A child's sadness about Fukushima Daichi nuclear disaster

こおりやまでは、げんぱつがあってかなしいです。
"It’s sad for me that there are nuclear plants near Koriyama."

Naoya is 8 and lives in Koriyama 34 miles (55km) west of the Fukushima accident site. He chose his materials very carefully and tested them to make sure the marks expressed his experience. He drew clouds, the sea, and Fukushima Daichi.

His situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people.

How are my family? Young Fukushima evacuee

Kasumi is 14. She drew the house where her great grandmother, father and brother are still living in Nishi Aizu, north west Fukushima. She is looking down on them and wondering how they are, as she misses them and the countryside. Kasumi evacuated to Hiroshima with her sister Narumi and mother. Kasumi is a good volleyball player.
Scroll down for writing by her mother

Her situation

Although levels in Nishi-Aizu were a little lower than areas very near the plant, long-term risk from radiation is a concern for parents. Nishi Aizu receives heavy snow each year. This is hard work to deal with, and there is an avalanche risk. There is occasionally extreme rain and flooding, for example in July 20ll. There is now extra worry because this heavy snow and rain washes down radiation from a large mountainous catchment area and can concentrate it in rivers, drains and rice fields as time go by. Irradiated tsunami debris and incinerated sewage ash from Nakadori were secretly dumped in an area that drains into the river that flows through Nishi-Aizu. It is hard to find food from safer areas, as shops stock local produce from Fukushima – and schools serve it. It is expensive to order food from less contaminated areas.

Her mother wrote:

昨年九月、私たち家族はバラバラ生活をスタートしました。
年をとった祖母、病気の夫、高校入学目前の息子は、自宅に残り、
私と、二人の娘は、広島へ引っ越して来ました。
お金が必要でした。先の見えない不安定な生活を続ける余裕もなく
生きて、家を回して行く責任が、私にはありました。

雪、雨、地震、次々襲う天災が、私たちには耐えれなかった、
もう、未来が見えませんでした。
頑張るから、離れても、家族だから・・・

月日は、どんどん過ぎていきますが
田舎でしか暮らしたことのない子どもたちは、なかなか慣れません。
いつも、福島に心を寄せています。
いつかきっと・・・

今、多くの人たち、暖かい広島の街に支えられて
夜勤の仕事をしています。
辛いこともたくさんありますが、前向き元気に頑張ります。
いつかまた、家族六人で暮らせる日が来ることを信じて。

　　　　　　　　　　にしあいづ町より　広島へ

"My family began living separately in September 2011.
My elderly grandmother, my husband who is ill, and my son who was just starting high school, stayed at home in Fukushima prefecture. My two daughters and I moved to Hiroshima.
We needed money. I had a responsibility to look after my family and to live. We could not afford to keep living such an anxious life.

Snow, rain and earthquakes; we could not keep on enduring the natural disasters which kept happening. I could not see our future.
Even though our family has separated, still we are family.
I will do my best.

Time is passing, but my children are still not accustomed to living in Hiroshima. They have only lived in the countryside before. They constantly miss Fukushima. I believe one day we will be……

We are now supported by warm-hearted people in Hiroshima and I work night-shifts. I have so many difficulties. However I am going to be positive.
I believe that we, all six of us, can live together again one day.

From Nishi-Aizu to Fukushima"

I can eat cake now! Young Fukushima evacuee

Narumi is 15. Her picture celebrates feeling safe to eat lots of cake - her favourite is Tiramisu.  She evacuated in 2011 to Hiroshima city from Nishi-Aizu in western Fukushima with her mother and sister

Her situation

Although levels in Nishi-Aizu were a little lower than areas very near the plant, long-term risk from radiation is a concern for parents. Nishi Aizu receives heavy snow each year. This is hard work to deal with, and there is an avalanche risk. There is occasionally extreme rain and flooding, for example in July 20ll. There is now extra worry because this heavy snow and rain washes down radiation from a large mountainous catchment area and can concentrate it in rivers, drains and rice fields as time go by. Irradiated tsunami debris and incinerated sewage ash from Nakadori were secretly dumped in an area that drains into the river that flows through Nishi-Aizu. It is hard to find food from safer areas, as shops stock local produce from Fukushima – and schools serve it. It is expensive to order food from less contaminated areas.

I am a Kite - Fukushima child and mother

Shusei is 4 and lives in Fukushima City, north west of Fukushima Daichi. He really liked a kite from Aomori, so I painted his face into the kite. Shusei painted the wind blowing the kite.See below for an image and words by his mother

His situation The levels of radiation are so high in Fukushima City that some parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all. They usually wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. 

 

Drawing solely by Shusei's mother

 

 

 

This picture is by Shusei's mother Kaori. It shows Fukushima Daichi, radiation and the tsunami at the top. She has drawn the whole family below. Scroll down for her words

 

 

 

By Kaori, Shusei's mother
3.11　福島市で被災
3.14　原発事故があった日、
私たちは放射線が舞っているとは知らずに、水をもらうための行列に並んだり、食料を買うために店に何時間も並んだり、自転車で出かけたりしていました。原発から1.5kmに自宅がある大熊町の友人は、一晩だけの避難と思って出て3.11に家を出て以来、戻れていません。

私たち親子は避難生活はしていませんが、休日の度に、身体を休めるよう環境放射能の低い地域に行っています。 福島のお母さんは、そのような方が多いと思います。

原発事故以来、家族が遠く離れ離れになり、子どもは外遊びを控え、土は汚く危険なものと教えざるを得なくなりました。祖母の育てた野菜を子どもが口にすることはできません。子どもを外で遊ばせることができる暮らし。畑で採れたものを食べられる暮らし。私がしたいのはふつうの暮らし。

でも運命に、屈してはならないと思います。立ち上がる希望が明日を切り開くのだと思います。 世界中のみなさん、福島を応援してください。 そして、原発なんかいらない世の中を作りましょう。

"3.11: We experienced the earthquake disaster in Fukushima-city.
3.14: The nuclear accident followed.

