Nuclear Watch: Paving the Way Home

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/nuclearwatch/20150121.html

Paving the Way Home

Cleanup crew have been working to decontaminate the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant for nearly 4 years. Thanks to their efforts, some evacuees have been able to return to their hometowns nearby. But it's not easy for former residents to pick up and start over. For one, job opportunities remain limited. NHK WORLD's Yuki Hidaka visited one returning resident who is trying to solve this problem.

Tomoyuki Wada was born and raised in Odaka, Fukushima Prefecture, less than 20 kilometers from the site of the nuclear accident.

The area is now open to residents only during the daytime. Government officials aim to make it safe to live there again by April of next year.

Wada says it's necessary to create jobs before then, so that people can restart their lives there as soon as they return. He travels to Odaka during the daytime to revive local businesses.

"People will return if they know there are shops and jobs available in the area," he says. "By gradually creating an inflow of residents, the town will regain its energy and that will positively impact people's daily lives."

Wada has revived the local silk farming and textile industries. Investments have been kept to a minimum by using existing resources. Four locals now work at the facility. All of the products are hand-made. "Time flies when I'm working at my job. I think this kind of work suits me" says employee Shizuka Kume.

The company is planning to increase the number of silkworms by tenfold over the next few months. Even though silk farming and textile production are small industries, they are essential for the community to thrive," Wada says.

Wada also opened a restaurant last month. He used a vacant facility owned by one of his friends.

Dozens of people showed up on opening day. Wada hopes the eatery will play a role in rebuilding ties within the community that have come close to being severed. One customer remarked that the restaurant gives the community what it really needs a place to gather.

Wada employs 4 Odaka residents at the restaurant, which is open for lunch 4 days a week.

"I hope that the silk farming and textile production businesses, as well as the restaurant, become profitable as soon as possible," Wada says. He aims to expand them after the government lifts the restrictions in Odaka. He hopes to help turn his hometown into a place where people are happy to live once more.