Reviving Tourism and Traditions in Fukushima

Twelve years after the Fukushima disaster, the resilient people of the region are working tirelessly to revive tourism and preserve their ancestral traditions.

A Surfing Mecca

Iwasawa Beach, located just 20 kilometers from the Fukushima nuclear power station, was once a vibrant surfing hub. After being closed for years, the beach reopened last year, welcoming back local surfers eager to ride its renowned waves and swells.

Yoshida Kentaro, a lifelong surfer and now the operator of his family hotel, is at the forefront of this revival. He believes that the return of surfing can bring new life to the area. “Water quality controls are conducted weekly by municipal authorities, and official data indicates that radiation levels are nearly zero,” he explains.

In the upcoming months, water treated through the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) will be released into the Pacific Ocean. While some experts and locals have voiced concerns about this decision, the surfers are closely monitoring the data.

“Honestly, I have some worries,” admits Yoshida. “However, I support the decision to release the treated water because it will be diluted to one-fortieth of the national safety standard before being discharged. The government has assured us that it poses no health risks.”

Local surfers are actively participating in beach clean-ups and restoration efforts, united in their hope for a brighter future for their beloved coastline. Yoshida and his colleagues are determined to return surfing to its former glory. “I want to revive the Naraha Town Mayor’s Cup,” he shares, referring to a competition that thrived for 25 years before the earthquake. “We must emphasize that the sea is safe to counter any potential reputational harm from discharging treated water.”

Keeping Ancestral Traditions Alive

Our journey takes us to the mountainous city of Shirakawa, home to a unique pottery workshop run by Yamada Shinichi. This workshop specializes in ceramics that trace their roots back 350 years to the Soma region, which was one of the areas hardest hit by the disaster.

Yamada’s workshop, located just a few kilometers from the nuclear facility, was forced to relocate. “After the earthquake, I realized how vital Obori SomaYaki is,” he reflects. “Soma ware is a cherished treasure of Fukushima Prefecture, and I believe it is an industry that deserves to continue thriving.”

Visitors come not only to purchase these exquisite ceramics but also to engage in craft lessons with Yamada. Cristina Giner, a visitor taking lessons, is captivated by the artistry involved.

Obori SomaYaki is renowned for its unique ‘blue cracks’ that appear in the glaze during the firing process. When the kiln is opened, the enamel cracks produce a harmonious sound, earning it the nickname “singing pottery.” Some artisans have begun returning to the Soma area, while others remain hopeful for a future return.

One of Japan’s Oldest Spa Cities

Iwaki Yumoto is celebrated as one of Japan’s oldest spa towns, with its mineral-rich hot springs bubbling for over 1,300 years. The soothing waters nourish numerous ryokans, or traditional inns, in the area.

One such ryokan is owned by Satomi Yoshio. During the catastrophe, his long-established lodge served as a shelter for volunteers. Since then, Satomi has been dedicated to revitalizing the region and attracting visitors.