In the morning of the second day during the study tour, we visited the Organic Cotton Centre in Iwaki. There we were given an explanation of the ‘Organic Cotton Project’, which is run by NPO ‘The People’. There was originally a lot of abandoned farmland in Iwaki, and along with the influence of the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and the nuclear power plant accident, many farmers had abandoned agriculture. We heard that it was then that ‘The People’ saw the potential of the abandoned farmland, and with the help of volunteers and locals, began using the land to grow organic cotton, which is unaffected by salt-damage to land caused by the tsunami. They use the cotton grown to make T-shirts, along with dolls. After hearing the explanation of the project, we moved to a field in which the organic cotton was being grown, and got to try our hands at cotton picking. After picking cotton, we headed back to the office, where we made our own dolls. While we were making the dolls, we heard that those who had evacuated after the disaster made them in the same fashion. It was then I felt connected with the locals. I appreciate being given the chance to understand, even if only a little, the feelings of those affected by the disaster, all of who have been through such an ordeal. Through continuing to appeal the efforts of locals by introducing groundbreaking recovery projects such as the ‘Organic Cotton Project’, I believe that their positive attitude and passion will be recognized by the world. I am confident that one day smiles will bloom brightly like beautiful flowers on the faces of the people of Fukushima once again （Posted by ：Vivian） |  |
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