By Jessica Rowe
It's been two months since the earthquake and tsunami killed up to 25,000 people in the northeast of Japan.
Many New Zealanders fled the area, but a few are staying put, and their role in the community is vital.
One hundred thousand children have been displaced by the tsunami, and more than 1000 died.
Seventy of them lost their lives at Okawa Elementary School. They'd lined up to climb a hill to escape, but they were washed away.
Hundreds of schools in northern Japan were destroyed. One Kiwi woman who works in education has been helping with childcare in refugee centres.
"We have a role here," says Ngaroma Riley. "Everybody in Sendai is getting on with their normal daily life and so we need to help them with that.
"It's been a very humbling experience for me."
More than 700 schools have been badly damaged or destroyed by the tsunami, and many of the Kiwis still living in the worst-affected areas are committed to helping out in the shelters and in the communities.
About 70 Kiwis lived in the areas the tsunami hit hardest. Two-thirds have now left.
One Canterbury university student on exchange in Tokyo is doing volunteer work.
"After the Christchurch earthquake happened, I was stuck in Japan and I couldn't do anything to help out," says Ashleigh Stewart. "I feel like my efforts are better served up here where I can do things to help Japan, which is my second home now anyway."
She's not alone - other Kiwis have also been heading north.
"It felt really, really good," says Scot Gibson. "I mean, I thought I was going there to give something back, but I felt like I got something back as well, through helping people."
Kiwis are sticking it out in Japan, dedicated to helping the community that has already lost so much.
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