SPEAKERS

Kumiko Hayasaka

Chairperson of Cobalt Cross Kamuy-mintar (NPO)

Kumiko Hayasaka was born in Onoda Town (current Kami Town) of Miyagi Prefecture in 1987, when Miyagi Earthquake struck.
After graduating from high school, she left Miyagi to study in Kokugakuin University Hokkaido Junior College, and went on to Hokkai Gakuen University. She started her career as a programmer/producer at a broadcast station in Hokkaido, and worked for 10 years.
In 2011, when she was preparing for a live program scheduled from 3 p.m., the Great East Japan Earthquake came about.

Two months after the earthquake, she went over to Onagawa Town and Ishinomaki Town, Miyagi, together with volunteers from Higashikawa City, Hokkaido, who she had known through her work. They tackled one of the major concerns among the residents: the large outbreak of bugs and odors from decaying garbage.
From the troubles they faced, she realized that there should be someone standing between the supporters and the supported. Having returned to Hokkaido, in 2012 she established a non-profit organization “Cobalt Cross Kamuy-mintar” with volunteers and supporters from Higashikawa.
With a concept of bridging “magokoro” -sincere hearts from all Japan to the affected areas, they have been assisting to attract enterprises, promote local specialties, and produce new items using local materials.
She now has a place to live both in Miyagi and in Hokkaido, bustling about between them.