Situation of evacuation areas
Iitate Village Lifted on July 12, Kawamata 2016 Town
Minamisoma City
Katsurao Village Fukushima Daiichi Namie Town Nuclear Lifted on Power June 12, Futaba Station 2016 Town Tamura City Okuma Town
Kawauchi Tomioka Village Town
Lifted on June 14, Naraha Fukushima Town 2016 Daini Nuclear Iwaki Power City Hirono Station Town
Habitation Areas where Returning is Difficult Restricted Areas Preparation Areas for Lift of Evacuation Order Areas where orders were lifted in 2016
Former evacuation area
Number of families returned home 2500
Tamura City Kawauchi 2000 Village Naraha Town Katsurao 1500 Minamisoma Village City 1000
500
0 August December April October March July December 2014 2014 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016
The evacuation order for areas near 65% since November 2011. The by obtaining support from national Six Years Later: the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear air dose rate at various places in and local governments, and the day- Power Station is being lifted in phases. Fukushima Prefecture as of July 2016 to-day lives of the residents and the What kinds of activities are taking place is about the same level as that in major atmosphere of the towns are gradually in areas following the lifting of evacuation cities abroad, for example Seoul, returning to normal. Singapore and Berlin. National Route 6 and the Joban orders? Fukushima Now, Expressway were reopened in We focused on a town that is moving Movement toward September 2014 and March 2015 toward reconstruction and the people reconstruction is gaining respectively. Furthermore, a project living there. momentum to create a new industrial base Steadily making progress toward In line with these decreased levels, the in the affected area is beginning. t has been nearly six years since the size of the evacuation area originally set Reconstruction is gaining momentum in I accident at the Fukushima Daiichi after the nuclear power station accident Fukushima. Nuclear Power Station caused by the has been decreasing every year. While Beginning on the next page, we will Great East Japan Earthquake. Due to about 88,000 people had been ordered introduce the passionate dedication a brighter future of companies and people who have the effects of natural decay and thanks to evacuate during the peak period, the to decontamination efforts, the average number had decreased to 57,000 as of been keeping Fukushima running, and air dose rate within an 80km-radius November 2016. In former evacuation governmental initiatives that help to turn of the power station as of September areas, in addition to the residents who such dedication into reality. 2015 had decreased by approximately have returned to the region, companies are also trying to start new businesses
04 METI Journal Fukushima Now, Steadily making progress toward a brighter future METI Journal 05 Emergency exit sign using Luna Ware With its semi-permanent light storing establishing mechanisms like a support shop. While the shop has created a ability, it is expected to be useful during system is the government’s job, the mechanism which allows money to flow disasters, and it is already utilized as power of the private sector is also into the disaster-stricken area, it also Kawauchi emergency exit lights and for other essential in generating employment provides an opportunity for guests from Village uses. and invigorating the village. We hope outside the prefecture to enjoy local After winning the Monodzukuri Nippon to brighten up the village even more, food. “We also have plans to use this Grand Award, Mr. Iwamoto was looking and we believe it is our duty.” He place as a training facility for baristas,” for a construction site for a Luna Ware accomplished this last year by opening explains Mr. Iwamoto. If that happens, it production plant. Government staff a branch of a major Thai coffee shop will be necessary to do a training course introduced Kawauchi Village to him as chain. in Kawauchi Village in order to open a place which provides construction a Café Amazon store in Japan, which subsidies. He immediately visited the A relaxing spot in Kawauchi means that more and more people will village and met the friendly, energetic Village come to Kawauchi Village as the chain staff working in the village office. “It was Along the national highway there is a expands in Japan. “Kawauchi Village is quite different from what I had imagined row of traditional houses and buildings already my second hometown. I fly to a disaster-stricken area would be that has been accentuated by a new, different places in Japan and abroad for like,” says Mr. Iwamoto. Right from the modern building since November 2016. work, but wherever I am, I am always beginning, he felt a connection between This impressive building with an exterior thinking about what I can do for the Luna Ware, which shows its true design using wood from Fukushima reconstruction of the area,” says Mr. value during a disaster, and Kawauchi Prefecture and a sign made with Luna Iwamoto. Village, a disaster-affected area, and Ware, is Japan’s first branch of Café The current situation and future fate of he decided to construct the plant there Amazon, a coffee shop chain with the village rely on the efforts of people after just one visit. The