Japn Travel Agency

Rakuten Travel, Inc.

Monday, March 12, 2012

On the first anniversary of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami

Fukushima issues declaration to promote renewable energy



FUKUSHIMA , On the first anniversary of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that triggered the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, the governor of Fukushima Prefecture on Sunday called for terminating nuclear power and promoting the use of renewable energy.

"Fukushima aims to create a society that enjoys sustainable development by promoting renewable energy and not depending on nuclear power," read the "Fukushima Declaration," unveiled by Fukushima Gov. Yuhei Sato at a symposium in Fukushima city concerning the revival of the prefecture from the March disasters.

"We will call for all nuclear power stations in the prefecture to be shut down so that an accident like this never happens again," said the declaration signed by Sato, referring to the crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

The symposium was held following a ceremony organized by the prefectural government to mark one year since the disasters. To spread the message to the world, an English version of the declaration was posted on the prefecture's official website.

"We will create once again a beautiful Fukushima. We will build a dynamic and vibrant Fukushima. We will show the world and pass down to future generations Fukushima's revitalization process," it said.

Memorial ceremonies for tsunami victims have been held

Memorial ceremonies held near nuclear plant

Memorial ceremonies for tsunami victims have been held in Okuma Town, which hosts the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant and remains a no-entry zone.

 Fourteen people came by bus to attend the ceremonies on Sunday, which took place at 2 locations near the nuclear power plant.

 The participants wearing protective suits offered a silent prayer and flowers to the spirits of the deceased.

 In Okuma, 9 people died and one person went missing in the tsunami. About 11,000 residents are all living away from the town.

 A woman who lost her husband says one year has passed so quickly, and that she is half giving up returning to Okuma.