International PR and promotion achievements

Coordinators for International Relations (CIR) sharing information on social media

• Fukushima Prefecture's coordinators share the current situation of Fukushim through SNS, which they personally investigate from a foreign perspective. By spreading the circle of empathy, we aim to contribute to dispelling harmful rumours. 
• We introduce the attractiveness of our prefecture and more on SNS (Facebook, Instagram) in English and Japanese about once a week. 
• Coordinatiors for International Relations (CIR) sharing information on social media: "Fukushima Today"

Links

• Fukushima Overseas Kenjinkais
• Visitors to Fukushima Prefecture (Japanese only) 
• The Fukushima Prefecture Brochure (Multilingual) 

Major efforts to date (FY 2024) 

The governor visited the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands! (8–12 July 2024)

• From 8 July  to 12 July 2024, the governor visited the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands to express his gratitude to those who have supported the efforts towards revitalization in the prefecture and to convey the current steady progress in revitalization.
• The Fukushima Reception was attended by many, including members of the British-Japanese Parliamentary Group, UK government officials, embassies of various countries in the UK, import and food service businesses, and those with ties to Fukushima residing in the UK. Through a lecture and networking event featuring prefectural products such as sake, he directly conveyed his gratitude for the lifting of import restrictions and other support received, the current state of the prefecture, including the charms of Fukushima's food and tourism, and the progress in revitalization. This aims to deepen the understanding of Fukushima, encourage tourism from the UK, and promote inbound tourism. 
• Rie Yoshitake, a Japanese sake promoter who has long supported Fukushima sake, became the first Japanese national living overseas to take on the role of Fukushima Sake Meister.
• During visits to importers of prefectural products, he met with President Kawamoto of T.K. Trading, which has been importing Ten-no-tsubu rice in the UK for many years, and in the Netherlands, he met with CEO Marinus Noordenbos of Hokkai Suisan, which has started importing Aosa seaweed from Matsukawaura Lagoon, Fukushima sake and other products.
• President Kawamoto of T.K. Trading informed him that they plan to increase the amount carried to over 20 tons per year in the next three years, which is double the current amount.
• At Hokkai Suisan, they invited local food service businesses and held a "Fukushima Lunch" where guests enjoyed Fukushima sake using Aizu lacquerware and tasted Aosa seaweed from Matsukawaura Lagoon. They also set up a Fukushima booth at their "Japanese Sake Summer Festival," a fan appreciation event, where they offered tastings and sales of Fukushima sake and other products.
• During visits to dignitaries, he visited ambassadors at local Japanese embassies and government agencies in the countries visited, directly expressing his gratitude for the lifting of import restrictions and other support, and explaining the current state of revitalization in Fukushima and the safety of its food, deepening their understanding of Fukushima.
• In the UK and the Netherlands, exchange events with Fukushima Kenjinkais were held, and he expressed his gratitude for their support and requested their continued cooperation with the prefecture. At the UK event, President Mitsuyama of the Fukushima Prefectural Association in London, who has been instrumental in promoting exchanges between municipalities in Fukushima and the UK, said, "I want to continue conveying the charms of Fukushima". At the Netherlands event, President Ishikawa of the Netherland Fukushima-kai greeted him by saying, "I want to contribute to Fukushima's development from the Netherlands for the sake of our distant hometown." Ms. Ingrid Houtkooper, chairperson of the Netherlands-Japan Association, who has shared information on "the current state of Fukushima" there, expressed her desire to "continue supporting Fukushima".
• During his visit to the Director of the Kröller-Müller Museum, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to hold the  Van Gogh exhibition in Fukushima (scheduled for 2026 and 2027) and requested support and cooperation for the success of the exhibition. Director Benno Tempel gave us strong words of support, saying, "I want to help make the exhibition in Fukushima a success", and agreed to provide additional masterpieces, including works by Renoir. Furthermore, they agreed to cooperate with art therapy research conducted by Fukushima Medical University. As a result of this visit to the Netherlands and discussions with those involved, the name of the exhibition was officially decided as The Grand Van Gogh Exhibition.