We did not know about the radioactive fallout. We were standing outside in queues to get water, queuing outside the shops for hours and going around by bicycle.

My friend from Okuma-machi (which is 1.5km away from the plant) left their home. At the time the friend thought it would be for one night, but they have been unable to return home since March 11th.

Since the nuclear accident, our family has become separated, with some going away to live. My child has to avoid playing outside, and I have to teach him that soils are dirty and dangerous. He cannot eat the vegetables that are grown by his grandma.

We have not evacuated, but we go to places where the radiation is low each holiday to rest. I think that many Fukushima mothers are doing the same thing as us.

I just want to live an ordinary life where he can play outside and where we can eat vegetables from the allotment.

However we should not give up. Standing up with hope will open up tomorrow.

Everybody in the world, please support Fukushima.
We will make a world without any nuclear power plants."

What work will I do? Fukushima child

Takahisa is 9 and lives in a small village in the countryside of Minamiaizu, western Fukushima prefecture. His image shows him thinking about what work he should do when he is older: should he be (right to left): a surgeon, a carpenter, or a sweet maker?

In the pool with my friends - Fukushima child

 

Fuyuka is 6 and lives in a small village in Minamiaizu, western Fukushima. She painted her friends in the pool with her, as it is what she likes do best. There are towels in the shape of hearts on the fence at the top.

Everybody has wings - Fukushima child evacuee

Ami is 10. She evacuated from Minamisoma on the coast of Fukushima, 25km (16m) north of Fukushima Daichi, with her sister and mother without waiting for official instructions. Most of Minamisoma was later declared an official evacuation zone. 1,500 people from there are dead or missing as a result of the tsunami and earthquake.

Her writing on the picture says:
Everybody has wings (on the splash of tea from the pink cup)
Everybody together (small splash top left)
Higher than that sun (bottom writing)


Scroll down for writing by Ami, hers sister Sato, and their mother Atsuko in English and Japanese

福島県で被災した親子

Dates
亜美、瑳都、敦子、

３．１１
福島県南相馬市にて被災。
知り合いが、福島第一原子力発電所の危険を知らせてくれる。

３．１２
川俣町で駐車泊。

３．１３
福島市飯坂に避難。
温泉につかりながら、日々模索。

４．２
友達に協力してもらい、京都に避難。

４．４
木津川市に引っ越す。

A poem

３．１１いこう

３．１１いこう、私たちは地震の怖さを知りました。
私たちは、津波の力を知りました。
私たちは、放射能汚染に対する無知さを知りました。
私たちは、普段の生活の大切さを知りました。
私たちは、人々の心の温かさを知りました。

自然に対する人間の無力さに打ちのめされながら、
自然に生かされている感謝の心を知りました。

私たちはこれからも、力強く生きていきます。
みなさんに支えられている、この命のある限り。

福島県で被災した親子

Dates
By Ami, Sato and their mother Atsuko

On the 11th of March 2011
We were hit by the disaster at Minamisoma City in Fukushima.
An acquaintance told us about the dangerous condition of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

On the 12th of March
We slept overnight in the car.

On the 13th of March
We evacuated to Fukushima-city’s Iizaka area.
We thought for days and days, while soaking in hot springs.

On the 2nd of April
We evacuated to Kyoto with a friend’s help.

On the 4th of April
We moved to Kizugawa-city in Kyoto.

A poem

Going to 3.11

Going to 3.11, we realized our fear of the earthquake
We realized the power of the Tsunami.
We realized our ignorance about radioactive contamination.
We realized the importance of our ordinary daily life.
We realized people’s warm heartedness and kindness.

We were suffering because of human powerlessness against nature. Nevertheless, we realized our appreciation that nature enables us to live.

We keep living strongly.
We are supported as long as we continue our lives.

        
       By a mother and children, victims of Fukushima.

Click to see Ami's sister Sato's picture

The road to my dream - Fukushima child evacuee

Sato is 9. She evacuated with her mother and sister from Minamisoma, 25km (16m) north of Fukushima Daichi, without waiting for official instructions. Most of Minamisoma was later declared an official evacuation zone. 1,500 people from there are dead or missing as a result of the tsunami and earthquake.

Her writing on the picture:
My Dream (top leftt),
The road to my dream (by pink bird)
Shall we go with confidence? (Sato on a sheep)
Courage (yellow writing under the heart)
Hope (the flower in the middle)
Smile (pink writing, bottom　right bottom)

Click for writing by Sato, her sister Ami, and their mother in English and Japanese.

The careful fold - Fukushima evacuee origami 丹念に折る‐福島避難者の折り紙

ワカちゃんは7歳。折り紙が大好きな彼女は、お気に入りの動物や木などの折り紙を絵にしてくれた。ワカちゃんの好きな娯楽は工芸品作りで、いろいろな手段や道具を使って作るのが特に好きだと、たやすいことのように言った。彼女はまだ小学校一年生だが、名字も名前も漢字で書ける。彼女の平仮名は流れるようで洗練されており、とても小さな子どもが書いたものとは思えない。

Waka is 7. She drew the origami animals, plants and objects she likes to make. Waka said that easily her favourite pastime is doing crafts, especially when it is “All mixed up,” (using several different mediums to make something). She is only in first grade, but she wrote both her first and last names in kanji. Her hiragana script is fluid and elegant--not at all like a young child’s.

彼女の置かれた状況：
彼女が住んでいたのは福島第一原発から33キロ離れたいわき市。2011年3月11日に地震、津波そして原発事故の被害を受けた場所である。彼女は家族と共に自主避難した。
ワカちゃんは現在、妹と母親の三人で東京のアパートで暮らしている。同じくいわき市から避難してきた近所の友達ができた。毎朝、二人で仲良く連れだって学校に通っている。
Her situation
She was living in Iwaki, 33km south of Fukushima Daichi at the time of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster of 11th March 2011. Her family self-evacuated. Waka-chan now lives with her little sister and her mother in an apartment in Tokyo. She has made friends with another family from Iwaki who live nearby. Every morning, she and her friends enjoy walking to school together.

