Fukushima Prefecture

Fukushima Prefecture, located in Japan’s Tohoku region is the 3rd largest prefecture in terms of total area. The capital city of the prefecture is Fukushima city, located on the north end of the prefecture. 

In 2011, Fukushima prefecture was devastated by a tsunami. The Tsunami and the earthquake which caused the tsunami had severely damaged the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station, and saw some 47,000 residents seeking refuge after being forced out of their homes due to the high radiation readings. Today, the area around the nuclear power plant is deserted, and the nature has been slowly reclaiming the land since the people left.

Parts of coastal Fukushima are still heavily affected by the tsunami, resulting in vast expansive fields where cities used to be. Some parts of the coastline still have Geiger counters, or are part of the exclusion zone – where entry is still restricted. 

Post tsunami tourism is big for the prefecture, and the prefecture is trying to reclaim a name for itself by attracting tourists and industry back to the areas most affected by the great tsunami. Fukushima is a prefecture which highlights the resilience of people.