Stories of
FUKUSHIMA

They are facing the challenge of getting back the pride of Fukushima, saving the environment and community which the youth and the government can be proud of through the lessons on the nuclear disasters brought by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Interview / Zoe Vincent, Fukushima Prefecture Tourism & Local Products Association

Picture of Zoe Vincent, from United Kingdom

Zoe Vincent, from United Kingdom

"I've been living in Japan for 4 years now. I first came to Japan when I studied for one year as an exchange student at Waseda University in Tokyo. Next, when I graduated from university, I came to Unzen City in Nagasaki Prefecture as an English teacher for one year on the JET Programme. After that I came to Fukushima in August 2016 and I've been here since then."

"There are many great things about living in Fukushima. For one, it's very easy to get to Tokyo and other prefectures, and Fukushima City is right in the middle of Fukushima Prefecture which makes it convenient for visiting lots of areas in the prefecture. Also there’s a really nice balance of towns and cities and rural areas, so you can go hiking, enjoy the views of the countryside, try out farm stays – there are lots of things to do here."

"Fukushima is a great place to experience the four seasons of Japan, Japan's fantastic hospitality, amazing onsen, and world-class sake. I think Fukushima is really underrated and kind of undiscovered as a tourist destination at the moment, but it has many very interesting culturally and historically important places. This means if you come to Fukushima, you can experience a very authentic side of Japan that maybe it isn't always available to tourists from abroad."

"Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic events will be held at Azuma Stadium in Fukushima. I think this is a wonderful opportunity for people all around the world to learn more about Fukushima. I think people abroad tend to think that Fukushima is a small town on the coast of Japan. Actually, it’s the third biggest prefecture in Japan, and has a land area bigger than Jamaica. So I think that the Olympics is a wonderful chance for people to learn not just the size of Fukushima, but also the beauty of Fukushima and the kindness and hospitality of its people."

"For me, Fukushima is an inspirational prefecture with fascinating history and a very bright future."

Website: REDISCOVER FUKUSHIMA
https://rediscoverfukushima.com/

"Never forget you"from FUKUSHIMA

あなたを忘れない—福島から世界へ—