Mayumi Baba, 36, took part as a volunteer in a September meeting in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, held for children who lost parents in the March 11 disasters.
In the auditorium after engaging in sports with volunteers, the children shared their thoughts and feelings about their lives with their new foster families. Some cried as the volunteers tried to comfort them.
Baba played badminton with elementary school girls, occasionally sharing laughs at the event, which was sponsored by Ashinaga, a civic group supporting children who have lost parents in accidents and other circumstances.