#Japan #Tokyo #Kanda Institute #Together with Fukushima #Iwabuchi

A Unique Dialogue on Fukushima's Recovery

On January 26, 2026, a significant event will take place at the Fukushima Minpo headquarters, celebrating the completion of the bilingual disaster recovery newspaper "Together with Fukushima". This newspaper, created by 19 students from Kanda University of International Studies under the guidance of Professor Shinichi Shibata, reflects the ongoing journey of Fukushima's recovery, 15 years after the East Japan Great Earthquake and nuclear disaster. The event will feature a dialogue between the students and Fukushima Governor Masao Iwabuchi, focusing on how the students perceive and plan to communicate Fukushima's current situation to a global audience.

The Importance of the Project

Since establishing a comprehensive partnership agreement with Fukushima Prefecture in 2023, the Kanda Group has engaged deeply in educational initiatives related to Fukushima. The "Disaster Recovery Outreach Project" is at the forefront, with students playing a leading role. This project, led by Shibata's seminar, involved visits to the Hamadori region of Fukushima, where students conducted interviews to gather insights on the area's recovery, new industries, local specialties, and community revitalization.

The newspaper's aim is to showcase not just administrative efforts but also the voices and aspirations of the people actively participating in recovery, ensuring a multifaceted representation of Fukushima's present. Both Japanese and English versions of the newspaper were crafted, with particular attention to making the content resonate with international readers.

Themes of the Dialogue

The upcoming discussion will revolve around three key themes:
1. Initial Perceptions of Fukushima: Before participating in the project, students will reflect on their previous impressions of Fukushima and the emotional distance they felt.
2. Insights Gained from Local Reporting: Students will share the narratives and experiences they encountered while interviewing local residents and stakeholders during their fieldwork.
3. Messages Embodied in the Newspaper: The students will articulate the sentiments they aimed to convey through the newspaper.

This structured dialogue is designed to merge the students' perspectives with Governor Iwabuchi's insights, facilitating a rich exchange of ideas about the current status of recovery efforts and the narrative they wish to project to the world.

Conclusion

The "Together with Fukushima" newspaper represents a collective effort to portray not only the adversities faced but also the resilience and determination of the people in Fukushima. It aims to inspire hope and foster understanding among international audiences about the region's ongoing recovery and revitalization.

Through this project, students are not only gaining valuable educational experiences but also contributing to a larger narrative that connects Fukushima's past, present, and future.

The event is endorsed by various organizations including the Reconstruction Agency and Fukushima Prefecture, emphasizing the collaborative spirit needed for lasting recovery. As the students prepare to present their findings and insights, this gathering promises to be an inspiring manifestation of youth engagement in meaningful social issues that echo beyond borders.