s homeless. Interested people are urged to get in contact with them.

Fukuoka Onigiri-no-Kai
http://www.pastorama.com/homeless.html

This group, operating from the Minoshima Pastoral Center, provides takidashi (simple food) to homeless people throughout the year. During the colder months from Dec. 2nd to the end of the second week in March, they provide food every week. For the rest of the year food is given out once a month, always in the evenings. They are always open to donations of clothes and daily necessities.
Hakata New Life

With the aim of helping the homeless return to society as soon as possible, they provide bread, fruit etc. to those who live on the street. On the last Saturday of every month, they provide basic food at Dekimachi Park near Hakata Station. Call 092-481-5477 if you want to help.

 

 

 

 

By Sarah Umetsu
British, Translator & Narrator

In the recent disasters around the world with Hurricane Katrina in the US and the giant quake in Pakistan, what was just as heartbreaking as hearing about the thousands who had died was seeing the thousands more left homeless. People outside for days on end, their only possessions what they can carry with them, left to the mercy of the unbearable heat or harsh cold and, particularly in the case of the elderly and infirm, with absolutely no means of getting themselves out of the situation. Totally helpless.

Switch to Japan. Fukuoka City, Tenjin. There is an old man, in his late seventies, who lives on the street. His only possessions are what he has with him. He is outside all year round, left to the mercy of Japan’s sometimes harsh weather conditions. He can get water from a public restroom not far away but for food he relies on the kindness of strangers. He has bad legs and, although mentally tough, he is physically frail. He has no means of getting himself out of his situation. While there are organizations that aim to help get people off the streets, they invariably see getting a job as the first step. At his age and in his physical condition his working days are over. Despite this, he has a keen sense of pride and considers it his responsibility to pick up cigarette butts and other trash, sweep up fallen leaves and generally keep clean the stretch of public road that has become his home. His greatest pleasure is receiving a lottery ticket that I sometimes buy for him. He says it gives him the chance to dream of a better life.

I first met him several years ago when I was teaching in a nearby building. I wanted to help but was wary. Overcoming my trepidation, one day I took him a bento. He was courteous and appreciative. It was the start of a mutually beneficial relationship: I take him food and other essentials; in return he’s become a sort of grandfather figure to me, always pleased to see me, always ready for a chat. When my son was born he somehow managed to buy him a present. When we part he never fails to tell me to drive safely. It is one of the warmest relationships I’ve experienced during my 15 years in Japan.

I’ve been taking him daily necessities every week since that first bento nine years ago. Now, I’m not looking for a pat on the back, I’m looking for people to take my place. I’m going back to England at the end of the year and I’m worried about Matsubara-san. If you’re reading this and thinking, “Japan has the second biggest economy in the world – they can take care of their elderly” or “Nobody ends up on the street without contributing to their situation themselves” or even “I’m only a visitor here – it’s not my problem,” then you are not the person for the task.

Hurricane, earthquake or unexpected circumstances… Whatever the cause, homelessness can be the result. Unlike Katrina and Pakistan, where you might have sent money to a charity and hoped for the best, this is a chance to do something directly, and see the results with your own eyes.

If you’ve been moved by this piece and feel a desire to help someone in need, please contact me via e-mail at umelou@yahoo.com. While people outside of Japan need our, help someone in our community does too.
Helping the Homeless

Please feel free to get in contact with Sarah about helping her friend Matsubara-san. However, if you would like to help in another way, the following groups are involved in helping the city’s homeless. Interested people are urged to get in contact with them.

Fukuoka Onigiri-no-Kai
http://www.pastorama.com/homeless.html

This group, operating from the Minoshima Pastoral Center, provides takidashi (simple food) to homeless people throughout the year. During the colder months from Dec. 2nd to the end of the second week in March, they provide food every week. For the rest of the year food is given out once a month, always in the evenings. They are always open to donations of clothes and daily necessities.
Hakata New Life

With the aim of helping the homeless return to society as soon as possible, they provide bread, fruit etc. to those who live on the street. On the last Saturday of every month, they provide basic food at Dekimachi Park near Hakata Station. Call 092-481-5477 if you want to help.

 

 

 

 

By Sarah Umetsu
British, Translator & Narrator

In the recent disasters around the world with Hurricane Katrina in the US and the giant quake in Pakistan, what was just as heartbreaking as hearing about the thousands who had died was seeing the thousands more left homeless. People outside for days on end, their only possessions what they can carry with them, left to the mercy of the unbearable heat or harsh cold and, particularly in the case of the elderly and infirm, with absolutely no means of getting themselves out of the situation. Totally helpless.

Switch to Japan. Fukuoka City, Tenjin. There is an old man, in his late seventies, who lives on the street. His only possessions are what he has with him. He is outside all year round, left to the mercy of Japan’s sometimes harsh weather conditions. He can get water from a public restroom not far away but for food he relies on the kindness of strangers. He has bad legs and, although mentally tough, he is physically frail. He has no means of getting himself out of his situation. While there are organizations that aim to help get people off the streets, they invariably see getting a job as the first step. At his age and in his physical condition his working days are over. Despite this, he has a keen sense of pride and considers it his responsibility to pick up cigarette butts and other trash, sweep up fallen leaves and generally keep clean the stretch of public road that has become his home. His greatest pleasure is receiving a lottery ticket that I sometimes buy for him. He says it gives him the chance to dream of a better life.

I first met him several years ago when I was teaching in a nearby building. I wanted to help but was wary. Overcoming my trepidation, one day I took him a bento. He was courteous and appreciative. It was the start of a mutually beneficial relationship: I take him food and other essentials; in return he’s become a sort of grandfather figure to me, always pleased to see me, always ready for a chat. When my son was born he somehow managed to buy him a present. When we part he never fails to tell me to drive safely. It is one of the warmest relationships I’ve experienced during my 15 years in Japan.

I’ve been taking him daily necessities every week since that first bento nine years ago. Now, I’m not looking for a pat on the back, I’m looking for people to take my place. I’m going back to England at the end of the year and I’m worried about Matsubara-san. If you’re reading this and thinking, “Japan has the second biggest economy in the world – they can take care of their elderly” or “Nobody ends up on the street without contributing to their situation themselves” or even “I’m only a visitor here – it’s not my problem,” then you are not the person for the task.

Hurricane, earthquake or unexpected circumstances… Whatever the cause, homelessness can be the result. Unlike Katrina and Pakistan, where you might have sent money to a charity and hoped for the best, this is a chance to do something directly, and see the results with your own eyes.

If you’ve been moved by this piece and feel a desire to help someone in need, please contact me via e-mail at umelou@yahoo.com. While people outside of Japan need our, help someone in our community does too.
Helping the Homeless

Please feel free to get in contact with Sarah about helping her friend Matsubara-san. However, if you would like to help in another way, the following groups are involved in helping the city’s homeless. Interested people are urged to get in contact with them.

Fukuoka Onigiri-no-Kai
http://www.pastorama.com/homeless.html

This group, operating from the Minoshima Pastoral Center, provides takidashi (simple food) to homeless people throughout the year. During the colder months from Dec. 2nd to the end of the second week in March, they provide food every week. For the rest of the year food is given out once a month, always in the evenings. They are always open to donations of clothes and daily necessities.
Hakata New Life

With the aim of helping the homeless return to society as soon as possible, they provide bread, fruit etc. to those who live on the street. On the last Saturday of every month, they provide basic food at Dekimachi Park near Hakata Station. Call 092-481-5477 if you want to help.