"Kodanshi" storyteller Kaori Kanda, who has kept alive tales of survival, has set up a group to support victims of the March 11 earthquake and the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant accident.
"Kodanshi" storyteller Kaori Kanda, who has kept alive tales of survival, has set up a group to support victims of the March 11 earthquake and the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant accident.
She told a recent gathering in Tokyo that she will seek nonprofit organization status for the group, called the "people and culture network to support Fukushima Prefecure," by next spring.
"I believe many people want to support Fukushima," said Kanda, who was born in Iwaki in the prefecture. "At present, we have 180 supporting members, including those living in the Kyushu and Kansai regions."
One of Kanda's original stories is "Chernobyl's prayer," which tells of the fear and tragedy associated with nuclear power plants.
Another Kanda story, "Inamura no Hi" (Fire from rice sheaves), is about a man who noticed early warning signs of a large tsunami and burned harvested rice sheaves to warn villagers to evacuate to higher ground. It is based on a true story that occurred in the late Edo Period (1603-1867).
She says, however, "I was made to realize I was so powerless" following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
The network's activities will include Kanda's storytelling on social issues, followed by an appeal to resolve problems surrounding the nuclear accident and a plea for relief money.
The group will also work with existing NPOs to help farmers and hold exchanges with people who fled their homes after the nuclear plant accident started.
She is also considering ways to cheer up children from Fukushima Prefecture.