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Jane Birkin's legacy in Japan

Japanese people who once connected with British-French actor, model and singer Jane Birkin say they continue to rely on the strength and compassion she offered in the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Birkin toured some of the affected areas as they were being rebuilt, forging deep connections with locals with whom she maintained contact until she passed away in 2023, aged 76. At a cafe in Japan's northeast, her impact lingers. Proprietor Chiba Shinichi opened the business in his hometown of Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, in 2007. It enjoys ocean views and is designed to delight tourists and locals. Chiba Shinichi's cafe in Matsushima, Miyagi But in March 2011, the cafe was damaged when a massive earthquake and aftershocks devastated the Tohoku region and left more than 20,000 people dead or missing. Chiba was left with emotional wounds. Chiba's cafe after the Great East Japan Earthquake "Honestly, I couldn't consider creating a beautiful space again under the circumstances," he recalls. That was before Birkin came along. In March 2013, Birkin visited Matsushima on a tour of impacted areas and performed a concert attended by Chiba and his family. Chiba's wife Ayako recalls Birkin's visit: "She reminded us to look further ahead into the future, and to laugh. Until that moment, I couldn't smile much. People had been telling us that we had to overcome the situation and work hard. But Jane brought her own smile and warm spirit." Chiba Shinichi (left), Jane Birkin, Chiba Ayako and the Chibas' son Yonosuke in 2013 Two years later, Chiba reopened his cafe. Every spring, it looks over a magnificent view of cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms as seen from Chiba's cafe in April 2024 "The view of the ocean through the cherry blossoms is a rare sight, but when Jane visited, the flowers were yet to open. I always wanted to show her this view," Chiba reflects. "Every year, I'm happy to see that the blossoms are back, and more than the cherry blossoms themselves, I enjoy watching the people who come to see them." Chiba Shinichi Jane Birkin's influence remains strong inside Chiba's cafe. Chiba says Birkin inspired him to support local artists. Dancer Onuma Aika, age 26, has worked at his confectionery shop for more than six years when she is not performing. She also teaches dance to local children. Onuma Aika (right) has worked at Chiba's confectionery shop for more than six years. "I want the children to shine so that they can live happily, just like me," she says. "Matsushima is where I've always been, so it's a natural, relaxing and comfortable place where I don't have to be on guard. "People are quiet at night, the moon is beautiful, and only the sound of the sea can be heard. It's a place where I feel at ease." Sano Misato, a 38-year-old sculptor, also has a job at Chiba's shop. "Chiba has always observed my artistic endeavors and been a supportive presence, watching my growth. I feel that working at his shop, while experiencing the seasons and nature in Matsushima, is exactly what suits me now, which is why I continue doing it," Sano explains. Sano Misato Japanese people living overseas also cherish Birkin's memory. Until her passing, Birkin lived in Paris, where hairstylist Nishimura Shuhei worked for the style icon for about three years. "When I first came to work at a beauty salon back in 2011, on my very first day, Jane Birkin came in. I thought, 'Wow, this is amazing!'" recalls Nishimura. Nishimura Shuhei and Jane Birkin He remembers Birkin's concern for his native country as aftershocks and other quakes continued in the wake of the 2011 disaster. "Every time there was an earthquake in Japan, Jane would ask if my family was okay and whether everyone was doing well," he says. Nishimura Shuhei "I treasure the time I spent with her. She truly cared about Japan, and I feel that she was a special person to us, as Japanese." Nishimura Shuhei In May 2024, NHK World JAPAN aired a documentary that depicted the emotional exchange between Jane Birkin and the people affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Watch here: