Study Tour on the Tohoku Reconstruction Process in Japan
Achievements and Remaining Tasks 15 Years after the Disaster
A Unique Study Tour on Tohoku Reconstruction After the 2011 Disasters
Overview
HPC, a training course provider in Japan, will offer a unique study tour to the Tohoku region in late August 2025, focusing on the reconstruction efforts following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. The tour aims to explore both the achievements and the remaining challenges of the recovery process.
Following the disaster—primarily caused by a massive tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear accident—large-scale reconstruction projects have been carried out across the coastal areas of Fukushima, Miyagi, and Iwate Prefectures. HPC has previously conducted numerous training courses for international visitors in collaboration with public sector organizations. Drawing on this accumulated knowledge and experience, HPC is now launching this study tour for those interested in the history and current realities of post-disaster recovery.
The tour will be conducted in English, with Japanese interpretation available if needed.
HPC staff will assist with transportation, accommodations, and site visits, while also providing in-depth explanations on disaster-related and reconstruction-related issues. Professor Hideaki Shinoda of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies will accompany the group throughout the tour. He will give lectures on local reconstruction plans and community efforts, referring to official documents and related materials. During travel time, he will also provide video lectures, and each day will conclude with a discussion workshop.
Participants will also travel by public transportation—including the scenic Sanriku Rias Railway—which offers a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
The tour is designed for individuals interested in:
- The historical process of reconstruction in Tohoku after the March 11, 2011 disaster
- Contemporary challenges and unresolved issues in the Tohoku region
- Engaging with local residents who experienced the disaster and participated in reconstruction efforts
The tour will provide:
- Information and insights through lectures, videos, and documents, as well as direct experiences visiting reconstruction sites and meeting local residents
- Balanced perspectives on sensitive topics such as radiation concerns and differing evaluations of reconstruction projects
- Opportunities to consider how visitors can contribute to ongoing reconstruction and regional revitalization efforts
Video Study Materials:
- The History of Tohoku
- The Structure of Reconstruction in Tohoku and Its Impact on Local Communities
- Case Studies of Local Reconstruction Plans and Processes
Cuisine:
- Participants will enjoy the rich culinary culture of Tohoku, especially the fresh seafood of the coastal areas.
- Tasting local cuisine is a way to experience the vibrant cultural heritage of the region.
- Exploring Tohoku’s food scene also supports the revitalized local food industries that have recovered since the disaster.
- Possible food menu
Schedule
(subject to change due to unavoidable circumstances)
|
Date & Venue |
Agenda |
Transport & Accommodation |
|
24 August (Sun), 2025 |
(11:45 Meeting near Tokyo Station / Leave for Futaba Town) Visit to the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum Introductory Meeting |
Joban Line Train
Stay at Futaba Town |
|
25 August (Mon) |
Testimony at the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum Visit to facilities near Sendai and in Ishinomaki Evening Session |
Train and Bus
Stay at Ishinomaki |
|
26 August (Tue) |
Move to Onagawa and visit to the facilities in the town Move to Minami-sanriku and visit to the facilities in the town Move to Kesennuma Evening Session |
Train
Stay at Kesennuma |
|
27 August (Wed) |
Visit to the facilities of Kesennuma Move to Rikuzentakata and visit to the facilities in the town Move to Ofunato and visit to the facilities in the town Evening Session |
Train
Stay at Ofunato |
|
28 August (Thu) |
Move from Sakari to Kamaish and visit to the facilities in/near the town Move to Miyako and visit to the facilities in/near the town Evening Session |
Sanriku Rias Railway Stay at Miyako |
|
29 August (Fri) |
Dissolution in Miyako, or Morioka (before going back to Tokyo) |
|
|
Director of HPC (Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies), Hideaki Shinoda, will accompany and coordinate the group throughout the entire tour. https://www.tufs.ac.jp/ts/personal/shinoda/shino/index-e.htm |
||
- Duration
August 24 (Sun.) – 28 (Thu.) [morning of 29 (Fri.)], 2025
- Accommodation
Reasonable Hotels in Towns in Tohoku
- 3. Participation Fees
200,000 Japanese yen, which includes (a) transports within Tohoku (from Futaba on 20 August to Miyako on 28 August) and (b) Accommodations for 5 nights up to the morning of 29 August in Miyako. (c) Study videos and reading materials on reconstruction plans and processes in Tohoku are also included (in English or Japanese).
You may ask for the arrangement of trasnposrt to/from Tohoku with the atucal additional costs.
You may ask for HPC-designated food menu with actual costs each time.
If you join or leave in the middle of the program, the the participation fee will be reduced accordingly.
- 4. Qualifications
Language proficiency in English or Japanese
- 5. Number of Participants to be Admitted
In case there are no more than a few applicants, the program might be cancelled.
- 6. Application Deadline
31 July, 2025
- 7. General Inquiries on the Contents of the Program
Hiroshima Peacebuilders Center (HPC)
Knowledge Square 1st Floor, 1-1-61, Higashisendamachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, 730-0053 JAPAN
TEL: +81-(0)82-909-2631 Email: (for Inquiries) hpc@peacebuilders.jp
(Application) send the form to the following email address. Application Form
hpcapplication@peacebuilders.jp
Website: https://eng.peacebuilderscenter.jp/
- 8. Obligations of the Participants
Participants are expected to engage in the Course with utmost diligence.
