Ümit Sönmez

Born in Oita region of Japan in 1970, Miyazaki studied international relations in Tokyo. His dream was to work for an international civil society organization where he could help people. Yet, it was not an easy goal for him to achieve. When he failed to find a job in this field, he went to the United Kingdom for a master’s degree. Upon his return from the United Kingdom, he applied to several international civil society organizations with a hope to find the job in his dream.

Just at that time, he learned from his mother, Keiko, that his father has health problems, so he returned to his hometown of Oita to spend the final days of his father with him. Beginning to live in Oita, Miyazaki cared for his mother and also began to work for an organization which supports street children in Philippines. This was what he wanted. He was working to help people but this was not sufficient for him. He was willing to do more to help people, so he applied for a job at AAR which carries out relief efforts in 15 countries. During the job interview, he told AAR officials that he is ready to go to the disaster-stricken or conflict-stricken areas under all circumstances. Shorty after his application at AAR, Japan was hit by a powerful earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. This incident became a turning point in his life.  AAR, which needed a lot of aid workers following the disaster, recruited Miyazaki. Miyazaki had the job he had always dreamed of.

A new mission was waiting for Miyazaki after he took part in the humanitarian relief activities in Japan. Miyazaki, who always wanted to be in the field, joined the aid team which was sent to Turkey by AAR to join emergency relief efforts in the aftermath of an earthquake which hit Van province on Oct.23, 2011. Miyazaki carried out many relief efforts in Van voluntarily. The time he was in Van coincided with the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha. Although he was not Muslim, he sacrificed animals like a Muslim and delivered their meat to the people in need. He won the love of the locals thanks to his efforts and kindness. 

In the meantime, Turkish people also became aware of Miyazaki and his friends due to the interest they attracted from the Turkish media. He and his friends, Yumeka Ota and Miyuku Konnai, preferred not to return to Japan after the completion of emergency search and rescue activities. They stayed in Van to launch permanent projects. However, another quake with a magnitude of 5,6 hit Van on Nov.9. Miyazaki was at Bayram Hotel in the city center which collapsed after the quake. Stuck in the wreckage of the building, Miyazaki was saved from the rubble 13 hours after the quake. He was heavily injured.

Yet, Miyazaki’s heart, which beat for humanity, stopped beating shortly after search and rescue teams found him. Medical teams made extraordinary efforts and performed a heart massage for 15 minutes to bring him back to life. Miyazaki, who was taken to Van Education and Research Hospital, could not be saved despite the efforts of the doctors.

This Japanese aid volunteer who lost his life while he was helping other people far away from his own country dominated the nation’s agenda with his self-sacrifice and hard work. Turkish state officials sent messages of condolence to Japanese officials and people and Miyazaki’s body was sent to Japan after a state ceremony in Turkey.

President Abdullah Gül also sent a message of condolence to Japanese Emperor Akihito over Miyazaki’s death.

“We will always remember with gratitude and respect these devoted people who have once more gained hearts of Turkish people with their efforts in Van. Aid provided by Japanese government and people to the quake victims in our country has been welcomed by our nation as a new indication of friendship and brotherhood between our countries and peoples. So, I offer my deepest condolences to Majesty and Japanese people over the death of Atsushi Miyazaki.”

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu also said Miyazaki will be commemorated with martyrs of the Ottoman frigate Ertuğrul.

“The Turkish Republic will do whatever is necessary to keep the name of Miyazaki alive. We see this as a debt of humanity,” he said.

İstanbul Chamber of Commerce decided to name a school whose construction it will sponsor in Van after Miyazaki. Van 100. Yıl University Rector Professor Peyami Battal also announced that the university’s dental hospital will be named after Miyazaki. Miyazaki’s funeral in Japan was attended by many Turkish officials and Turks living in Japan.

Association for Aid and Relief

Relief efforts of Association for Aid and Relief (AAR) for which Miyazaki used to work for began in 1969. Due to the difficulties of the time, AAR’s efforts were first based on voluntary work. It became an institutional organization in 1979. Carrying out relief efforts in 15 countries across the world, AAR is mainly active in African, Asian and Latin American countries.