The Okawa Elementary School in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, was the site of a tragic event during the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, claiming the lives of 84 individuals, including 74 children and 10 staff members. An exhibition currently taking place in Tokyo focuses on this devastating incident, striving to bring the harsh realities of the tragedy to light. It not only displays interviews with the bereaved families but also features fictional video portrayals that seek to capture the circumstances that led to this calamity. This important event aims to emphasize the challenges faced in discussing the disaster within the local community.

Over the years, the incident has been widely reported, especially through lawsuits and media coverage, making it a nationally recognized case. However, the exhibition also sheds light on the "difficulty of speaking" about such tragedies, particularly for those directly affected. Families express their struggles with the memories and opinions that arise from the incident, indicating a deeply rooted hesitation in sharing their experiences. The lack of preparedness and inadequate evacuation guidance from the school authorities during the tsunami has been a focal point, with legal judgments affirming the teachers' negligence in this regard.

The exhibition serves not only as a memorial for the victims but also as an avenue for discussion about the nature of memory and trauma related to such disasters. It encourages reflection on the reaction of the community both during and after the tsunami, as highlighted by personal accounts, including one where a child called for help moments before the waves struck. By showcasing these stories, the exhibition aims to foster a deeper understanding of the disaster's impact and promote dialogue about resilience and recovery in the face of tragedy.