On July 26, Fukushima Prefecture and University College London (UCL) held a symposium and reception to update the UK public on the situation re Fukushima’s recovery in a range of events at the UCL campus.
At the symposium, Kazutaka Takahashi, Director of the Public Relations Division for Fukushima Prefecture, gave a presentation entitled “Fukushima Now”.
After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the accident at the nuclear power plant, Fukushima Prefecture has carried out thorough decontamination to remove scattered radioactive materials, and as a result, the radiation dose is the same level as other major cities in the world. Taking the opportunity to explain food safety measure, Fukushima Prefecture has established an internationally recognised strict food standard of 50 becquerels per kilogram and has implemented a tough regime of inspections. Fukushima has a thorough system to ensure that anything exceeding the standard is not distributed. Mr Takahashi gave a detailed briefing on the current situation to everyone at the event.
After that, at the Fukushima prefecture-themed reception, three students from the prefecture run Fukushima High School introduced local agricultural products and culture and gave their own speeches on the recovery situation.
Momoko Yabuki, who is a first-year student, promoted “Tsurugajo”, a popular tourist destination in the prefecture, and peaches as the fruit that represents Fukushima, as well as introducing the warm personality of people in the prefecture.
Second-year student Genki Takashima introduced the safety of local delicious rice and vegetables from Fukushima, while Akihiro Kunii, also a second-year student told the audience how music was also being used to support the recovery and performed a chorus now known all over Japan, receiving applause from the participants.
At the reception, participants were able to enjoy a wide range of produce, such as the best saké from Fukushima, Japan’s highest award-winning sake for the seventh consecutive year, and serving treats containing peaches and other confectionery from the prefecture.
