Fukushima in Paris

January 28, 2014

Expressing thanks in Paris, Fukushima officials vow disaster reconstruction

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/01/28/national/expressing-thanks-in-paris-fukushima-officials-vow-disaster-reconstruction/#.Uufl0bTjJ1s 

JIJI

PARIS – Representatives of Fukushima Prefecture pledged to achieve reconstruction from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami and the subsequent nuclear crisis at an event in Paris on Monday.

The event, held to provide updates on the progress of disaster reconstruction, senior Fukushima officials and local businessmen expressed their appreciation for French assistance in the reconstruction efforts and underlined the safety of food products from the prefecture.

Terunori Igarashi, head of the prefectural government’s tourism exchange bureau, explained how Fukushima agricultural products are checked for radioactive contamination.

He also gave a presentation about tourist spots, including Tsurugajo Castle in Aizuwakamatsu, the setting for an NHK historical drama produced last year.

“However difficult the situation is, Fukushima will come back,” Igarashi said.

Six students from Tomioka High School took part in the event. They have been forced to evacuate because the school is located in the exclusion zone surrounding Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant.

Hiroto Takahashi, 17, introduced the activities of the school’s soccer club, which participated in a national tournament.

“I’m proud of being a student of Tomioka High School and enjoying my school life,” he said.

The event was held on the sidelines of an international exhibition of furniture held in a Paris suburb in which 28 companies from Fukushima participated.