Revitalizing Namie Town: Hydrogen-Powered Towns and Future Urban Planning Models

On December 22, 2025, JPI Japan Planning Institute will host a seminar in Tokyo featuring Yoshiyuki Narui, the Deputy Mayor of Namie Town, Fukushima. This event will delve into the recovery strategies adopted by Namie Town post the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the ongoing development of hydrogen towns as a forward-thinking urban planning model.

1. The Impact of the Disaster

Namie Town, located near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, was severely affected by the earthquake and subsequent nuclear disaster. Following these catastrophic events, the town has faced significant challenges in its recovery efforts. The town's population has drastically decreased, and many areas remain exclusion zones, complicating repopulation and restoration.

2. Steps Toward Recovery

The town has been actively working on various recovery initiatives aimed at revitalizing the local community. Key strategies include enhancing infrastructure, restoring essential services, and promoting economic activities to encourage residents and businesses to return.

3. Challenges in Revitalization

Despite progress, the town still grapples with several challenges:

- Population Recovery: One of the primary objectives is to attract former residents back to Namie, as well as entice new families and businesses to settle in the area.
- Rebuilding Central Urban Areas: The recovery plans emphasize regenerating the town center, which has lost its vibrancy and economic activity due to the disasters.
- Revitalizing Exclusion Zones: Strategies are also required to make exclusion zones accessible and habitable again, a complex task involving safety assessments and infrastructure upgrades.

4. Key Recovery Projects

The seminar will highlight several pivotal projects in Namie's recovery, including:

- Promotion of Zero Carbon Cities: One of the focus areas is creating a sustainable, zero-carbon city that leverages renewable energy resources, including hydrogen.
- Development of Large-scale Dairy Facilities: Investments into agriculture, particularly dairy, are part of the economic recovery strategy, providing jobs and local products.
- Urban Renewal Initiatives: Plans are being developed to attract businesses and residents back to the urban core, ensuring essential services are available.

5. The Namie Hydrogen Town Initiative

A significant focus of the seminar will be the “Namie Hydrogen Town Initiative.” Namie is at the forefront of hydrogen technology, implementing systems to harness hydrogen energy for domestic and industrial use, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable urban energy transformations.

6. Concluding Thoughts

Through collaboration and innovation, Namie Town aims to create a sustainable, resilient community that not only recovers from the past but serves as a model for future urban development globally.

7. Q&A Session

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session, making this a unique chance to gain insights directly from the Deputy Mayor and other experts.

8. Networking Opportunities

Following the seminar, attendees will have the chance to exchange business cards and establish new connections, facilitating collaboration and future business opportunities.

Registration Details

The seminar is limited to in-person attendees with no live or recorded streaming available. Each entry costs ¥37,900 (tax included), with the opportunity for one additional free admission per registered attendee. Local government employees can register two individuals at a reduced rate of ¥11,000 each.

For more information and registration, please visit JPI Seminar Registration.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact:
JPI Japan Planning Institute
5-2-32 Minamiazabu, Kowa Hiroo Building, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-0047, Japan
Tel: 03-5793-9761 | Fax: 03-5793-9767
Website

About JPI Japan Planning Institute

For over half a century, JPI has been bridging the knowledge gap between government, public, and private sectors, contributing to national policy and strategic frameworks through exclusive, real-time seminars aimed at senior management and executives.