The article explores the sensitive topic of whether names of disaster victims should remain anonymous, focusing on the practices adopted in Japan, particularly after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Memorials frequently note that names are published only with the consent of the bereaved families, reflecting a deep respect for their wishes. In some cases, such as the memorial in Tagajo City, the names of victims are inscribed in a private manner due to family requests, indicating a strong desire to maintain a level of privacy surrounding their loss.

The piece highlights the ongoing challenges faced by researchers, like sociologist Tetsu Mugikura, who are committed to documenting the lives of individual victims to provide lessons for future disaster preparedness. Through his project in Ōtsuchi Town, he has gathered detailed accounts from bereaved families about the victims, emphasizing that without revealing names, true understanding of the impact of tragedies cannot be fully realized. This archival evidence aims to foster a better understanding of who the victims were and how to prevent future disasters by analyzing patterns in the casualties.

Furthermore, the article critiques the media's role in the discourse surrounding anonymity and victim names, suggesting that while sensitivity to family wishes is paramount, there is also a moral responsibility to ensure that the memory of victims is preserved and acknowledged publicly. Mugikura argues that disclosing names is vital for historical accuracy and prevention of future casualties, underscoring the complex intertwining of ethics, media reporting, and community memory in the aftermath of disasters.