An interview with a Shimanean: Noriko Takano An interview with a Shimanean: Shunsuke Nakagawa Shunsuke Nakagawa of Kawamoto has been a diving instructor in southern Thailand for two years. December 26, 2004 is a day that changed many people’s lives, especially his. Since that tragic day, he has been working tirelessly with The Children of Phi Phi Island, an organization dedicated to helping with the tsunami relief effort.

How did you become interested in Southeast Asia and diving?
When I was growing up, my family often hosted foreign students from Southeast Asia. However, as these were people who received scholarships to study in Japan, I knew that they had better lives and opportunities to study than their average people in their home countries. I wanted to meet “regular” people, so after I graduated from Hiroshima University, I became a volunteer and taught for two years in Micronesia. I have always liked nature, so I started diving. After my volunteer commitment was over, I went to Thailand to get my certification as a diving instructor.

Why did you become involved with The Children of Phi Phi Island?
I happened to be diving when the tsunami struck Phi Phi. When I managed to get back on the island, I saw so many dead people. Surviving such an experience really changed my life. I became acquainted with Pum Booranapim and the principal of a local school who were using art therapy to help children recover from the trauma. Some of the drawings were made into a Thai-English book. I wanted to share the children's stories with the Japanese people as well.

What has it been like as a Children of Phi Phi Island team member?
At first it was quite frustrating because I had no concrete ideas and nothing was coming together. However, I found that the more I talked about a Japanese version of the book, the more I found that people wanted to help. Originally we hoped to have it ready for the 1st anniversary in December, but thanks to everyone's enthusiastic support, it was available in September. We have already sold out the first edition and are printing additional books. A second volume called The Heart of Phi Phi's Children will be published soon. It's been wonderful to get e-mails and read comments at the website guestbook. Of course, seeing the smiles on the children's faces is the best reward. I have met many amazing people and have had many good times on the island. I don't have much power as an individual, but I try to do as much as I can. I don't feel I can leave here until I finish what I have started.

What are your goals for the book?
I hope that Japanese people will not forget about the tsunami and those who were affected by it. Many of the Thai children talk about family, nature, and peaceful life on the island. I think it's something Japanese people take for granted. I hope that Japanese parents will spend time reading this book with their children and teach their kids to think about the world outside Japan.

What word would you choose to describe Shimane?
I feel Shimane is something like “field” because when I'm in Shimane I don't want to stay inside. Outside, in a place like my hometown Kawamoto, we have wide spaces to do something, to move, to watch and feel nature.  
Since September, over 2,500 copies of the Thai-Japanese version have been sold, with proceeds benefiting the children featured in the book. For more information or to place an order, please visit
http://www.childrenofphiphi.com
or send an e-mail to
phi-phi@hotmail.co.jp