Sanriku

Sanriku is a coastal region located on the northeastern shore of Honshū, Japan, encompassing parts of Iwate, Akita, and Miyagi prefectures. The term derives from the Japanese words for “north” and “nine,” referring to the nine districts that historically made up the area. The coastline is known for its rugged cliffs, wide expanse of fishing ports, and deep ria sea that creates a series of sea stacks and caves.

The region’s economy traditionally relies on commercial fishing, particularly for seaweed and tuna, as well as rice cultivation in the inland valleys. Tourism also plays a growing role, with visitors attracted to the scenic beauty of places such as the Sanriku Coast National Park, the Oarai Coast, and the small island of Naruko. Seasonal cultural festivals celebrate local seafood, lacquerware, and traditional Japanese music.

Sanriku gained international attention during the 11 March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The east coast suffered catastrophic damage, with numerous villages destroyed and a significant loss of life. In the aftermath, the Sanriku Ōdisu Special Measures Law was enacted to facilitate disaster prevention and urban planning. The region pioneered the “Sanriku Fukkou” (Sanriku Recovery) initiative, promoting coastal reinforcement, community resilience programs, and disaster rehabilitation projects.

Today, Sanriku continues to navigate the balance between preserving its marine heritage and strengthening coastal defenses. Local communities collaborate with national agencies to conduct research on tsunamis, develop early warning systems, and restore ecological habitats, aiming to reduce future vulnerability while sustaining the well‑being of residents and visitors.