Japan-US University Collaboration for Future Generation who can contribute to Reconstruction and Revitalization
Fukushima Hamadori Reconstruction and Recreation Studies
In this course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident on the region, as well as learn about the current status and challenges of the various policies and projects that have been undertaken for reconstruction.
The lecturers are practitioners and researchers who are actually involved in reconstruction activities and regional revitalization in the Hamadori region of Fukushima. Specific lecturers (some of them) include Masami Asano, president of Asano Twist Co., Ltd., who is committed to the reconstruction of local industries, Ryoko Ando, chairman of Fukushima Dialogue, which promotes regional dialogue, Hiroyuki Uchida, mayor of Iwaki City, Riken Komatsu, a local activist who is contributing to the revitalization of the local community, Yoshiyuki Ishizaki of Tohoku International University, who analyzes the current situation and issues of municipalities affected by the nuclear power plant accident, and Shunichi Yamashita of Fukushima Medical University, a world-renowned expert in radiation medicine and health risk assessment. They provide a variety of practical perspectives.
The course content begins with the emergency response immediately after the disaster and covers the reconstruction process up to the present day. Students will deepen their understanding through concrete examples, focusing in particular on the recovery status of the local economy, measures to encourage residents to return, health management and risk communication regarding radiation, and the creation of new industries that utilize local resources. Students will also learn about efforts to promote the revitalization of local communities and the reconstruction of residents' lives, as well as advanced reconstruction and revitalization projects that incorporate international perspectives. Ultimately, students will gain an intellectual foundation for understanding local issues from multiple perspectives, coming up with realistic and creative solutions, and proactively contributing to local communities.
Sample Lecture
Lecturer
Mr. Riken Komatsu
(Community Activist)
After working as a news reporter for Fukushima Television and a Japanese language teacher and editorial director in Shanghai, he returned to his hometown and worked as a researcher for a lumber company, a kamaboko manufacturer, and FM Iwaki. After that, he worked as a freelancer, planning and disseminating information in a variety of fields, including local food, medicine, and welfare, and presided over the alternative spaces "UDOK." and "Hekirekisha." After the Great East Japan Earthquake, he conducted marine research at "Umi Labo," and won the 45th Osaragi Jiro Rondan Award for his book "New Reconstruction Theory," published in 2018.