Fukushima Reception	Presentation of Fukushima Sake Meister appointment letter

Fukushima Lunch at Hokkai Suisan	Visit to T.K. Trading President Kawamoto

Courtesy visit to Mr. Hager (EVP Dombrovskis’ Cabinet)	Exchange event with the Fukushima Prefectural Association in London

Exchange event with the Netherland Fukushima-kai	Discussion at Kröller-Müller Museum

Major efforts to date (FY 2023) 

Fukushima exhibited at a German energy trade fair! (20–22 February 2024)

• The Prefecture ran a booth at "E-world energy & water 2024", the largest energy trade fair in Europe, held in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany, where it signed a MOU in the renewable energy and hydrogen industries.
• Three local companies participated, showcasing their advanced technologies to the world and actively engaging in business discussions and information exchanges.
• The Prefecture hosted a joint seminar on Fukushima with NRW to introduce initiatives in the renewable energy and hydrogen industries in Fukushima. It was invited to a networking event hosted by NRW, where Fukushima representatives interacted with international businesses and promoted the prefecture by offering Fukushima sake.

4th Overseas Fukushima Kenjinkai Summit (15-17 November 2023) 

• The Overseas Fukushima Kenjinkai Summit was held from November 15 to 17, 2023. 
• At this summit, the first in six years, presidents of the Overseas Fukushima Kenjinkais witnessed recent progress in revitalization firsthand, deepening the ties between the prefecture and the kenjinkais as well as among Kenjinkai members.
• Participants: Presidents and members from 28 Kenjinkais representing 20 countries and regions out of total 36 Overseas Fukushima Kenjinkais across 24 countries and regions
• Sites visited: The Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field, ASANO NENSHI Co., LTD., Futaba Office, Futaba Super Zero Mill Air Kaol Futabamaru (a yarn company complex) , J-Village, Futaba Future School, Tsurugajo Castle, Sekibikodo Human Hub Tenneiji Soko (a local hub supporting young lacquerware artisans), Suehiro Sake Brewery

Fukushima exhibited at a medical device trade show in Germany! (13-16 November 2023) 

• The Prefecture ran a booth at "COMPAMED 2023", an international exhibition of medical device technology and components held in parallel with MEDICA, one of the world's largest medical device trade fairs. It was held in the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany which the Prefecture has ties under a MOU for closer cooperation.
• Five companies from Fukushima exhibited at the 13th installation of this exhibition, showcasing their outstanding technologies to both domestic and international audiences and actively engaging in business discussions and information exchange.

The Governor promoted rice from Fukushima in Hawaii! (28-30 October 2023)

• From 28 to 30 October 2023, the Governor visited Honolulu, Hawaii, to promote sales to expand the market for Fukushima food products and help dispel harmful rumours.At a Japanese supermarket in Honolulu, shoppers sampled rice cooked with Fukushima's original "Ten-no-tsubu" rice brand.
• Furthermore, discussions were held to promote Fukushima products with the representative of PPIH, who cooperates in handling and promoting Fukushima agricultural products at its American and Southeast Asian mass retailers. These discussions led to an agreement on arrangements toward a partnership focused on expanding exports and promoting sales of Fukushima products.
• At the 100th Anniversary Ceremony of the Honolulu Fukushima Kenjinkai, there was a presentation on the current state of revitalization in Fukushima, a booth showcasing Fukushima's sake and famous sweets, and display panels introducing crafts such as Akabeko, as well as the progress in revitalization. These elements communicated the current state of Fukushima.

In-store promotion of Fukushima rice at a Japanese supermarket	Direct sales promotion by the Governor to mass the retailer representative
Presentation on the current state of Fukushima's revitalization	Providing Fukushima sake at the 100th Anniversary Ceremony of the Kenjinkai

The Minister for Economic Development, Sustainability and the Environment of the Basque Country in Spain and a local business delegation visited Fukushima Prefecture! (12 October 2023)

• Arantxa Tapia, the Minister for Economic Development, Sustainability and the Environment of the Basque Country in Spain, with whom Fukushima Prefecture collaborates in the renewable energy and hydrogen industries, visited Fukushima with a local business delegation as part of the "Euskadi (Basque) Japan 2023" programme* and held discussions with Vice Governor Sato.
• Minister Tapia and her delegation also visited "The 12th Fukushima Renewable Energy Industrial Fair (REIF Fukushima 2023)" as well as local renewable energy and hydrogen facilities.

*In 2023, the Basque Country Government, in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Spain, carried out promotional activities in both regions in the fields of economy, sports, culture, tourism and gastronomy.

Fukushima exhibited at a German wind energy trade fair! (12–15 September 2023)

• Fukushima Prefecture and EnergyAgency.FUKUSHIMA participated in "HUSUM WIND 2023", an international wind power industry trade fair held in Germany, to support the expansion of international sales channels for advanced technologies and products from Fukushima companies.
• Two local companies participated, showcasing their advanced technologies to the world and actively engaging in business discussions and information exchanges.

