Report on the 24th Fukushima Dialogue Creating the Future of Fukushima Together With The Next Generation

The 24th Fukushima Dialogue, a stakeholder meeting to discuss the future of the recovery phase in Fukushima Prefecture among the younger generation, was held in the town of Naraha in the Futaba district of the Fukushima Prefecture, in November 2022. Following a series of presentations, participants to the meeting aged 18 to 35 discussed the current challenges of the reconstruction activities in the Fukushima Prefecture and what is needed to improve the situation. The Dialogue revealed that the younger generation has difficulty in grasping what is meant by reconstruction and readily distinguishes between the large reconstruction of authorities and the small one of individuals. It also revealed that the Fukushima accident had a strong impact on the sense of belonging of its inhabitants to the region and that they now aspire to build a new identity by regaining control of their lives, even if it is sometimes a painful process. Finally, the Dialogue brought to light that the younger generation is willing and ready to engage in the decision-making process related to the recovery phase in the Fukushima Prefecture.

Automated summary

The 24th Fukushima Dialogue, a stakeholder meeting among the younger generation, was held to discuss the future of the recovery phase in Fukushima Prefecture. The participants discussed the challenges and improvements needed for the reconstruction activities. The Dialogue highlighted the younger generation's difficulty in understanding reconstruction and the impact of the Fukushima accident on its inhabitants.