plant began about 1,500 stores in Thailand. Mr. dedicated to saving their “second operations two years later. “While the Iwamoto developed a close relationship home”. support system in the disaster-stricken with the Thai community when he was area including Kawauchi is attractive a board member of the Junior Chamber for a company wishing to construct a International Japan, and decided to Yasunori Iwamoto plant, our main motivation is the fact open the shop himself. “Because this CEO, that our business will be of some help is the only store in Japan now, many Codomo Energy Co., Ltd. in the reconstruction of the area,” says customers come here from outside the Mr. Iwamoto. prefecture, not just local residents,” he In fact, the Codomo Energy plant says. The store offers authentic Thai employs seven staff members from the coffee, a lunch menu using ingredients CLICK! ●Codomo Energy Co., Ltd. Luna Ware, which glows in the dark, is area, also supporting the reconstruction produced in Fukushima Prefecture, by providing employment. “While and desserts from a local sweets CLICK! ●Café Amazon (in Japanese) becoming a symbol of the
reconstruction of the village. order. “Fields were falling into ruin. Non-
The passionate dedication of residents is is residents of dedication passionate The bolstering the reconstruction of village. Capitalizing on the high level of native weeds were growing to eye-level height. My feelings were beyond sorrow or anger, nearly reaching despair, and I t one time, 100% of Kawauchi CEO of the company, expressing The evacuation order was interest to call public attention to was at a loss as to how I could survive A Village was designated as an his determination, said “Luna Ware from then on,” he recalls. However, lifted for the entire area of evacuation area. However, the order is helpful during a disaster, and we the year after the disaster, with a love was rescinded in phases as the would like to make it a symbol of the Kawauchi Village Kawauchi Village on June and sense of responsibility for the reconstruction progressed. However, reconstruction by sending Luna Ware 14, 2016. Let’s focus in on land where he was born and raised, even though the evacuation order has product shipments out from Kawauchi hile there are companies like originally imagined, and is a strong he established Ryokuju Co., Ltd., an the kinds of reconstruction entirely lifted, only about 70% of the Village.” Codomo Energy, which infuses source of support for the reconstruction W organization engaged mainly in the former residents have returned to the Luna Ware, developed by Codomo the village with a new atmosphere, of the agriculture and forestry industries activities that are taking place agriculture and forestry businesses in village. It will take a little more time until Energy, which employs the traditional there are also local people continuously of the village. in the village, including the Kawauchi Village. The organization took the village is back to its former self. technique of Arita Ware ceramics, engaged in a variety of efforts. Mr. its first step towards reconstruction reestablishment of factories On the other hand, there are is a luminous ceramic material that Shuichi Kawahara, who was born and Bringing Kawauchi Village to starting with decontamination activity. companies coming from other regions radiates light that is stored from raised in Kawauchi Village, quit his the forefront as a production and the regeneration of arable It was about two years later that the and selecting Kawauchi Village as their sunlight, fluorescent lights, etc. They position as an association staff member area land, and where the residents cultivation of Japanese gentian was new business base. Codomo Energy were the first company in the world and started a new business about Nowadays, Mr. Kawahara is applying commissioned as a verification project are focusing their efforts. Co., Ltd. is one of those companies. to commercialize such products in six months after the disaster, with the himself to the reconstruction of by the prefectural government. Now, It launched the operation of its station the form of ceramics, and it won the dream of leaving the land clean—even if agriculture and forestry in Kawauchi a long-awaited business, directly in Kawauchi in June 2014. It produces Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award only a small area around the area where Village, but he says he was lost for engaging in agriculture and forestry, has Luna Ware, which is a new, glow-in- grand prize in 2012. Luna Ware is highly he grew up. This idea has now grown words when he first saw the village after the-dark material. Yasunori Iwamoto, water-resistant, strong and bright. begun. to a scale beyond what Mr. Kawahara the long absence due to the evacuation
06 METI Journal Fukushima Now, Steadily making progress toward a brighter future METI Journal 07 “There was some concern that soil Kawauchi Village-brand being processed into oil, and only the National and local governments are also of Kawauchi may not be suitable for perilla frutescens (Egoma in products that pass these strict tests the cultivation of Japanese gentian, Japanese) are distributed to retail locations. With but fortunately all varieties bloomed his engagement in this business, Mr. working seriously in a project to encourage beautifully.” Mr. Kawahara recalls the Mr. Kawahara’s activities, from Kawahara is now aiming to produce unforgettable joy he felt at that moment. decontamination to the cultivation of and refine an original oil product under On the other hand, farms in affected Japanese gentian, have now expanded the “Made in Kawauchi Village” brand. residents to return areas are constantly suffering due to to utilizing deserted, arable land and “Many people are interested in various harmful rumors. Even though Japanese preserving farmland owned by village aspects of the situation in areas where econstruction is becoming gentian is not a food, some people residents who cannot return to the evacuation orders have been lifted, and Development of an industrial park in twelve municipalities that were affected by the nuclear disaster more active, partly due to the said “Don’t send them to us” or “No village. Mr. Kawahara now manages we want to utilize this interest to attract R improvement of support measures Municipality Name of the industrial park Estimated date of completion Available real estate lots one will buy products from Kawauchi.” more than 20ha of arable land through the interest of people outside Kawauchi offered by the national and local Tamura City Tamura City Industrial Park End of FY2019 7 real estate lots On the other hand, “There were clients Midori Co., Ltd., an agricultural Village. In order to do that, we aim to governments aimed at business Kawauchi Tanoiri Industrial Park End of FY2017 2 real estate lots who said ‘Send them all,’ or people production corporation he established make a product that can only be made Village operators located in the disaster- South Industrial Park in Naraha Town Already developed 1 real estate lot who sent us postcards saying ‘We in 2015. In line with the growth of in Kawauchi Village.” stricken area. The development of Naraha Town Region to the east of Tatsuta station End of FY2016 Currently available lots his business, he is also putting effort Industrial revitalization area End of FY2017 Future lots to be offered support you,’” says Mr. Kawahara. Mr. Kawahara will continue to strive to industrial parks is also progressing Okuma Town West Industrial Park in Okuma Town To be determined To be determined The existence of these people who are into expanding job opportunities and produce something that can only be steadily in twelve municipalities affected Kawamata West Industrial Park in Kawamata Town Already developed 2 real estate lots currently supporting the reconstruction fostering young farmers. made in a land that he once almost by the nuclear disaster. The number of Town Minamisoma City Industrial Park for Reconstruction Term 1: End of FY2016 Future lots to be offered of the village provides him with Experimental cultivation of perilla abandoned. affected companies resuming business Minamisoma Term 2: End of FY2018 City Shidazawa Industrial Park Already developed Partial lots to be offered motivation for his activity. “I did have frutescens (Egoma in Japanese) also or launching new business there is Shimo-oota Industrial Park FY2018 Future lots to be offered increasing. North Industrial Park in Namie Town April 2018 Future lots to be offered some frustrating experiences at first, started two years ago. The business Namie Town South Industrial Park in Namie Town End of FY2019 Future lots to be offered but now I try to deliberately put forward was selected in 2016 as a project Tomioka Town Tomioka Industrial Park（Tomioka Kogyo Danchi） April 2019 To be offered Shuichi Kawahara Generous support for newly Tomioka General Industrial Park（Tomioka Sangyo Danchi）End of FY2019 To be offered the name of Kawauchi Village as a supported by Ajinomoto Co., Inc., CEO, established companies or Futaba Town Industrial Reconstruction Base in Futaba Town End of FY2020 To be offered production area,” he says. where a portion of the sales of certain Midori Co., Ltd. those expanding factories and Hirono Town Hirono Industrial Park Already developed 2 real estate lots products are donated to charity. facilities in evacuation areas Hirono Station East Inidustrial Park Already developed 4 real estate lots Radiation levels are checked twice, CLICK! ●Midori Co., Ltd. (in Japanese) once at the seed stage and once after One major type of support offered is the “Subsidy for the promotion of Support is also offered for hiring job continues to live in the village after three applicants who were disaster victims, years, another 300,000 yen will be The company also establishment of new business facilities processes and sells specialty creating employment to support and in the form of tax incentives. paid. “At the same time, it is necessary products made from rice self-reliance and return.” Under this Detailed information can be found in to make the town attractive enough and vegetables grown in Kawauchi Village. initiative, up to three-quarters of the the document titled “Support Measures that the young generation will want expenses borne by companies which for promotion of establishment of to move here,” says Mr. Horikoshi. newly establish or expand factories new business facilities in Fukushima The village started cultivating wine and facilities in evacuation areas, etc. is Prefecture.” grapes from April 2016, in