PR for Fukushima Prefecture at a garden party hosted by the Mission of Japan to the European Union! (5 September 2023) 

• On 5 September 2023, during a garden party reception hosted by the Mission of Japan to the European Union, a video message from the Governor was aired. The message conveyed gratitude for the EU's lifting of import restrictions on 3 August 2023. It also showcased the charms of Fukushima, including agricultural, forestry, and fisheries products, while expressing a strong resolve to fully achieve revitalization and continue taking on challenges.
• Sparkling sake produced in Fukushima was also served as the toast and compote made with prefectural peaches for dessert, both of which proved very popular with many attendees.
• Furthermore, PR activities were conducted at the Fukushima Prefecture booth set up inside the party venue. At the booth, Japanese sweets made with semi-dried persimmons, processed products of bonito caught in Fukushima, and sake were served. Additionally, along with screening promotional videos on local agriculture, forestry, and fisheries products, Koboshi dolls, packaged rice produced in the prefecture, and pamphlets related to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and tourism were distributed.

Fukushima Revitalization Tour (2-3 August 2023) 

• On 2-3 August 2023, a Fukushima Revitalization Tour for the diplomats in Japan was hosted in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote understanding of the current situation in the prefecture.
• To convey the current state of Fukushima which is committed to striving toward revitalization, the tour focused on the Coastal Region, which suffered direct impacts from the disaster, introducing its state immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake and its current state of revitalization. Additionally, opportunities were provided for firsthand experiences of Fukushima's culinary appeal through activities such as peach picking, highlighting the safety and deliciousness of Fukushima's food.
• Participants: 15 members from 12 countries
• Sites visited: Fukushima Prefectural Centre for Environmental Creation Communication Building (Commutan Fukushima), Futaba Future School, Wonder Farm, Fukushima Prefectural Fisheries and Marine Science Research Centre, Asano Yarn, ASANO NENSHI Co., LTD., Futaba Office, Futaba Super Zero Mill Air Kaol Futabamaru (a yarn company complex), Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field, Marusei Orchard

The Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany and a local business delegation visited Fukushima Prefecture! (June 7, 2023)

• On June 7, 2023, Dr. Hendrik Wüst, Minister-President of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany, with whom Fukushima Prefecture is cooperating with in the fields of renewable energy and medical equipment, made his inaugural visit to Fukushima Prefecture and engaged in discussions with the Governor.
• As part of his European visit in April, the Governor conducted deliberations in NRW, Germany, aimed at renewing the existing Memorandum of Understanding for collaboration in the fields of renewable energy and medical devices. Furthermore, the scope of the MOU was expanded to incorporate hydrogen and ammonia-related technologies.
• On Minister-President Wüst's visit, the Governor commented, "There is great value in him visiting Fukushima, and seeing and experiencing the current state of things. I hope that he will share his experiences in Fukushima with the German public" and presented him with champagne glasses made of Aizu lacquerware.
• In order to learn about hydrogen-related projects in the prefecture, Minister-President Wüst visited the Soma IHI Green Energy Center in Soma City along with a local business delegation, where he was briefed on solar power generation and production processes of hydrogen.
• They also spent time in Soma City, where they enjoyed a lunch prepared with local ingredients, and deepened their understanding of the state of revitalization and culture of the region.

Minister-President Hendrik Wüst of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany	Group photo with the Minister-President and the business delegation
A scene from the site visit

The Governor visited Spain and Germany! (April 23-28, 2023)

• From April 23 to 28, 2023, for the first time in three and a half years, the Governor visited Spain and Germany to renew the Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the fields of renewable energy and medical-related industries, and to express his gratitude to the government officials for their support toward the revitalization of our prefecture to date and to inform them of the current situation of our prefecture, where revitalization is steadily progressing.
• In the Basque Country of Spain, an agreement was reached for further expansion of economic interaction along with renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation on renewable energy and hydrogen, adding not only new fields vital to Fukushima Prefecture's industrial development, such as clean tech, biotechnology with a focus on medical devices, and Industry 4.0 with a focus on digitalization, but also tourism and gastronomy.
• In Hamburg, Germany, new collaborative efforts aiming for social implementation of hydrogen were added to the renewed Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation, confirming the continued deepening of cooperation in the fields of renewable energy and hydrogen.
• In North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, the Memorandum of Understanding was renewed for cooperation in the fields of renewable energy and medical devices, and hydrogen- and ammonia-related technologies were newly added into the context of the MOU.
• The governor participated in a gathering in Düsseldorf organised by the NRW Fukushima Kenjinkai and Fukushima Prefectural Association in London, during which he received words of encouragement from attendees. Their sentiments affirmed their enduring commitment to providing ongoing support for their hometown of Fukushima.
• In Berlin, Germany, a reunion was held with Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke, who visited Fukushima on April 13.
• During the engagement at the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, expressions of gratitude were conveyed to Dr. Ophelia Nick, the Parliamentary State Secretary. The ongoing revitalization efforts in Fukushima Prefecture were also discussed to enhance her understanding of the situation.
• The reception at the Japanese Ambassador's residence was attended by around 70 individuals, including government officials and German-Japanese exchange groups.
  During the event, the Governor delivered a presentation and engaged in discussions during the exchange meeting, expressing appreciation for the support for the ongoing revitalization efforts. Furthermore, the occasion featured a showcasing of Japanese sake and processed peach products, underscoring the appeal of local products and offering insights into the current state of revitalization within the prefecture.

