CNN I-Report: TheWalk

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CNN PRODUCER NOTE

Former Shooto, Pride and UFC fighter Enson Inoue is currently walking the length of Japan to raise awareness for those effected by the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami. Enson and Guam resident Roman Dela Cruz started the journey on 9/11 as a tribute to those that died on in the tragedy of the World Trade Center. Everyday they are are dedicating their walking efforts to a cause – whether it’s a person(s) or something they support.

Tens of thousands of people are still struggling to survive, some in temporary housing with no assistance. The aim of the walk was to bring external attention from around the world to the plight of those left behind in the wake of the tragic disaster.

What they have found is that the people of the north are starting to take notice of their walk, expressing their gratitude and support – making offerings of food, shelter and water – the essentials that Enson plans to bring them from pledges made once the walk is complete.

Enson is blogging and recording their journey via smartphone (so apologies for any spelling errors you may see in posts) – it’s a raw account of what is happening in real time. Images and videos are uploaded daily from the walk that is likely to take nearly 3 months to complete (over 1360 miles).

To add to the challenge, Enson has set rules for the walk – only being able to eat and drink what they can carry and not paying for lodging – so this means sleeping out in the open. The only exception is if people offer them food, drink or shelter. Rules that may endanger their lives, but rules they feel would symbolize what the people are suffering.

The images are a chilling reminder that despite their best efforts, the people of the north of Japan are still struggling. Just like the man in the video (attached). A father of four still in temporary housing with his family, spotted Enson and Roman walking along the side of the road. He stopped and enquired about their walk, when he did, he broke down in tears expressing his deep thanks and gratitude that people elsewhere had not forgotten their struggle.

As the journey continues, the guys are meeting interesting people that are making this walk an epic journey of a lifetime.

You can follow them on http://blog.destinyforever.com/ or on Enson Inoue’s Facebook page.