JET Study Tour Oct,2014

On the 25^th and 26^th of October the 4^th JET Study Tour was held. This time the majority of participants were new JETs who came in August 2014. We traveled around the prefecture enjoying Fukushima’s rich history and culture, along with its delicious food. 

On the first day we visited a JA Warehouse in Inawashiro, where inspections of all bags of rice for radiation was being carried out on freshly harvested crops. Tour participants received an explanation of the efforts in place to secure the safety of Fukushima’s produce.

At the Nishiyama Geothermal Powerplant participants learned about geothermal power, one of the many forms of renewable energy Fukushima Prefecture has been implementing. Afterwards we visited Enzoji Temple, origin of the Akabeko, and learned about the history and legends of the Yanaizu Area.

One of the highlights of the study tour was a home stay with a farming family. For new JETs who have just recently come to Japan it was a great chance to experience life on a Japanese farm, and everyone enjoyed trying their hands at some farm work.

The next day we visited a project that involves people living in temporary housing who are helping to make traditional crafts using Aizu Cotton. There we were able to think about what was important to evacuees and the local area.

Lastly we visited the symbol of Aizu, Tsurugajo Castle. At Tsurugajo Kaikan participants enjoyed painting their own Akabeko. Afterwards we were able to enjoy the autumn colored leaves while walking the castle grounds.

Here we will post reports submitted by tour participants along with more details about the tour itself.