On the evening of July 12, 1993, the secluded island of Okushiri was torn apart by a strong earthquake followed by a huge tsunami, which appeared like an ominous forerunner of the greater disaster that shocked the northeastern part of Japan last March. Residents are still hunted by nightmares of the high wall of raging water racing out from the darkness to wash out the entire place, leaving close to 200 dead people.

After five years, the government redeveloped the island, constructing concrete walls that were 35-foot high extending through the coast lines. The walls were more like a fortress rather than a fishing outpost.

Constructions to rebuild the communities cost billions of dollars. The project has resulted in immense wave defenses, higher ground for houses, and a tsunami memorial hall worth $15 million featuring stained glass panels for the victims.

However today, as the country starts a 10-year $300 billion redeveloping project on Okushiri, the island has turned into something of a cautionary legend. Rather than reviving the lively past, most of the islanders commented that the $1 billion spending bash may have merely pushed the killing of its restoration.

The restoration project has created several jobs for the residents; however, was seen as a negative effective considering that most of the people, especially the young got, used to having well-paid jobs. Many of those earning from fishing and other sea livelihoods left their old life for an occupation with higher salaries.

Soon after, depopulation was rapid, particularly in the rural areas of Japan since most people were drawn to the city.

Since the March incident, authorities from affected communities have encouraged the island to spend money not for the reconstruction, but for the livelihood of the people.

The president of Aonane's fishing cooperative, Yasumitsu Watanabe, hoped that there will be sheltered coves built for fish farming. The government money can be used to construct factories that process fish caught by the local people.

While the talk about rebuilding the communities continues, the government is squabbling over the work's budget.