Pandemic Hits Recovery Efforts in Disaster-Struck Minamisanriku

The statue of Octopus-kun at Iriya Hachiman Shrine.

The Minamisanriku Sun Sun Shopping Village sign features Octopus-kun.

After the earthquake, Minamisanriku’s entire town center was raised some 10 meters higher than before, and the bridges across the river were also rebuilt. At right is the Minamisanriku 311 Memorial construction site, designed by architect Kuma Kengo to preserve the memory of the disaster.

Yes Factory, housed in a remodeled wooden schoolhouse that once held the Iriya Junior High School, and Octopus-kun. (© Minamisanriku Reconstruction Octopus Association)

The Iriyado training facility.

A team-up with Kit-Kat chocolate bars. On sale from February 2022.