anticipation subsidized. This initiative aims to create of the future development of a winery employment and aid in the creation of Kawauchi Village supports business. In addition, the “Kawauchi viable industries in the affected areas. single parenthood Kaeru Conference” started, comprised Companies establishing business bases “While about 70% of residents have of staff from village, prefecture and in regions in Fukushima Prefecture returned, young people seem to be national governments, academics and outside evacuation areas can utilize more reluctant to return. This fact led regional residents. The conference the “Subsidy for the promotion of to the decision to support single-parent enthusiastically discusses the village’s establishment of new business facilities families in moving in,” says Mr. Minoru goals and measures necessary for in the areas affected by the tsunami and Horikoshi, who has been dispatched realizing those goals. In Kawauchi the nuclear accident” and “Subsidy for from METI to the Industrial Promotion Village, support systems are improving the promotion of establishment of new Division of Kawauchi Village Office. which will allow bold steps to be taken business facilities in Fukushima.” Both Under this support system, which toward new initiatives and further measures are aimed at accelerating covers a broad range of services and progress in reconstruction. industrial reconstruction, and the support measures, a single-parent maximum subsidy rate is half of the family is paid 500,000 yen at the time of facility expenses. moving in, and three-fifths of house rent Kawauchi Village As for the Subsidy for the promotion of is subsidized (up to 40,000 yen/month, Opinions of the person in charge establishment of new business facilities for three years). The system offers a creating employment to support self- school enrollment subsidy of 70,000 Minoru Horikoshi reliance and return, the measures are to 120,000 yen per year to households Industrial Promotion being expanded to also cover company with elementary and junior high school Division residences, retail stores, so that it students, and a school commuting Kawauchi Village Office can be utilized for the establishment subsidy of up to 30,000 yen per month (Dispatched from METI) of community infrastructure that per high school student. Free medical CLICK! ●Kawauchi are necessary for a company to care is provided to children up to and Village Office successfully operate a business. including high-school age. If the family (in Japanese) I want to contribute to Kawauchi Village [Inquiries on support for the promotion of establishment of new business facilities] Perilla frutescens is now being cultivated Fukushima Reconstruction Promotion Group, METI throughout my life, even after my posting after securing a 3ha field. 03-3501-8574 to the village ends.
CLICK! ●Support Measures for promotion of establishment of new business facilities in Fukushima Prefecture (in Japanese)
08 METI Journal Fukushima Now, Steadily making progress toward a brighter future METI Journal 09 You can even try out boarding robots The future of the town through the passionate
Minamisoma dedication of the people City new mechanism aiming to link A citizens’ passionate dedication and ideas to reconstruction efforts is also drawing attention. “Odaka Re-Design Center” was launched in July 2016 under collaboration between Minamisoma City and the University of Tokyo. Under the motto “pursue and implement,” the center works for the revival of regional communication in the Odaka Area, where the evacuation order was lifted only recently. Staff members of the Minamisoma City and researchers from the University of Tokyo are working at the Odaka Re-Design Center, where small-scale models, posters and video presentations display the
which is a site of constructed tunnels and current progress made in the Odaka CLICK! ●Odaka Re-Design Center (in Japanese) A workshop with Minamisoma City in bridges imitating cave-ins and damaged area. The center supports people’s local residents infrastructure, simulating a submerged entrepreneurial spirits through urban area and a runway for unmanned consultation and discussion between Development of a The problem-solving method Fukushima aims to attract aerial vehicles that covers an area of residents. Several practical projects reconstruction base also developed in Minamisoma City should approximately 50ha. It allows for robots are currently underway. “For example, under way certainly provide important examples people all over the world created mainly for the purposes of there is a project in which high school that communities in various regions logistics, infrastructure verification tests students undertake city planning. The Odaka area’s efforts don’t stop throughout Japan—and not just and disaster response to be employed Through fieldwork and interaction there. A reconstruction base facility disaster-stricken areas—can follow. as a robots innovation city. in demonstration experiments in an with high school students from other is scheduled to open by 2018, Mr. Shinji Wada, who was dispatched environment similar to actual disaster prefectures, they engage in city encouraging inter-generational from METI to the Reconstruction nthusiastic applause fills the sites. planning initiatives. Practical