母親の言葉：
ワカは素直で前向きな心を持った子。いつか子供時代の出来事が過去になる日が来る。そうすれば彼女は大丈夫。彼女には自信を持って歩いて欲しい。私達はいつだって応援しているからね。
Her mother's writing:
"Waka has an honest and positive spirit. The day will come when she’ll leave her childhood behind, and she’ll be just fine! We want her to have confidence! We’re always supportive of her." 

Hundreds of happinesses: Fukushima evacuee child たくさんの幸せ：福島から避難する子ども

 

 

モモちゃんは3歳。彼女は自分で色を選び、夢中で絵を描いた後で、私が描いた彼女の肖像画の横に字とおぼしきものをたくさん書き加えてくれた。その朝、モモちゃんの髪は母親の手によって美しく編み込まれていた。

Momo is 3. She chose the colours, drew her picture intently and did pretend writing on it afterwards. Her hair had been beautifully plaited by her mother that morning.

彼女の置かれた状況：
モモちゃんは福島第一原発から33キロ離れたいわき市に住んでいた。2011年3月11日に地震、津波そして原発事故の被害を受けた場所である。震災後、彼女は家族と共に自主避難した。彼女は現在、母親とお姉さんと3人で東京のアパートに住んでいる。モモちゃんとお姉さんは、同じアパートに住むいわき市からの家族らとすっかり仲良しになった。　
Her situation: 
Momo was living in Iwaki, 33km south of Fukushima Daichi at the time of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster. Her family self-evacuated to Tokyo. She now lives in an apartment in Tokyo with her big sister Waka and her mother. She and her sister are great friends with another family from Iwaki who live in the same apartment building.

母親からの言葉：
モモはいつも頼りになるお姉さんの影になってしまっているけど、おしゃまな頑張り屋さん。モモの名前の最初の文字は「百」。私達は百回どころか数えきれないほどの幸せを彼女からもらっている。私達のモモ、いつも応援しているからね。
Momo's mother wrote:
"Momo is in the shadow of her big sister, who often helps her out. She’s a bit precocious and very determined. Her first Kanji (Mo) means “one hundred”, and she brings us happiness not once, but hundreds of times. We’re always supportive of our Momo, too."

The giant runner: Fukushima evacuee child 天才ランナー：福島から避難した子ども

「私は走ることが好き。なわとびも好き。連続で100回以上跳べると思うよ。一輪車にも乗れる。学校では英語の授業が好き。超簡単だもん！」
9歳のコハルちゃんは2011年3月11日の災害が起きた当初、福島第一原発から33キロ離れたいわき市に住んでいた。震災後、彼女は家族と共に自主避難した。

"I love running! And I like jump-rope, too. I think I can jump over a hundred times without stopping. I can ride a unicycle, too.  In school, I like my English classes - they’re super-easy!"
Koharu is 9. She was living in Iwaki, 33km south of Fukushima Daichi at the time of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear diaster of 11th March 2011. Her family self-evacuated.
                                      
母親からの言葉：
「いわきに住んでいる頃、コハルは新体操をしていたんです。それでトレーニングの為にいつも走っていました。だから髪を後ろで一つにしばるのが好きなんです。新体操をするときの髪型でもあります。コハルは新体操の大会で、東北のトップ10選手にも選ばれたんですよ。彼女に新体操を教えていたコーチは私なんです。私自身、体育大学を卒業していて、彼女の厳しいコーチでもあります。東京に来てからはどこのチームに属していないけれど、コハルはすぐに教室を見つけ、また演技をしたいと願っています。コハルはスポーツでも勉強でも、とても負けず嫌いで、何をするにしても全力を尽くす子です。お父さんがいわきから東京に訪ねてくると、コハルは頑張っている姿を見せようとします。本当はとっても寂しがっているんですけど、そういうところは見せないんです」

Her mother's words:
"Koharu used to do “Shin Taisou” (Ribbon Gymnastics) when we lived in Iwaki--that’s why she was always running: for training.  And that’s why she likes her hair pulled back tight, too. That’s the style for gymnastics. Actually, she placed in the “Tohoku Best Ten” in her event in a competition!  And her coach was....me!  I’m a graduate of a Sports University myself and I was very strict as her coach. Here in Tokyo, Koharu is not on a Gymnastics team, but she hopes to find one soon and get back in the game. In any case, Koharu hates to be beaten at anything, whether it’s sports or school. She goes all-out in whatever she tries. Whenever her father comes to visit, she shows him her best side; in reality, she misses him very much, but she doesn’t show it."

彼女が置かれた状況：
コハルちゃんはお兄ちゃんと母親の三人で、お友達のモモちゃんやワカちゃんと一緒のアパートに住んでいる。いわき市にいた頃はお互いを知らなかった彼女たちだが、今ではすっかり仲良し。コハルの母親は大学時代を除けば、これまでいわき市以外の場所に住んだ事はなかった。しかし、震災後、彼女は二人の子供を連れ、金沢、小田原、横浜と転々とし、最終的に東京に落ち着いた。しばらくは東京に落ち着くことができればと願っている。別の地域に住むのは構わないが、どれも短期的なものでしかないのが辛い。毎回移動する際に、最低限の荷物しか持っていけないのも悩みの種である。子供達の父親は一人でいわき市の家に残って会社を設立し、家族のために安定した収入を得ようと頑張っている。父親は震災前までは漁業の仕事に携わっていたが、今は完全に辞めてしまった。彼が震災後に離ればなれに暮らす家族に会えたのは、これまでにたったの6回。子供達は父親に再会する時はいつも強がって元気に振る舞い、決して泣いたりしない。それでも、彼がいわきに戻っていくと、子供達も母親も寂しくて落ち込んでしまう。「三人でパパが使った枕を嗅いで、パパの匂いを思い出しているんです」子供達の母親はそう言った。

