Chronicles of life in nuclear communities

February 3, 2013

Documentary film examines communities affected by nuclear power

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/features/news/20130203p2g00m0et004000c.html

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- An upcoming documentary film chronicles the experiences of communities hosting nuclear facilities in Japan, and the high price paid by some of them after the nuclear disaster in 2011, including farmers and fishermen unable to market produce because of radioactive contamination.

"I hope I can show that we cannot coexist with nuclear power and it is the duty of each of us to make a choice about energy in the future," said Kei Shimada, director of "Fukushima, Rokkasho and Message to the Future."

Shimada, originally a Tokyo-based freelance photographer, started covering nuclear issues in the wake of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, and eventually settled down in Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, which hosts nuclear fuel cycle facilities.

"I wanted to follow the development of the nuclear fuel cycle project on the spot and be close to those living there," Shimada, 53, said.

Her 12 years living in the northeastern village through 2002 resulted in two photo books, one of which won a journalistic award. She was about to start shooting her first movie about Rokkasho when a massive earthquake and tsunami caused Japan's worst ever nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant in Fukushima Prefecture in March 2011.

In the face of the enormity of the event, she changed her original plan and turned her attention to those living in Fukushima in addition to the Rokkasho residents.

One of those the just-completed documentary focuses on is Kazuo Nakamura, a 14th-generation farmer in Koriyama, Fukushima, who has had to pile up the rice harvest at his storehouse as consumers shun Fukushima rice following the detection of radioactive materials in samples.

Joining an antinuclear demonstration in Tokyo while drawing attention to his plight at civic meetings, Nakamura said he is determined to continue to farm despite the hardships he faces.

"I will continue farming even if I have to abandon my crops," he said. "And now I believe it is our duty" to get rid of nuclear facilities, he added, convinced they "will definitely cause harmful effects to our descendents."

In Rokkasho, Eisaku Takiguchi continues to catch Pacific cod with his son despite cesium contamination in the wake of the Fukushima disaster, in order to document the catches he could have made. Their silent chagrin is evident as they are shown throwing the fish back into the ocean from their vessel.

Takiguchi, as a young fisherman, led a protest movement against the construction of nuclear fuel cycle facilities. Decades later, he now says, "I'm still proud of our campaign. I can walk the street with my head held high."

Shimada became acquainted with him while living in Rokkasho. "I have been impressed with him as a person who stood up against a big power."

Takiguchi's son, Kenji, meanwhile, indicates concerns over his future as a fisherman in the village, saying, "I've never done anything (other than fish catch). I would quit this job if I could do anything else."

Shimada also introduced Rokkasho residents in her film who argue that the nuclear facilities have brought jobs and well-kept houses to the village, with a woman involved in the construction business saying, "We are happy here. I wonder what will happen to us if these facilities are terminated."

"It is true that not a few people in Rokkasho think like that," Shimada said. "But I think it means the village has depended on the money brought in exchange for hosting the nuclear fuel cycle facilities."

"The nuclear industry has attempted to win the residents over to its side with money so it can lay down these unwanted facilities in this remote, small village," she said.

Yukie Tanabe is another victim of the Fukushima disaster who appears in the documentary. She had to evacuate from her home, located only 5 kilometers away from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi complex, to Tokyo with her husband and their son amid fears over radiation exposure.

She gave birth to her second son as an evacuee and named him "Fuku," with their home Fukushima in mind. The Chinese character "Fuku" means fortune or blessing.

Despite these hardships imposed on the public, moves to resuscitate the nuclear industry have started emerging since the Liberal Democratic Party-led government was installed in December.

The antinuclear mayor of Tokaimura, Ibaraki Prefecture, Tatsuya Murakami, says in the movie, "People in Japan had consumed massive energy, but they have changed since the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The government, the nuclear industry, as well as business leaders, should be aware of it."

The village promoted itself as a "pioneer" of Japan's nuclear development, since the nation's first research reactor achieved criticality there in 1957.

Shimada, who describes herself as a "nonprofessional person in filmmaking," said she was supported by many people, including graduates from film school, in making the documentary.

A group was formed to support her project and collected around 3.5 million yen in donations to finance the film, mostly from members of the public.

"I received larger-than-expected donations apparently because this project started shortly after the nuclear crisis in Fukushima," she said. "And I'm impressed that many donors attached messages expressing their expectations that this film will show them the reality of nuclear-hosting communities."

Shimada is described by influential antinuclear writer Satoshi Kamata as "one of the journalists who have covered Rokkasho for a long period of time, kept thinking about it and been aware of its danger."

Nevertheless, she said, she was determined that the film would not simply loudly proclaim an antinuclear message, but show a balanced view of life around nuclear facilities.

The film will be screened at community halls and libraries in several cities, including Fukushima, as well as at some universities. The support group is also hoping those interested will organize their own screening opportunities.