A Town Rebuilds After Disaster and Strives for a Brighter Future

A Town Rebuilding After Disaster

Futaba, a town in Fukushima Prefecture, is slowly rebuilding after the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami. While evacuation orders were lifted in parts of the town in August 2022, progress has been slow. The population remains at a mere 3% of its pre-disaster level, with only 15% of the town's area habitable.

The town is focusing on attracting new residents, particularly young entrepreneurs, to revitalize the community. Mayor Shiro Izawa envisions a town of 2,000 residents by 2030. To achieve this, Futaba has constructed municipal housing and is planning a compact town centered around the train station.

However, challenges remain. Many former residents have settled elsewhere and are unlikely to return. The town lacks basic amenities like supermarkets and job opportunities. Medical services are also limited.

Despite these challenges, some newcomers are finding reasons to call Futaba home. Yuko Takakuda, a mother of two, moved to Futaba for work and appreciates the child-rearing environment. Tatsuhiro Yamane, a town assembly member, is dedicated to promoting Futaba and building a strong future for the town.

A recent survey of newcomers highlighted the challenges and opportunities in Futaba. While some residents are drawn to the town's natural environment and the chance to contribute to its reconstruction, others struggle with the lack of amenities and job opportunities.

The town is offering incentives, such as a 2-million-yen subsidy for families who live in Futaba for more than five years. The future of Futaba remains uncertain, but the town's efforts to attract new residents and rebuild its infrastructure offer a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.