FUKUSHIMA, Japan & PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--OECD Tohoku School's "Tohoku Fukkousai 'WA' in PARIS" was held at Champ de Mars Park in Paris over the two days of August 30 (Sat) and 31 (Sun).
The "Tohoku Fukkousai 'WA' in Paris" event resulted from the culmination of two and a half years of effort by roughly 100 junior high and high school students from Fukushima and other disaster areas who worked together to communicate hopes of triumph over the earthquake disaster, and to share the appeal of the Tohoku region. Fukushima prefecture also participated in the event to help convey the 'Wonder' and 'Now' of the prefecture.
Five student teams from Fukushima Prefecture participated in the event holding activities such as a documentary screening and a taste test featuring jelly made using ingredients produced by the prefecture.
From the stage, 'Kibitan', Fukushima's symbolic character for reconstruction (slogan: Future From Fukushima) was joined by 'Team Kibitan', responsible for communicating the 'Vitality' of Fukushima, to deliver Fukushima's Reconstruction status and current efforts in French. Visitors in attendance listened attentively. Visitors to the venue also joined in a dance performed together with the students, and the entire venue was encased in a sense of unity.
Booths displayed posters that compared the amount of radiation in Fukushima to the rest of the world and panels illustrating efforts related to safety and security. Visitors were able to grasp the 'Now' of Fukushima, and could be heard saying things such as, "Except for one part of the region, the radiation is not so different from that of Paris."
Food and drink sampling was also on-hand, which included Japanese sake and a peach compote in an effort to let visitors experience first-hand the appeal of food from the prefecture. Long lineups formed in front of the booths where people's overwhelmingly positive impressions were overheard, including comments on how delectable the food tasted and curious as to where they could be purchased.
In Paris, we were able to directly convey our gratitude for the support provided to date, and communicate our positive stance towards reconstruction. Over the two days we could also sense the passion in people's support for Fukushima.
We will continue to communicate the 'Wonder' and 'Now' of Fukushima in foreign countries, and appreciate your continued support. Thank you.