Her situation
Koharu lives with her mother and brother in the same apartment building as her friends, Momo and Waka. They didn’t know each other at all in Iwaki, but  are mutually happy to have found such a good friendship now. Until the quake, Koharu's mother had lived in Iwaki City all her life, apart from University in Tokyo. After the disaster, she and her two children moved from place to place: from Iwaki to Kanazawa, Odawara, Yokohama, and then finally to Tokyo, where she hopes they can settle for a while. The other cities were fine, but living arrangements were always temporary, so it was very hard. It was also hard that they could only take a small amount of luggage with them each time. The children’s father is staying alone in their old house in Iwaki, which stands on its own, trying to establish a business and keep their income steady. He was in the fishing industry before the disaster, but has left that profession for good now. He has only been able to visit his wife and children six times since the earthquake, and each time the kids acted tough and strong around him, refusing to let themselves cry. Every time he returned to Iwaki, though, Koharu's mother admits that she and the children felt depressed. “We smelled his pillow to remember papa’s smell,” she said.

Protecting his family: Fukushima evacuee child 家族を守って：福島から避難した子ども

「ボクはボールを投げるのが好き。少林寺もやってるけど、まだ上手じゃない。近くに遊べる公園があったらいいな」

"I like throwing balls. I’m doing “shourinji” (a form of karate) too, but I’m not very good at it yet. I wish there was a park nearby where I could play..."
Miroku, 8.

母親からの言葉：
「ミロクは女の子にとっても優しいんです。いつも妹のコハルやお隣の女の子達と仲良く遊んでいるから、たまに学校でからかわれるほど。お父さんが福島にいて不在にしているので、父親の代わりに家族を守ろうとしているんでしょうね。父親が訪ねてくると、いつも強がってみせるんですよ」                     　　　　　　
His mother wrote:
"Miroku is really gentle and nice with girls. He plays so well with his sister and the two girls next door. It’s to the point where he sometimes gets teased at school for being nice to girls!  His father is away in Fukushima now, so I think he’s trying to protect his family in his Dad’s place. When his father comes to visit, he always puts up a brave front."


彼の置かれた状況：
ミロクくんは2011年3月11日の災害が起きた当初、福島第一原発から33キロ離れたいわき市に住んでいた。震災後、彼女は家族と共に自主避難した。現在ミロクくんは、モモちゃんやワカちゃんが住んでいるアパートに住んでいる。いわき市にいた頃はお互いを知らなかったが、今ではすっかり仲良し。コハルの母親は大学時代を除けば、いわき市以外の場所に住んだ事はなかった。しかし、震災後、彼女は二人の子供を連れ、金沢、小田原、横浜と転々とし、最終的に東京に落ち着いた。しばらくは東京に落ち着くことができればと願っている。そのように別の地域に住むのは構わないが、どれも短期的なものでしかないのが辛い。毎回移動する際に、最低限の荷物しか持っていけないのも悩みの種である。子供達の父親は一人でいわき市の家に残って会社を設立し、家族のために安定した収入を得ようと頑張っている。父親は震災前までは漁業の仕事に携わっていたが、今は完全に辞めてしまった。彼が震災後に離ればなれに暮らす家族に会えたのは、これまでにたったの6回。子供達（特に長男であるミロクくん）は父親に再会する時はいつも強がって元気に振る舞い、決して泣いたりしない。それでも、彼がいわきに戻っていくと、子供達も母親も寂しくて落ち込んでしまう。「三人でお父さんが使った枕を嗅いで、お父さんの匂いを思い出しているんです」子供達の母親はそう言った。母親は、ミロクくんが父親に代わって妹やお友達を守っているのだと感じている。

His situation
He was living in Iwaki, 33km south of Fukushima Daichi at the time of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster.  His family have since self-evacuated to Tokyo. Miroku lives in the same apartment building as his friends, Momo and Waka. They didn’t know each other at all in Iwaki, but  are mutually happy to have found such a good friendship now. Until the quake, Miroku's mother had lived in Iwaki City all her life, apart from University in Tokyo. After the disaster, she and her two children moved from place to place: from Iwaki to Kanazawa, Odawara, Yokohama, and then finally to Tokyo, where she hopes they can settle for a while. The other cities were fine, but living arrangements were always temporary, so it was very hard. It was also hard that they could only take a small amount of luggage with them each time. The children’s father is staying alone in their old house in Iwaki, which stands on its own, trying to establish a business and keep their income steady. He was in the fishing industry before the disaster, but has left that profession for good now. He has only been able to visit his wife and children six times since the earthquake, and each time the kids acted tough and strong around him (especially Miroku, as the eldest son), refusing to let themselves cry. Every time he returned to Iwaki, though, Miroku's mother admits that she and the children felt depressed. “We smelled his pillow to remember papa’s smell,” she said.  She thinks that her son Miroku is taking on his father's role by protecting his sister and her friends.

Clever girl in mother's hands: Fukushima evacuee お母さんの腕に抱かれたお利口さん：福島から避難した子ども

サヤは一歳三か月の女の子。彼女の肖像画に母親が「世界中の子ども達が皆幸せでありますように…」と書き加えてくれた。
Saya is 15 months old. On the picture her mother wrote 'I wish for the happiness of all the world's children.'

彼女の置かれた状況：
地震、津波、原発事故の三次被害が起きた時、サヤちゃんは福島第一原発から33キロ離れたいわき市に住んでいた。震災後、家族はまず大阪、栃木へと自主避難し、そして東京に移ってきた。この日、サヤちゃんは母親に連れられて、東京で開催された福島避難者対象のチャリティイベントにやってきた。

Her situation
She was living in Iwaki, 33km south of Fukushima Daichi at the time of the triple disaster.  Her family self-evacuated, first to Osaka, then to Tochigi, before getting to Tokyo. Her mother brought her to a support event for Fukushima evacuees in Tokyo.

