News Navigator: What is the new ‘returning zone’ to be created in disaster-hit Fukushima?

The Mainichi Shimbun answers some common questions readers may have about the new residence zones that will be created in parts of Fukushima Prefecture that have become uninhabitable as a result of the 2011 nuclear power plant accident.

Question: I heard that people who were unable to return to their hometowns due to the March 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster will be able to do so. Is it true?

Answer: Due to the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, parts of seven municipalities in Fukushima Prefecture have been designated as so-called “difficult-to-return zones” where residence is restricted due to high radiation levels. Within these zones, new “specified returning residence zones” will be established to allow those who wish to return to do so.

Q: How will this work?

A: This system is based on the revised Act on Special Measures for the Reconstruction and Revitalization of Fukushima enacted by the Diet on June 2. The new returning residence zones are set to includes homes, roads and meeting places deemed necessary for the daily lives of those who wish to return to the “difficult-to-return” zones. Decontamination will be carried out to reduce radiation levels in these areas, and then the evacuation order over the areas will be lifted.

Q: Is this the first time this kind of initiative has been undertaken?

A: Some people have already returned to the “specified reconstruction and revitalization base” areas which used to lie within the difficult-to-return zones. The Japanese government invested approximately 330 billion yen (about $2.3 billion) to decontaminate such specified reconstruction areas and restore infrastructure there, based on the wishes of local governments. Such areas were established in parts of six towns and villages in the prefecture, and between June last year and May this year, evacuation orders there were lifted one after another.

Q: How many people have returned to those specified reconstruction areas?

A: When the Great East Japan Earthquake hit, there were about 16,000 people living in the areas. However, only about 200 people reside there now — an apparent result of many past residents already having shifted their base of livelihood to other locations due to their prolonged displacement.

Q: How far will the scope of the new returning residence zones extend?

A: Reconstruction bases were set up in clusters of private homes and around train stations, but in the case of the new returning residence zones, the setting is likely to be limited to areas around the homes of those who wish to return. Since it remains difficult to live in an area when an evacuation order has only partially been lifted, there is strong demand for unconditional decontamination throughout the entire area.

(Japanese original by Shuji Ozaki, Minamisoma Local Bureau)