Surviving the 3/11 Earthquake in Iwate | With Matt
Summary
Matt shares his journey from Pittsburgh’s punk scene to Japan, driven by a desire to connect with Japanese hardcore bands. He recounts surviving the 2011 tsunami in Miyako, Iwate, where he was trapped in a temple for days before helping with cleanup efforts. After relocating to Tokyo, he channeled his trauma into supporting underserved communities through his work with Tohoku House Dai and promoting underground music. The episode highlights how his experience shaped his mission to raise awareness for disaster-affected regions and foster community connections.
Topics discussed
Cold open: Surviving the tsunami and the Wizard of Oz house
Introduction and episode overview
Growing up in the Pittsburgh punk scene
Discovering Japanese power violence and learning Japanese
Moving to Miyako, Iwate as an English teacher
The 3/11 tsunami and immediate aftermath
The day of the earthquake: School and the night before
The earthquake strikes and fleeing to Zeninji Temple
Trapped on the hill: Scavenging for food and supplies
Wading through mud to find food in the city center
Second tsunami warning and finding shelter with friends
Punk rock first responders from Sapporo
Psychological impact: Shock, panic, and Buddhist realization
Lessons from disaster mode and the importance of kits
Relocating to Tokyo and rebuilding support systems
Reconnecting with music and the Tokyo metal scene
Transitioning from teaching to PR and consulting
Mission to support Tohoku and underserved communities
Perspectives on disaster response and individual impact
Resources for helping Tohoku and closing remarks
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