13 years have passed since the catastrophic events of March 11th's Great East Japan earthquake & tsunami, along with the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Plant. Fukushima, as a prefectural community, has demonstrated incredible resiliency in its recovery efforts, but unfortunately there still is a residual stigma attached to the prefecture.  One way that Fukushima has been combating that reputation is through some creative initiatives involving education through first-hand experiences. Today, the Krewe sits down with William McMichael, an integral figure in these projects, to discuss how Fukushima University's Fukushima Ambassadors Program & Hope Tourism have helped introduce the world to Fukushima in a different way. 

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at [email protected] or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

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------ Fukushima-Related Links ------

Hope Tourism Homepage

Fukushima Ambassadors Program

Our Fukushima (Student-run Facebook Page)

Our Fukushima (Instagram)

Fukushima Hamadori (VR Experience)

Krewe of Japan S1E6 "3/11: A Tribute to Tohoku's Recovery & Resilience"

Article - Leveraging Fukushima's "Hope Tourism" for a Disaster-Resilient Future (Japan Gov't Website)

Article - Changing Hearts & Minds on Reality of Fukushima's Recovery (The Japan Times)

Article - Canadian Leads Program on Fukushima for Overseas Students (Kyodo News)

William McMichael on LinkedIn

Contribute Today - Japan Disaster: Relief & Recovery via Peace Winds America

Contribute Today - Emergency Response to Noto Peninsula Earthquake via AAR Japan

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JSNO Event Calendar

2024 Matsue-New Orleans Sister City Exchange Program Application