The Aizu Radiation Information Center

Japan

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Background to the Triple Disaster

On March 11, 2011, a devastating earthquake registering nine on the Richter scale shook the northeastern coast of Japan. The tsunami which followed hit 350 miles of coastline, devouring many towns and villages. The tsunami claimed 15,000 lives, and 230,000 people continue to live in temporary housing. Many people lost their jobs and means of livelihood. On March 12th, the nuclear reactors in Fukushima exploded, sending radiation into the atmosphere. Depending on the direction the wind was blowing on those first few days after the explosions, certain areas still measure high levels of radiation. Residents are not permitted to live within a twenty mile radius of the nuclear reactors. There is still much fear and uncertainty concerning the dangers of radiation, the effects on food products, as well as on the daily lives of those living in Fukushima and the surrounding areas. Concerned citizens, non-profit organizations, as well as the church, diligently gather accurate data/information regarding the situation as it evolves and effects of radiation for dissemination and action.

The Aizu Radiation Information Center

Soon after the triple disaster of March 2011, Global Ministries partner church, the United Church of Christ in Japan (UCCJ – also known as Kyodan), established a Disaster Relief Center at the Emmaus Center in Sendai, Japan. At the same time, the Northeastern Conference of the Kyodan formed a Working Committee to address the numerous issues arising in the churches and communities in northeastern Japan. Besides earthquake damage and tsunami relief, one ongoing concern has been issues relating to nuclear radiation.

One local Kyodan church in the town of Aizu-Wakamatsu (Fukushima Prefecture) opened its doors to house the Aizu Radiation Information Center in May 2011. This Center is a citizen’s network fully supported by volunteers which aims to 1) gather and share information; 2) support local residents by networking; and 3) join in actions of solidarity with victims in the Fukushima area. The Aizu Radiation Information Center partners with the Northeastern Conference of the Kyodan to address the pressing issues related to radiation.

Protecting the Children of Fukushima

Due to the possibly devastating effects of radiation following the destruction of the Fukushima reactors, residents in Fukushima and surrounding areas have begun to fear the consequences of something that they are unable to see. In particular, young mothers who are raising their children fear for the health of their children. Complete official information is hard to access. Many families feel isolated. At the same time, farmers and fishermen are concerned whether the produce they sell is safe for consumers. There is some question as to the standards set by the government concerning radiation contained in food items.

Other activities include:

• Fresh Air Camps to get children and their families out of the radiation for short retreats
• Medical Consultations counseling for those living with psychological / physical stress
• Thyroid Tests provided once every two months
• Education / Information Gathering collecting data and educating the public
• Mother’s Support Group providing a sanctuary where mothers feel safe to speak from their heart
• Advocacy protesting government policies that put people’s lives at risk

After more than three years since the Tokyo Electric Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant disaster, the situation at the Fukushima disaster site remains highly volatile and dangerous. The amount of radioactive contaminated water increases and extremely high levels of radiation are even now being reported on-site. The Japanese government, however, acts as though the accident is a thing of the past and claims that Fukushima is recovering.  They are eager to restart the nuclear plants and export the industry overseas.  The people who call for an end to Japan’s dependence on nuclear power have had no effect.   Sadness and frustration have created a high level of stress.   The need to share these frustrations with others in a community of support and a gathering place such as the Aizu Information Center, has given the people the strength to carry on.  The people share a commitment to proposing no more nuclear energy.  They are committed to not having this kind of disaster to happen again.  In order to carry out this goal the following programs were provided in 2013. 

To date the Center has made 1,600 measurements of water, rice, vegetables, fruit, meat and fish using the GMD15 Food Measurement Spectrometer.  No high radiation has been found in the food.  However, there are many parents who remain concerned about the regular intake of low level radiation into the diet and what that might mean for their children.   

Contamination of the soil is an issue that demands increasing attention. Radiation levels in the air near the site will most likely remain high even if there are no further explosions.  However, radioactive material released into the atmosphere during the time of the disaster spread through rain and snow into the rivers and is most definitely embedded in the soil.  In order to determine whether it is safe for children to study at school or play on the playground, radiation needs to be measured not only in the air, but also in the soil.  The GMD15 was used to measure soil from kindergartens and private homes.  Unfortunately, the soil at the bottom of the slide in the playground at Sakae Machi Church registered 4,500 radioactive rays released per second, per square kilometer.  When children use the slide, they land with their two feet on the soil where radiation has collected over time from rain and snow.   This means that as soon as the children touch their feet at the bottom of that slide they are exposed to that high level of radiation. 

A monitoring post was established at the Odaka Preaching Point, which is a location quite close to the Fukushima reactors. This is a joint program of SAFECAST (an American citizens’ group), Izumi (The United Church of Christ in Japan [UCCJ] Tohoku District Radiation Task Force), and the Aizu Radiation Information Center.  Even though the center is more than 62 miles away from the plants here in Aizu, they are still able to measure the radiation in and around Odaka.  At present, authorities are involved in removing spent fuel rods sitting in an exposed pool of water by one of the nuclear plants.  If there is another accident and radiation levels in the air start to rise they will be able to make an expedient decision as to an emergency evacuation. 

In the summer of 2013 the Aizu Radiation Information Center sponsored three Fresh Air Camp programs:   the California Fresh Air Camp for High School Students (July 24 – August 7), the Fukushima/Kobe Children’s Fresh Air Camp (July 24 – 31) in which 12 adults, 26 children participated, and The Hokkaido Parent Child Fresh Air Camp (August 5 – 10), in which 10 adults and 16 children participated.  

Since September 2012 the Center has continued to offer a weekly silent vigil on Friday evenings to call for a nuclear free society.  They believe it is more effective to speak through silence and allow the message to resonate in the hearts of those who are able to hear their silent appeal. 

The Center has also provided vegetables, food, and water; emergency preparedness activities; tours and speaking engagements.  It also is working with other Organizations for a Nuclear Free World.

See a brief update on this project from missionary Jeffrey Mensendiek

Read an article by missionary Jeffrey Mensendiek: Aizu Radiation Center:  A Place to Cry, Laugh and Ponder Together