activities community bonding, from children to Planning Bureau, Minamisoma City stadium where drones fly through E Another important measure is the by the students will start fiscal year the elderly. With a variety of shops and Office, expresses his determination: an exciting race. This was an impressive “International Industry-Academia- 2017,” says Mr. Takemi Nemoto, public spaces including restaurants, a “Many people inside and outside the scene at the “Drone Impact Challenge” Government Collaboration Facility manager of the Regional Promotion child-care center, a social activity and city are very passionate and working in November 2016. (Robots).” It aims to collect the knowledge Division, Odaka Regional Office, learning space, a history and culture hard every day to make the town even The evacuation order for Minamisoma of researchers, engineers and companies Minamisoma City. The day when the exhibition room, and an event space, more attractive than it was before the City was lifted on July 12, 2016, except in Japan and abroad to establish a Advanced technology together with a new technology together with a new Advanced community means endless opportunity the base will attract many people and it for the areas where it is expected that young people’s enthusiasm is utilized disaster. I will do whatever I can for as development base for fundamental and is expected to create bustle and vigor the residents will have difficulties in for the reconstruction of the town is just long as I can to be of some help.” component technologies for robots. in the community. returning for the foreseeable future. around the corner. The evacuation order is This initiative should also lead to an Toward the full-fledged return of increase in the number of visitors lifted, and the JR Joban Line residents which is starting henceforth, and the rejuvenation of the city. Mr. resumed railway operation. the construction of a robots innovation Yoshihiro Kamisawa, Director of the “Standing by the people in the affected area is what is city, which will accelerate the revival Robots development Strategy Division, Minamisoma City The city is still on the starting important.” of the Fukushima coast area, is Economic Bureau, Minamisoma City Opinions of the person in charge line. However, the way now underway. This is an important Local Government, says, “On behalf of It has been nearly six years since evacuation orders were issued due project that assumes a core role in the to the nuclear power station accident. The people in the affected area forward is clear. the Minamisoma City Local Government, face incredibly distressing realities—can you imagine your home being Shinji Wada “Fukushima Innovation Coast Strategy”, we welcome our friends from all over the overtaken by a family of wild boars? That is the type of shocking troubles Reconstruction Planning which Japanese government regards world coming to robots innovation city the people face. What can be done to lift evacuation orders to allow the Bureau residents to return to their hometown as soon as possible? The Support as an important initiative. The drone in Fukushima. We would like to lend our Minamisoma City Office Team is listening to the direct opinions from the residents who are facing (Dispatched from METI) event was held as part of this project. support and contribute to your projects these troubles on site, and solving problems one at a time, including the establishment of a radiation consultation counter, and support for Aiming to build an for robots innovation. ” CLICK! ●Minamisoma It has already been decided that a establishing a future vision for the town. While I joined METI only two City international-scale years ago, and joined the Support Team about six months ago, I felt a (in Japanese) portion of the international “World Robots Masaki Katsuno development base strong sense of responsibility when I heard a local resident in Namie Summit” will be held in Minamisoma City. Assistant Director Town say, “Things will move forward if I inform the Support Team.” Although I’ve only been in this office for Support Team for Residents Affected One of the important measures driving The day when Minamisoma-brand robots by Nuclear Incidents, a few months, I am already very attached the successful completion of “Fukushima play an active role in the international Nuclear Emergency Response CLICK! ●Support for the residents affected by Nuclear Incidents (in Japanese) to the town, and am planning to move to Headquarters, Cabinet Office Innovation Coast Strategy” is the arena is fast approaching. Minamisoma after I retire! completion of a “Robots Test Field” CLICK! ●Fukushima Innovation Coast Strategy
10 METI Journal Fukushima Now, Steadily making progress toward a brighter future METI Journal 11 What Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station is like now Strong support for business reconstruction
Efforts for the decommissioning of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station are progressing safely and steadily. The Public-Private Joint Team For Fukushima Soso Reconstruction is comprised of representatives from the national The situation of the site has also changed dramatically. government, prefectural government, and private sector. It is working together with business operators.
