A Report of the Experiencing Fieldwork in Hama-dori and Iitate Village, Fukushima Prefecture

Abstract

The fieldwork conducted in Iitate Village, Fukushima Prefecture, from July 6 to 7, 2024, involved visits to the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) Decommissioning Archive Center, an interim storage facility, community facilities, and interactions with residents to learn about the current state of Fukushima post- disaster. After a long journey from Yamaguchi to Fukushima, we witnessed the impact of the disaster and the reality of the recovery. On the first day, we learned about the details of the disaster and the ongoing recovery efforts at the decommissioning archive center in Tomioka City, and we observed the handling of decontaminated soil at the interim storage facility in Okuma Town. On the second day, we listened to the experiences of new farmers and initiatives in smart agriculture, and participated in vineyard work. Through these activities, we realized the efforts toward the regeneration of Fukushima and the emotions of the local people. We also reflected on the pros and cons of associating the name “Fukushima” with the memory of the disaster, recognizing the importance of correctly understanding post-recovery Fukushima. This fieldwork provided a valuable opportunity to learn about the current state of Fukushima and prompted us to acknowledge our responsibility for the future.