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International Symposium - 15 Years Since 3.11: Voices Connecting from Fukushima, for a Nuclear-Free World
This year marks 15 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and the subsequent TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster of March 11, 2011. The disaster and its consequences continue to manifest in various ways today. Widespread radioactive contamination has severely impacted the lives of local communities, who had been living in harmony with nature.
Meanwhile, as if the nuclear disaster has been forgotten, nuclear power plant restarts in Japan are proceeding, and a new funding support system using public funds is being considered to support the nuclear industry for the construction of new nuclear plants. Furthermore, there is a movement among international financial institutions to lift the ban on nuclear power financing to build nuclear plants in developing countries. This will only bring profit to a handful of large corporations involved in the nuclear industry while imposing immense burdens and risks on the general public.
At the same time, the world continues to experience even more war, conflict and rising tensions. Now more than ever, it is vital for people around the world to connect in their pursuit of a nuclear-free world.
This international symposium will reflect on the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster, and efforts to achieve such a nuclear-free world. We look forward to your participation.
Event Details
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Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026, 10:30 - 16:30 JST (Doors open: 10:00)
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Venue: Zen-Suido Kaikan Main Conference Room, Tokyo (Online participation via Zoom is also possible)
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Language: In person participation at the venue will be in Japanese language only, however simultaneous interpretation between Japanese and English will be provided online for Session 1 (10:30 - 12:35 JST) and Session 2 (14:50 - 16:30 JST).
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Organizers: Friends of the Earth Japan, Peace Boat
Program Content
- Part 1: 15 Years Since the Nuclear Disaster (10:30 - 12:35 JST)
Looking back on the 15 years since the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster, and toward the future.
- Part 2: Local Initiatives throughout Japan (13:45 - 14:40 JST)
Connecting various locations online, we will share a variety of ongoing initiatives.
* No English interpretation will be available for this session
- Part 3: Toward a Nuclear-Free World (14:50 - 16:30 JST)
Hear reports from around the world including Taiwan, the Marshall Islands, Australia, and Germany, and together discuss the path toward a nuclear-free world.
Speakers:
Part 1
- Ruiko MUTO (Resident of Miharu Town, Fukushima Prefecture)
- Ayako OHGA (Evacuee from Fukushima to Niigata)
- Kanna MITSUTA (Friends of the Earth Japan)
- Eriko YANO (Friends of the Earth Japan)
- Akira KAWASAKI (Peace Boat)
Part 3
- Shu-hsin TSUI (Green Citizens’ Action Alliance ) *
- Ayumi FUKAKUSA (Friends of the Earth Japan)
- Derek CABE (Nuclear-Free Bataan Movement) *
- Dave SWEENEY (Australian Conservation Foundation, ACF)
- Benetick KABUA MADDISON (Marshallese Educational Initiative, MEI) (TBC) *
- Sumiko HATAKEYAMA (Peace Boat)
- Akiko YOSHIDA (Friends of the Earth Japan)
* Video message