Miyakoji is rich with lush and beautiful woods and forests. In fact, forest area makes up 80% of the town’s area, and forestry has long played an integral role in the town’s identity and economy. The area was particularly known for its cultivation of shiitake mushrooms, which were sold nationwide, as well as its timberContinue reading Miyakoji’s Long Road to Reconstruction
The Sakura Tunnel, made up of 400 cherry blossom trees that line Tomioka’s Yo no Mori district, made the area a well-known hanami (flower-viewing) spot. However, following 3.11, the fantastic cherry trees could no longer be enjoyed in the springtime. That all changed this April. This April, for the first time in 7 years, visitors haveContinue reading Hanami & Hope in Tomioka
Yamatsumi-jinja (Yamatsumi Shrine), stands in Iitate, an area evacuated after the nuclear disaster, which former residents are able to return to from today, March 31st 2017. Even before the reopening of the town, there were lots of people working in the village during the day, and a few ponies hanging about too, as I foundContinue reading The Wolf Shrine Brought Back from the Ashes
Japanese junior high school students in Japan are hard-working, loyal and incredibly busy. Their personalities are as varied as in any country; every class has its jokers, sweet, shy kids, quiet brainy ones, bullies… I got used to junior high school students during my time working at schools in Japan, so it might seem oddContinue reading Fukushima School Children Have a Lot to Teach
Odaka Town was evacuated after the nuclear accident in Fukushima Prefecture in 2011, but this year residents have been allowed to return and rebuild their townContinue reading Loss, Acceptance & Rediscovery: Odaka