母親からの言葉：
「サヤはメロンが大好き。とても大人しくて優しい子です。彼女は家のお手伝いが好きで、鍵を持ってきてくれたり、丸めた紙屑をポイッと投げてごみ箱に捨ててくれたりする。その紙屑がゴミ箱から逸れても、それを丁寧に拾って捨ててくれるんです。サヤは一歳になる前には歩くようになって、今では走り回るのが大好き。今はスペースがあまりなくて、サヤを自由に走らせることができなくて残念です。」

Her mother's words
"Her favorite food is melon! She’s a calm and gentle baby. She loves to do “お手伝い”、or helping around the house. For instance, she can bring my keys to me or throw balled-up paper into the trash.  If she drops a bit of trash, she always picks it up neatly and puts it in the bin. She learned to walk before she was a year old, and now she loves to run. We are cramped for space right now, and Saya misses being able to run around freely."

Drink Pink: Fukushima evacuee child ピンクを飲み干す：福島から避難した子ども

ユアちゃんは三歳。福島から東京へ避難した方達を対象に開催されたチャリティイベントで、彼女は一人で椅子に腰かけご機嫌だった。彼女は、「こもれびコーヒー（ホームレス経験者が自家焙煎するコーヒー）」から提供されたオレンジジュースを飲みながら、買い物中の母親を待っていた。ユアちゃんは、私が描いた彼女の肖像の周辺を、ピンク色で飾った。

Yua-chan is 3. She was sitting cheerfully on her own at a support event in Tokyo for Fukushima evacuees. She was waiting for her mum, drinking orange juice provided by the Komorebi Coffee stall, which is run by people who have experienced homelessness. She chose pink and drew around her face.

Fukushima evacuee playing Nintendo 任天堂ＤＳで遊ぶ福島から避難した子ども

東京で開催された福島避難者を対象にしたチャリティイベント会場で、静かに任天堂ＤＳに熱中する小学生の女の子。この日は時間が足らず、彼女との共同制作には至らなかった。

This primary school aged girl was playing her DS quietly at a support event for Fukushima evacuees in Tokyo. This is a quick ordinary drawing - there was no time left to collaborate that day.

Live cheerfully, like sunflowers - Fukushima

ヒマワリの中心が自分の顔で、笑顔でいる。それを見て、みんなが笑顔になればいいと思う。　
"There is a smile in the middle of sunflowers. I think everyone smiles when they see them."

Yamato is 13 and lives in Fukushima

The writing on the picture is a haiku about the importance of living cheerfully, like sunflowers. Sunflowers have been planted in high radiation areas of Fukushima in an attempt to remove radiation from the soil, so they are becoming a symbol of regeneration.

Flying with dogs, Fukushima

空を飛んで雲に乗っている絵を描いた。犬も一緒に飛んでるよ。空を飛びたいなあ。　
"I painted a picture of flying on clouds. I am flying with dogs. I wish I could fly."

Kurumi is 7and lives in Koriyama, Fukushima, Japan.

Her situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi.

Kabutomushi and rhinocerous beetles, Fukushima

 カブトムシを捕まえたかったから絵で描いたよ。１匹はヘラクレスオオカブト、もう１匹はグラントオオカブトだよ。　　

Yu is aged 5 and lives in Koriyama, Fukushima, Japan

His situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi.

The island of honey, Fukushima

 ハチミツをいっぱい舐めたくて、ハチミツの島を描いた。前はクマさんにハチミツをとられっちゃったから、今回はいっぱいハチミツがとれたらいいなあと思った。

Mizuki is 7 and lives in Sukagawa-shi, Fukushima, about 60km west of the nuclear disaster site.

Her situation
The levels of radiation are so high that some parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all. They usually wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water.

Using the roped off swing, Fukushima

 

ブランコに乗って外で元気に遊びたいなあって思った。ブランコに乗るのは楽しいから好きだけど、今は外で遊べないから、ブランコの絵を描いた。ブランコに乗ると、風景がいつもと違ってキレイに見えるよ。

Hanako is 6 years old and lives in Fukushima City, Fukushima. She felt very intensely about her picture and was very upset when she thought she had run out of time to finish it. Her friend helped her to finish it later.

Hanako's mother wrote these words (Japanese below):

"I live in Fukushima with my husband, 6 year old daughter and 1 year old son. The earthquake on March 11 caused the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident and high levels of radiation have been leaking since then. We can still detect cesium in many areas around Fukushima.

Every morning, when my children leave home for school, I remind them to carry tissues, a handkerchief and a face mask. In the nursery school yard there are lots of sunflowers*. And there is a rope barrier around the climbing frames and slide to prevent the children playing with them.

Our family have decided to keep living in Fukushima even under these conditions. When people say "All mothers in Fukushima, be brave and evacuate from there!" I feel pain.  I just cannot make that decision because I read about Fukushima residents who evacuated to somewhere else and the children got bullied by local children. Also,
I can't help being concerned about work, money, and the stress that might be  caused by starting life in completely new place as a stranger.

However, there is a good side to remaining in Fukushima too.
I received 2 dozen bottles of water with the message "Please use it to make milk for your baby."  I also had a chance to meet people who really care about children in Fukushima. I am touched by the warm-heartedness of many people.

We all have no idea how Fukushima children’s health will be in the future. However, Fukushima children have infinite possibilities. We all believe that. My wish is that we adults lead children towards a great future shining with hope.

