A 2011 earthquake and tsunami damaged Japan’s Fukushima Daichi power plant, resulting in the world’s worst nuclear accident since the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. While Fukushima vegetables are scattered throughout Japan; meanwhile, Fukushima farmers search for alternative business models to survive the nuclear morass.
Revival of a Dying Sector
The Fukushima nuclear plant leak came to light when a worker discovered a leaky pipe connected to a valve that leaked hundreds of barrels of radioactive water into the air, Pacific Ocean, and nearby communities. Today, farmers can resume planting activities as health official in japan confirms that the current radiation levels are within a healthy range.
Junya Sato, who makes a living drying out persimmon to create Anpogaki, a sweet treat in Fukushima Prefecture, couldn’t hide his excitement. “Producing Anpogaki was part of my daily life, and when you’re told that you can’t do it for two years, you wonder what you can do instead,” Junya said as he spoke to a journalist.
As the effects of radiation exposure weigh heavily on the people of Fukushima and the region, Farmers are keen on creating safe and nutritious vegetables amid the crisis of the nuclear plant accident. Global food export is now possible as 41 countries have fully lifted the restriction on goods exports after years of stringent safety measures. Junya Sato hopes other countries will take the bold step to lift restrictions which ofcos will boost his business further.