JAPAN and the WORLD Magazine APRIL ISSUE 2016 #Issue 15 | Page 10

RECONSTRUCTION
AROUND MARCH 11
INTERVIEW
未来に向けて歩み出す東北－震災から５年
MOVING TO THE FUTURE
TOHOKU AND THE AFTERMATH
MR. SHINYA FUJITA
DIRECTOR FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, RECONSTRUCTION AGENCY
What are the challenges for the next
five years that need to be addressed?
INTRODUCTION
As reconstruction proceeds, new challenges
have to be tackled, such as mental care,
revitalization of industry, and community
building. We will continue to work on these
issues.
When natural disasters occur,
municipalities are in charge of
rehabilitation and reconstruction. But
the earthquake five years ago was at
such a tremendous extent that the
government decided to establish a new
department according to a special law.
Japan is inspecting
radioactive materials based
on the most stringent
baseline levels in the world.
Reconstruction Agency is to speak about the
headquarters of reconstruction activities of
the central and local governments.
自然災害が起きた時、復旧・復興に当たるのは自
治体である。
しかし5年前の東日本大震災の規模
は極めて大きかったため、政府は特別法により新
たな省庁の設立を決定した。
復興庁は中央および地元自治体の復興活動のい
わば司令塔である。
What is the current recovery and
reconstruction status from the
Great East Japan Earthquake?
Thanks to the combined efforts of the central
government, local governments, the affected
people themselves, volunteers, and the
international community, reconstruction
has been proceeding quite steadily. The
number of people who had to leave their
homes has decreased from 470,000 at its
peak, to 170,000. The infrastructure and
housing are almost entirely restored. The
rebuilding of houses will be completed
within three years.
What is the current situation in
Fukushima?
In Fukushima Prefecture, reconstruction is well
09 // APRIL 2016
Mr. Shinya Fujita
Director for Public Relations and
International Affairs, Reconstruction Agency.
under way, except for the eastern coastal areas
on the Pacific side that were afflicted by the
nuclear power plant incident. Reconstruction
along coastal areas has regrettably only just
begun and will unavoidably require much more
time. However, such areas only account for 7%
of the surface area of Fukushima Prefecture.
The reactor is under cold shutdown and is
being safely managed. No radioactive material
is being released. Due to decontamination
and natural decay, the air radiation dose
is decreasing. In comparison to November
2011, it has decreased by 65%. The ratio of air
radiation dose within Fukushima Prefecture is
almost the same level as in most major cities
around the world. Evacuation orders that were
issued following the nuclear incident have
gradually been lifted in line with the decreased
dosage. Even in Naraha Town, where the
evacuation order was lifted last September, the
dosage is not significant.
The reconstruction period is set for
ten years according to the law.
We would also like to overcome the harmful
rumors caused by the nuclear incident. There
are still countries that restrict imports of
Japanese food products. Japan is inspecting
radioactive materials based on the most
stringent baseline levels in the world. Only
safe products that have passed these stringent
examinations are allowed onto the domestic
and international markets. To ensure that
people in Japan and abroad enjoy food with
peace of mind, we will continue to provide
accurate information regarding examination
results. In January, the European Union
significantly eased import restrictions on food
products from Japan, while India lifted the
restrictions in February this year. We hope
to see remaining restrictions lifted in other
countries based upon scientific evidence.
Another focus will be put on increasing the
inflow of foreigners to Tohoku. You can
enjoy delicious food and sake as well as
abundant tourist attractions there, such as
ski resorts, hot springs, and world cultural
heritage. Visit Tohoku!
What was the response from the
world after the earthquake?
More than 160 countries and regions provided
assistance to Japan. We are very grateful for that.
JAPAN AND THE WORL