Susumu Sugawara, 77, from Oshima island off the coast of Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, has been chosen to run in the torch relay for the Tokyo Olympics.
Kesennuma Oshima Bridge, which connects the mainland and the island, opened on April 7 last year. The small boat Himawari, which shuttled residents to and from the island, finished its service the day before. With Sugawara at the helm, Himawari traveled about seven kilometers one way and offered residents transportation mainly at night when ferries were out of service.
Immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake, he carried people to safety and transported emergency supplies to those in need. Sugawara's achievements are still being told today.
After being chosen to run in the relay, Sugawara runs about three kilometers around his neighborhood five days a week to prepare. Sometimes he holds something that weighs the same as the torch in his right hand.
"Many people from Japan and abroad came to Oshima in their own boats to help us. I hope to express my gratitude for all that they did," said Sugawara, who saved the residents by creating a connection between the island and the mainland.
On June 20, Sugawara will carry the torch in Kesennuma.
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