*grown to try and remove radiation from soil

今、私は福島市に住んでいます。
主人と６歳の女の子、１歳の男の子と住んでいます。
３月１１日の地震で、福島原発から高い放射能が漏れ、
いまだに福島市の多くの土地からセシュウムが検出されています。

朝、子どもが小学校に出かける時、
「ハンカチ、ティッシュ、マスク、持った〜」と言って送り出します。
保育所の庭では、ジャングルジム、滑り台にロープが張ってあり、
たくさんのヒマワリが咲いています。

我が家は、避難する事なく福島市に住み続ける事に決めました。
「福島のお母さん、勇気をだして避難して」と言われると
苦しくなります。
転校をした学校でいじめにあった記事を読んだり、
仕事の事、お金の事、新しい土地でのストレスを考えると、
どうしても．．．

でも、悪い事ばかりではありません。
「赤ちゃんのミルクに使ってね。」と２ダースの水が届いたり、
福島の子どもたちの事を真剣に考えてくれる人たちと出会えたり、
人の温かさに触れる事ができました。

これから、福島の子どもたちの健康がどうなるかは誰もわかりません。
けれども、福島の子どもたちの可能性は無限です。
それはみんな、わかっています。
子どもたちの未来がキラキラと輝けるものとなるように
私たち大人が導いていけたらと思っています。

The blue pool, Fukushima

もっと遊びたい。
"I want to play more."

Hiyato is 8 and lives in Fukushima City, Fukushima

His situation
The levels of radiation are so high that some parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all. They usually wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water.

Dark clouds of worry above the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactors

こおりやまでは、げんぱつがあってかなしいです。
"It’s sad for me that there are nuclear plants near Koriyama."

Naoya is 8 and lives in Koriyama, Fukushima. 

His situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi.

Waterfall discipline, Fukushima

 

たきにうたれて目をつぶって水をあびている所を書きました。きのう、川で低いたきでうたれていたから。ちょっといたかったけど気もちよかったです。
"I have drawn being hit by a water fall with my eyes closed. Yesterday I was hit by a small water fall in a river. I felt a little pain, but it was very refreshing for me."

Nouchi is 9 and lives in Motomiya, Fukushima. He experienced being under the waterfall in a summer respite camp.

His situation
The levels of radiation in his home area are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Moriyama is 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi.

The moment of splitting

わたしは、まきわりがたのしかったからこのえをかきました。とくに空とふうけいをたいせつにしようと思いました。
"It was fun for me to cut wood, that’s why I draw this picture. Seeing the sky and the view are important in this picture."
Otoha is 8 and lives in Koriyama, Fukushima

Her situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi.

Fukushima child's flower shop dream

しょう来、お花屋さんになりたいから。ねがいたいゆめだから、えをかいた。こめらの森の近くのお花と、ルパンの家のまわりのさいているお花。
"I want to have my own flower shop in the future. This picture shows my dream. These flowers are growing near the children’s forest and Lupan’s house."
Hino, 8, Koriyama, Fukushima

Her situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi.

In the river, Fukushima

川は、たのしかったです。るぱんの川であそんだ、またいきたい　たのしかった。
"Yesterday we played in the river near Lupan’s house and had a good time. I want to go there again."
Mashiko, 7, Fukushima

Cutting the air: sword children

チャンバラで１かいあそんで見たら楽しかったから
"It was great fun for me to play with a wooden sword."
Itsuki, 7, Koriyama, Fukushima

Itsuki has drawn his friend playing at sword fighting with him during a summer camp designed to give children respite from high radiation areas

His situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi.

Escaping Fukushima on a white rabbit

"I want to be smaller, and fly and ride a rabbit, because everyday I can’t go out much, and I don’t have the chance to touch a rabbit."

ちいさくなってうさぎといっしょにとんでおさんぽへいきたい。いつもさんぽへあまりいかないから、そしてうさぎをあんまりさわったときがないから。

Mitsuki, 8, Koriyama, Fukushima.

Another picture with Mitsuki

Her situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi.

Fukushima Daichi monsters

 福島第一モンスター
ハルカは福島県郡山市在住の12歳の女の子。　彼女の絵からは、彼女がただ外で遊びたいことが見て取れる。　しかし福島第一原子力発電所のモンスターが彼女の思いを脅かしている。

彼女の置かれた状況
郡山市で検出された放射線レベルは非常に高く、学校のグラウンドの土を除去したとはいえ、ほとんどの親や学校は子供を外で遊ばせていない。子供達は外出時に長袖にマスク着用し、雨を避けている。そして食べ物や飲料水にも注意を払っている。郡山市は人口34万人、福島第一原発から60km西に位置している。

Haruka is 12 and lives in Koriyama, Fukushima. Her drawing shows her wishing she could just play, but she is menaced by monsters in the shape of the Fukushima Daichi nuclear plant.

Her situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi.

Bathing in the moonlight

月明かりの下で入浴
ヤマトは福島県郡山市に住む13歳。　彼の描いた絵は、焚き木で沸かすドラム缶のお風呂。　月明かりの下で原始的なお風呂を楽しんでいる。被災地の子供達が外で自由に遊べるよう企画されたサマーキャンプで体験した一コマを描いてくれた。

彼の置かれた状況
郡山市で検出された放射線レベルは非常に高く、学校のグラウンドの土を除去したとはいえ、ほとんどの親や学校は子供を外で遊ばせていない。子供達は外出時に長袖にマスク着用し、雨を避けている。そして食べ物や飲料水にも注意を払っている。郡山市は人口34万人、福島第一原発から60km西に位置している。

Yamato is 13 and lives in Koriyama, Fukushima. His drawing shows him enjoying a moonlit bath outside in a tin drum heated the old fashioned way by a wood fire. He experienced this at a summer camp organised to give children a break from the high radiation areas and to enable them to play freely.

His situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi.

