Sunday 5 June 2016

Day 150 2016: Sometimes you can't imagine...

Day 150: ...until you see it

Of course, as a Japan specialist in peace, politics and security, the unfolding disaster in Fukushima five years ago has held my interest on an almost daily basis. I've hesitated actually visiting because I don't want to become just another voyeur of tragedy. Yes, I could concoct a rationale, but I don't work like that. 

Therefore today's opportunity to go and visit the shrine and village, the subject of yesterday's exhibition and forum seemed like, at least, one small, minimally obtrusive way to experience the ongoing restoration and rebuilding of a region still reeling from the impact of earthquake, tsunami and now, radiation problems. 

Still, I felt like a voyeur...

I'm not comfortable in these scenarios unless it can provide a catalyst to do more. And that, I will, with my colleagues as a result of this trip.

People like me can come and go at will; the people you meet here, live here everyday. This is their home. I have to work on reconciling that awkwardness for me. (That will be explored over on the other blog.)

In the meantime, a few several pics illustrating the the environment, the village, the people. 

First, breakfast...
 
Sunday breakfast
 

Noted, at a local temple

Started with a visit to a local temple, Nakanofudoson

Moss, sunlight

Waterfall

Waterfall and tree trunk

This temple is known for its underground passages...

...wherein some 36 deities are housed...

with meanings

Blooms
 And then onto Iitate village and Yamatsumi Shrine

The clean-up of irradiated soil continues

One of the statues which survived the fire

The new ceiling, with places ready for the new tiles

The cat survived the fire too

Rice planting by machine

Paddy

Rice planting continues the old-fashioned way

Right next door to the bags of soil...

Listening, recalling

Village elder




Volunteer (with Simon)

rebuilding


'Resilience' get overused, but truly, resilience is what I felt from these people. Truly grateful to have met them all. 

[Camera : iPhone 6S, 7.30am; Canon EOS60D, 28-80mm, 9.05am-12.13pm; 29 May 2016]