President Iñigo Urkullu of the Basque Country in Spain	Melanie Leonhard, Minister for Economy and Innovation, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg
Mona Neubaur, State Minister for Economics, Industry, Climate Action and Energy, The State of North Rhine-Westphalia	Steffi Lemke, Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, Federal Republic of Germany
Ophelia Nick, Parliamentary State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Federal Republic of Germany	A scene from the reception at the Japanese Ambassador's official residence in Germany (presentation by the Governor)
A scene from the reception at the Japanese Ambassador's official residence in Germany (exchange meeting)

Governor conducts top sales of food products from Fukushima Prefecture in the United States! (January 16 to 21, 2023)

• From January 16 to 21, the governor visited the United States on a trip aimed at promoting the expansion of sales channels for local produce and dispelling harmful rumours. In 2021, import restrictions on Fukushima produce were lifted by the United States.
• At a Japanese supermarket in Los Angeles, shoppers were invited to sample rice cooked with Fukushima's original brand "Ten-no-tsubu rice." Furthermore, an agreement was reached among three parties, including the heads of a company operating 65 supermarkets in the United States and JA ZEN-NOH, to export a target of 100 tons of locally produced rice annually.
• In a high-end wine shop in Los Angeles, an agreement was made to establish a dedicated section for locally produced sake.
• At the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C., a seminar targeting U.S. government officials and others was held to explain the recovery situation, followed by a reception where attendees enjoyed Fukushima-produced foods such as rice, beef, and Japanese sake.
• Additionally, Ken Eriksen, former coach of the U.S. national softball team, who gained attention for promoting "Fukushima's peaches were delicious" during the 2021 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, was invited for an exchange.

Promotion of Fukushima-produced rice at Japanese supermarkets	Top sales of Fukushima-produced sake at a high-end wine shop
Seminar for promoting Fukushima's future	Exchange with former coach Ken Eriksen

Diplomats’ Study Tour in Fukushima Prefecture (November 29 to 30, 2022)

• From November 29 to 30, a tour of Fukushima Prefecture was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote understanding of the current situation in the prefecture among ambassadors and diplomats stationed in Japan.
• With the theme of "Reconstruction," this tour aimed to express gratitude from Fukushima to the diplomatic corps for the heartwarming support and encouragement received over the past 11 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear accident. The tour allowed participants to directly experience the present state and attractions of Fukushima as it continues its recovery efforts, with a particular focus on the Hamadori and Aizu regions.
• Participants: 15 individuals from 10 countries
• Places visited: J-Village, The Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, Preserved Remains of the Earthquake Disaster at Namie Municipal Ukedo Elementary School, Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field, Smart City AiCT, Tsurugajo Castle, and more.

We set up a Fukushima Prefecture booth at a medical device exhibition in Germany! (November 14 to 17, 2022)

• The Prefecture ran a booth at "COMPAMED 2022", an international medical device technology and components exhibition held in parallel with MEDICA, one of the world's largest medical devices trade fair. It was held in the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany which the Prefecture has ties under a MOU for closer cooperation.
• It was the 12th time participating and six companies from the Prefecture exhibited at the booth. They were able to show their advanced technologies to Japan and to the world while having active business talks and exchange of opinions.

We conducted PR activities for Fukushima peaches in Southeast Asia! (August 8 to 21, 2022)

• During the peak shipping period of Fukushima peaches, from August 8 to 21 in 2022, we implemented "Fukushima Peach Week in ASEAN" in a total of 35 stores across five countries in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia), promoting and selling Fukushima peaches. On August 13, in Thailand, Fukushima representatives provided peach tasting and merchandise, encouraging purchases.
• Customers who tasted the peaches gave positive feedback, stating they were "sweet and delicious," and many made purchases on the spot.