No More "Fukushima"s — A Heartfelt Japanese Photo Exhibition on the Current Situation

Reported by You Tzu-ju / Taipei


                          ▲ "No nukes, no more Fukushimas." (Photo / Reporter You Tzu-ju)

"No nukes, no more Fukushimas." As the anti-nuclear issue gains traction, these banners have become common on Taipei’s streets — off-white cloth stamped with a pale blue Taiwan map and powerful anti-nuclear messages. While they stir passion in many Taiwanese, Ms. Ikeda from Fukushima was deeply hurt when she encountered one that read “no more Fukushimas.” Coming from the very place mentioned, she admitted it left her feeling truly “upset.”

“Fukushima is no longer what Taiwanese imagine it to be.” Originally from Fukushima, Ms. Ikeda worked in community development in Japan. With a Taiwanese mother, she moved to Taiwan earlier this year (2013) to live long-term. But everywhere she turned, she saw anti-nuclear banners portraying Fukushima as a cautionary tale. “It made me really sad,” she shared. “Yes, the nuclear disaster happened in my hometown, but every resident is working hard to rebuild their lives and doesn’t want to leave.”


▲ A smiling Ikeda at work and with friends in Taiwan. (Photo / Provided by Travel, Time)


Inspired by these Taiwanese messages, she proposed a new initiative: using a photo exhibition and documentary screenings about Fukushima to show how two million residents are striving to reclaim their home. To commemorate the second anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Taiwan and Japan will simultaneously light candles as a gesture of warmth, friendship, and shared hopes for peace — highlighting Fukushima’s enduring spirit.

 
▲ Through the photo exhibition and screenings, Ikeda hopes to showcase Fukushima’s efforts to rebuild. (Photo / Provided by Travel, Time)

[Fukushima Photo Exhibition & Paper Crane Prayer Event] March 10–11, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
"No Nukes — No More Fukushimas"
Though devastated by the nuclear disaster, nearly two million Fukushima residents continue rebuilding their home, holding onto their beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage. Visitors to the exhibition are invited to write messages of hope and fold them into paper cranes as prayers for Fukushima and all disaster survivors.