CLICK! ● Public-Private Joint Team For Fukushima Achievements in contaminated water Soso Reconstruction (in Japanese) Removal of spent fuel and fuel debris management Clearly demonstrating the goal Thorough on-site decision making First, the removal of spent fuel from Unit 4 was completed in December 2014. Contaminated water is being generated by groundwater flowing into the Then, in January 2017, the installation of equipment for removing spent fuel reactor building and being mixed with the fuel-cooling water. Multi-tiered, Takanori Watanabe Wada Yuhei from Unit 3 began. Also, an investigation of Units 1 to 3 using robots will be preventive measures are being taken under the three basic principles of “Isolate Group Leader, Deputy Director, Fukushima Business and Livelihood implemented during 2017, towards the removal of fuel debris. A removal groundwater from contamination source,” “Prevent leakage of contaminated Business Operators Support Group, Restoration Support Office, policy will be decided based on the investigation results. Although it is time- water” and “Remove contamination source”; for example, as a measure Public-Private Joint Team For Fukushima Soso Reconstruction Fukushima Reconstruction Promotion Group consuming and technically difficult work, we gather wisdom and intelligence categorized under “Isolate groundwater from contamination source,” various both domestically and internationally to ensure steady progress with the measures have been implemented, such as pumping up groundwater at wells Joint public-private team consulting activities are provided by The role of the Livelihood Restoration Support Office is to decommissioning. in advance, or surrounding the reactor building with an ice wall. Compared to a variety of professionals. I am mainly in charge of promoting support people who were engaged in business in the area who before the measures were implemented, the inflow of groundwater into the sixth sector industrialization of the food production industry. My were affected by the nuclear incident to help them resume their reactor buildings has decreased significantly. role is to clarify what the business operators must implement, business or take on a new challenge in terms of work or making and provide support while providing insight into their activities. a living. We are planning support measures by fully utilizing the
Efforts to ensure food safety and security
The work environment has also improved significantly Food produced in Fukushima Prefecture can be purchased throughout Japan. A sophisticated inspection system is being utilized to ensure food safety and security. Mr. Kino, who has engaged in decommissioning and contaminated water countermeasures on-site in Fukushima since immediately after the disaster, explains the situation. Did you know that Japan carries out inspections of radioactive substances based on the strictest level of standard limits in the world? (General foods: 1,000Bq/kg under the CODEX criteria and 100Bq/ Originally, I had been changing into protective clothing covering my entire body in kg under the criteria in Japan.) For example, thorough monitoring a facility about 20km away from the nuclear power station, but now, you can walk inspection is carried out prior to shipping agriculture, forestry, and around in ordinary masks and general work clothes in about 90% of the Fukushima fishery products, and the results are announced publicly. Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station grounds. Of course, there are still problems to be Prefecture has been carrying out radioactive substance inspection on solved. For example, it is essential to improve accommodations for workers coming all bags of rice since 2012, a first effort of its kind in the world, and the shipment of rice exceeding the standard limits (100Bq/kg) are restricted. from across the country who are dedicating their efforts to the decommissioning Therefore, products distributed to the market are safe. Additionally, work. However, now some large recreation areas and dining rooms have been built no radioactive substances exceeding the standard limits have been inside the grounds, and workers have warm meals there and sometimes even joke detected from marine fishery products since April 2015. and laugh together. The nuclear power station now is quite different from the fear- Rice inspection inducing image depicted in the media. Regardless, it is our job to monitor what is
12 METI Journal Fukushima Now, Steadily making progress toward a brighter future METI Journal 13