Fukushima Daiichi sadness

福島第一の悲しみ

エリカは郡山に住む17歳。　海岸に未使用の浮き輪が浮かんでいる。下部に描かれた四棟の建物は最も損傷の激しかった福島第一原発の1号機から4号機である。

彼女の置かれた状況
郡山市で検出された放射線レベルは非常に高く、学校のグラウンドの土を除去したとはいえ、ほとんどの親や学校は子供を外で遊ばせていない。子供達は外出時に長袖にマスク着用し、雨を避けている。そして食べ物や飲料水にも注意を払っている。郡山市は人口34万人、福島第一原発から60km西に位置している。

Erika is 17 and lives in Koriyama. In her picture a rubber ring floats unused at the seaside. The four buildings at the bottom are Fukushima reactors 1-4, which are the most damaged.

Her situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi.

Summer ghosts, Fukushima

福島、夏の幽霊達

サキは福島県郡山市に住む10歳の女の子。

彼女の置かれた状況
郡山市で検出された放射線レベルは非常に高く、学校のグラウンドの土を除去したとはいえ、ほとんどの親や学校は子供を外で遊ばせていない。子供達は外出時に長袖にマスク着用し、雨を避けている。そして食べ物や飲料水にも注意を払っている。郡山市は人口34万人、福島第一原発から60km西に位置している。

Saki is 10 and lives in Koriyama, Fukushima.

Her situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi.

The broken tree can grow again

倒れても再生する

この少年は、原子力発電所に近い福島県東部地域に暮らしている。

Taishi is 12 and lives in Koriyama, Fukushima

His situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi.

Floating down the river 川下り

アコは福島県郡山市在住の9歳。

彼女の置かれた状況
郡山市で検出された放射線レベルは非常に高く、学校のグラウンドの土を除去したとはいえ、ほとんどの親や学校は子供を外で遊ばせていない。子供達は外出時に長袖にマスク着用し、雨を避けている。そして食べ物や飲料水にも注意を払っている。郡山市は人口34万人、福島第一原発から60km西に位置している。

Ako is 9 and lives in Koriyama, Fukushima

Her situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi. 

A prayer for my children 我が子らの為の祈り

3歳のハルトは三人兄弟の末っ子。家は福島第一原発から33km南の福島県いわき市にある。彼はお気に入りの色でオレンジと線を描いた（絵右側）。ハルトくんの母親は祈りを込めて自身の両手と、息子を包むように広がる宇宙を描いてくれた。
ハルトの母親は、3月11日の地震と原発事故の体験を以下のように綴ってくれた。

私は、福島県のいわき市に住んでいます。
３月１１日のあの日から生活は一変しました。
あの日、私は家にいました。とても大きな揺れを感じ
３歳の息子を抱え、急いで下校途中の娘のところへ走りました。
家を出てからも揺れはおさまるばかりか激しく揺れ続けました。
それは、歩けないほどでした。
５歳の息子を幼稚園に迎えにいき、家に戻ると雪が激しく降って
きました。不気味な天気でした。
いつでも逃げられるよう、荷造りをして家族みんなで同じ部屋で
余震におびえながら数日をすごしました。
ラジオやテレビからは、震災の被害が次々と映し出され、原発からは
信じられない状況が目に飛び込んできました。
私たちは混乱しました。ガソリンスタンドは長蛇の列。お店はどこも
開いていない。まちの広報車は、窓はもちろん換気扇、エアコンも
つけないよう、極力外に出ないように、路地野菜は食べないようにと
広報して走っています。水もでないのに、外にも出れない。ありえな
い状況でした。
放射能の事は全く知識がありませんでしたので、何が正しいのかも
判断できませんでした。
それから私は、いろいろな講演会に行ったり、インターネットで調べ
たりしましたが、どれがベストなのか、いまだにわかりません。
でもわかったこともあります。それは、原発はもういらないという
こと。原発の問題だけではなく、農薬、大気汚染などの問題。　　
私たちは生活を見直さなければならないということ。
いろいろな人に支えられて生きているということ。
私たちに、日本中、世界中のかたが温かい手を差し伸べてくれていま
す。本当に感謝でいっぱいです。
こどもの未来を思うとどれが正しいのかわかりませんが、私にでき
ることは地球がかがやきを失わないよう、祈り、自分に出来ることを
続けて行きたいと思います。

Haruto is 3 and lives in Iwaki, Fukushima, 33km south of Fukushima Daichi with his brother  and sister. He chose his colour and drew the orange and the lines on the right. His mother drew her hands in prayer and the universe around them.


His mother wrote the following about the family's experiences of March 11ths earthquake and nuclear disaster:

"I live in Iwaki, Fukushima. Our life has completely changed since March 11th.  I was at home that day. When I felt the massive tremour, I hurriedly took my 3 years old son in my arms and dashed to meet my daughter who was on her way back home from her school. The shaking became even bigger after I left home, so that I could hardly walk properly. Then I went to fetch my 5 year old son from kindergarten. When I returned home, snow started to fall heavily. It was disquieting weather. I packed essential things so that we could run if something happened. We gathered together as a family in one room and slept together for several days, scared by the continuous after shocks.

Dreadful scenes kept being reported by the media every day and the nuclear power plant was in an unbelievable state. We were panicked. People made long lines for petrol and no stores were working. A car with a loudspeaker was going around telling residents not to open windows, not to use ventilation fans or air-conditioners, and also not to go out or eat garden-grown vegetables. We were not able to go out, even though the water supply had stopped. It was an impossible situation. Since we didn’t have accurate information about radiation, we had no idea how to make the right decision about what to do.

Since the 3.11 disasters, I have been attending many different lectures to try to learn about the nuclear issue and radiation, and also through the internet, but I still don’t know what is correct. What I learned from the disaster is that we do not want nuclear power plants any more. We do not want pesticides or air pollution too. I learned that we all have to reconsider our life style. I learned that we are supported by many others. Many people in Japan and people from all over the world have given us help and warmth. I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

I still don’t know what the best decision is when I consider my children’s future. However, I would like to keep praying for the earth to stay clean and do what I can towards that."

