Summary: Fukushima Prefecture has published information on a program that sends storytellers, who pass on lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear disaster, free of charge to disaster-prevention events and training outside the prefecture.
Key points
- Fifteen years after the earthquake and nuclear disaster, with memories fading across the country, the prefecture says first-hand storytelling is more important than ever, and it is offering to send storytellers nationwide free of charge.
- Venues are disaster-prevention events and training held outside Fukushima Prefecture, mainly for audiences from outside the prefecture. One storyteller from a group registered with the Fukushima Storytellers Network Conference is dispatched, and an audience of roughly 20 or more is the guideline.
- What is free is the storyteller’s fee and travel costs. Equipment such as a computer and screen, and venue fees, are paid by the requester. Applications go to the dispatch office, in principle at least two months before the event.
Editorial comment
Fifteen years on, opportunities to hear first-hand accounts are becoming precious. This program lets schools, local governments and community groups outside Fukushima invite someone who experienced the compound disaster to their disaster-prevention learning.
If you would like to hear a storyteller before or after visiting Fukushima, the prefecture’s page explains the conditions and application steps.
Source: Fukushima Prefecture news: “Free dispatch of Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Fukushima Storytellers” (Japanese) (2026-10-14)
The Tohokuru editorial team summarized and commented based on the source. Please see the original for details.