Tohoku, the region along the Northwestern coast of Japan, was largely destroyed by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Thousands of children of Tohoku lost relatives and friends to this natural disaster. Forced to evacuate, most have never been able to return home.

JCI, the world’s largest youth organization, wanted to showcase its regional heartbeat at its 2015 National Assembly in Hachinohe, a city of Tohoku.

The 700km long National Highway Route 45 connects the cities along the Tohoku coastline and had to be rebuilt after the disaster. We used it as a symbol of connectedness and solidarity.

We photographed 300 children in various towns of Tohoku and connected these life-sized photographs into one 300 meter-long sequence. All children perpetuated their names and dreams for the future on the poster.

After all, Tohoku’s children share more than a dark chapter in their lives: They share an unshakeable love for life.