Hello, my name is Amir Bahrami and today I would like to share with you some of my experiences from living here in Fukushima as well as the recent JET Study Tour. In August I started work as the new ALT in Koori Machi, a small town of 12000 people surrounded by the mountainous, natural beauty of northern Fukushima. Starting at the tail end of the hot, humid summer and continuing through the cool and beautiful fall, I have gradually been adjusting to my exciting new life here in Japan. When I first discovered that I had been placed in Fukushima Prefecture as part of the JET program, I was met with quite a bit of concern from my family and friends back home. Though I myself had followed the news and developments from Fukushima much more closely than those around me, I must admit that I still had my own concerns as well. Living outside of Japan it is often very difficult to find accurate and honest information about post-3/11 developments when they are lost amidst so many sensationalist and fear-mongering articles. However, by making efforts to do my own research, staying informed about the reality of the situation, and by getting lots of input and advice from people already living in Fukushima, I was able to put most of my fears to rest and arrived in Fukushima on August 7th with lots of enthusiasm for my new placement. It is fair to say that since I have arrived, Fukushima has not failed to live up to my expectations and consistently exceeds them on a daily basis. I have met countless warm and friendly people in my new home, Koori Machi, as well as all throughout the prefecture. I have eaten the amazing food here and seen countless beautiful and historical sites in places ranging from Iwaki to Aizu. I am very grateful that I also had the opportunity to participate in the recent Fukushima Study Tour of Iwaki hosted by the prefectural government. Over the course of two days, I had an opportunity to visit the Fukushima Agricultural Technology Center and see the great lengths to which researchers and farmers here go to ensure the safety of all food that is produced in Fukushima. I was also able to make a sobering visit to tsunami and earthquake affected areas in Iwaki City, horrified at the damage the disaster left behind but impressed by the desire and determination of people to rebuild their homes and restore their livelihoods. While it was inspiring to see all the farms, factories, houses, and businesses that are actively making a comeback in the area, it is also frustrating to see how the effects of negative rumors and reputation damage have compounded the issues they face and have made the slope back to a full recovery at bit steeper than it otherwise might be. As more and more people visit Fukushima in the coming months and years I hope that the factual information regarding the great lengths to which people here go to ensure the safety of their own families as well as the products they create and ship to the outside world will continue to spread and help people feel more at ease about visiting and doing business with one of the most beautiful, historical and friendliest places in all of Japan. I know that I will continue to do my best to contribute to these efforts as well. |  |
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