Fukushima 3.11 Memorial Park
Fukushima 3.11 Memorial Park
In remembrance of the lives lost due to the Great East Japan earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster, which occurred on 11 March 2011, the Fukushima 3.11 Memorial Park will pass on the lessons learnt from the disaster to future generations. In addition, the park will show the strong commitment in revitalizing the region to people in Japan and abroad. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and Fukushima Prefecture are collaborating in building this park.
Basic Principles Praying for the lives lost; Presenting the facts; Connecting people; and Revitalizing the local community
Praying for the lives lost
As a central place to remember and to pray for the lives lost in Fukushima Prefecture and other disaster-hit areas, this park will be a place where people from Japan and around the world can come to pray for the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The park will also dedicate a monument to remember the animals killed in the disaster.
Presenting the facts
This park is in conjunction with the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, which was established to pass on the knowledge and lessons learnt from the nuclear disaster to future generations while also spreading information to the world. There will be places that show the direction of the earthquake’s epicenter that caused the disaster and the location of the Fukushima Daiichi (No.1) Nuclear Power Station. In addition, visitors can actually experience the damage caused by the earthquake as well as realize how high the tsunami was. The ruins preserved in the park will also be used for the activities of local governments to ensure that the memories and lessons learnt are passed on, especially to the next generation.
Connecting people
By embracing the regional history and culture prior to the disaster, the park will create a pleasant and spiritual place for the local people in finding peace surrounded by scenery of flowers. People including those who have yet to return home will be able to enjoy various activities that lighten their spirits and revive the memories of their hometown as they also support one another.
Revitalizing the local community
In line with the revitalization of livelihoods in Fukushima Prefecture, the park will support people who are returning or visiting this area and help revitalize the local community. In addition, the park will show to Japan and to the world the people’ s strong commitment towards revitalization and their gratitude for all the support received.
Photo taken immediately after the disaster
Source: Footage taken from the rescue helicopter Michinoku-go on 11 March 2011
