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,
First, breakfast...
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| Sunday breakfast |
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| Noted, at a local temple |
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| Started with a visit to a local temple, Nakanofudoson |
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| Moss, sunlight |
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| Waterfall |
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| Waterfall and tree trunk |
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| This temple is known for its underground passages... |
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| ...wherein some 36 deities are housed... |
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| with meanings |
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| Blooms |
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| The clean-up of irradiated soil continues |
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| One of the statues which survived the fire |
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| The new ceiling, with places ready for the new tiles |
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| The cat survived the fire too |
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| Rice planting by machine |
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| Paddy |
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| Rice planting continues the old-fashioned way |
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| Right next door to the bags of soil... |
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| Listening, recalling |
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| Village elder |
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| Volunteer (with Simon) |
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| 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]