Leaping with a dolphin under a red cloud いるかに乗って赤い雲の下を跳ねる

 

タイキくんは福島県いわき市に住む5歳。彼はこの絵を描く際、長い間じっと集中してデザインを練っていた。

彼の置かれた状況
タイキくんのご両親は、すぐにでもどこか放射能の危険が少ない場所へ引っ越したいと考えている。彼らの居住地域で検出された放射線レベルは非常に高く、多くの親や学校は子供を外で遊ばせていない。外出時には長袖とマスクを着用し、雨を避けている。そして食べ物や飲料水にも注意を払っている。

Taiki is 5 and lives in Iwaki, Fukushima. He concentrated for a long time to design and paint his picture.

His situation
His parents hope they can leave for somewhere with low radiation soon. The levels of radiation are so high that some parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all. They usually wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water.

Picking wild mushrooms キノコ狩り

アイちゃんは7歳。福島第一原発から33キロ南のいわき市に住んでいる。
カゴを片手にキノコ狩りをしている様子を想像し、自画像の背景を飾ってくれた。

彼女の置かれた状況
アイちゃんのご両親は、すぐにでもどこか放射能の危険が少ない場所へ引っ越したいと考えている。彼らの居住地域で検出された放射線レベルは非常に高く、多くの親や学校は子供を外で遊ばせていない。外出時には長袖とマスクを着用し、雨を避けている。そして食べ物や飲料水にも注意を払っている。

Ai is 7 and lives in Iwaki, Fukushima, 33km south of Fukushima Daiichi

In her picture she is holding a basket of wild mushrooms that she has imagined picking.

Her situation
Her parents hope they can leave for somewhere with low radiation soon. The levels of radiation are so high that some parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all. They usually wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water.

Me and the birds

リサちゃんは5歳、福島県郡山市に住んでいる。

彼女の置かれた状況
アイちゃんのご両親は、すぐにでもどこか放射能の危険が少ない場所へ引っ越したいと考えている。彼らの居住地域で検出された放射線レベルは非常に高く、多くの親や学校は子供を外で遊ばせていない。外出時には長袖とマスクを着用し、雨を避けている。そして食べ物や飲料水にも注意を払っている。

Risa is 5 and lives in Koriyama, Fukushima

Her situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi. 

I want to play football in space as their is radioactivity at school

いま学校では放射能があるからサッカーが出来ないから宇宙でサッカーをしたい。やった事がないから楽しそう。宇宙でサッカーが出来たら面白そう。

アキヒロくんは8歳。福島第一原発から60キロ離れた郡山市に住んでいる。

彼の置かれた状況
郡山市で検出された放射線レベルは非常に高く、学校のグラウンドの土を除去したとはいえ、ほとんどの親や学校は子供を外で遊ばせていない。子供達は外出時に長袖にマスク着用し、雨を避けている。そして食べ物や飲料水にも注意を払っている。郡山市は人口34万人、福島第一原発から60km西に位置している

Akihiro is 8 and lives in Koriyama, 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi

His situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi.

I hope I can play football outside soon - Fukushima child

サッカーボールを取っている絵を書いた。いまはお外で大好きなサッカーが出来ないからこの絵を書いた。早くお外でサッカーが出来るようになればいいな。

タカトくんは6歳。福島第一原発から33㌔南のいわき市に住んでいる。

彼のおかれた状況
タカトくんの居住地域で検出された放射線レベルは非常に高く、多くの親や学校は子供を外で遊ばせていない。外出時には長袖とマスクを着用し、雨を避けている。そして食べ物や飲料水にも注意を払っている。

Takato is 6 and lives in Iwaki, Fukushima, 33km south of Fukushima Daiichi

His situation
The levels of radiation are so high that some parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all. They usually wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water.

I have been told not to play outside because there is radioactivity

 

いまは放射能があるから外で遊んじゃダメだと言われている。だから、早く大きな空と山の下で思いっきりサッカーをしたいな。

ショウタくんは6歳。福島第一原発から33㌔南のいわき市に住んでいる。

彼のおかれた状況
タカトくんの居住地域で検出された放射線レベルは非常に高く、多くの親や学校は子供を外で遊ばせていない。外出時には長袖とマスクを着用し、雨を避けている。そして食べ物や飲料水にも注意を払っている。

Shota is 6 and lives in Iwaki, 33km south of Fukushima Daichi

His situation
The levels of radiation are so high that some parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all. They usually wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water.

By the river 川のほとりで

 

マナカちゃん7歳。福島第一原発から60キロ西の須賀川市中通りに住んでいる。

Manaka is 7 and lives in Sukagawa-shi, Nakadori, Fukushima, 60km west of Fkushima Daiichi.

The ball can reach the sky 空に届くようなボールを蹴りたい

お兄ちゃんがサッカーをやっているから僕もサッカーがしたいと思う。本格的な試合で活躍してパパみたいに空に届くようなボールを蹴りたい。いまはなかなか外で遊べないから早く外でサッカーをしたい。

ルイは7歳。福島第一原発から60キロ西の郡山市に住んでいる。

彼のおかれた状況
郡山市で検出された放射線レベルは非常に高く、学校のグラウンドの土を除去したとはいえ、ほとんどの親や学校は子供を外で遊ばせていない。子供達は外出時に長袖にマスク着用し、雨を避けている。そして食べ物や飲料水にも注意を払っている。郡山市は人口34万人、福島第一原発から60km西に位置している。

Rui is 7 and lives in Koriyama, Fukushima, 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi

His situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi. 

I want win at football, not worry about time or radiation

時間も放射能も気にせずにサッカーをして試合に勝ちたい。

His words
大きなグラウンドでサッカーをして勝ちたい。狭いところだとつまらないから広いところでやりたい。遠くの広いところに行けば、放射能を気にしなくていいから時間を気にせずにサッカーが出来るから広いところに行きたい。

彼のおかれた状況
郡山市で検出された放射線レベルは非常に高く、学校のグラウンドの土を除去したとはいえ、ほとんどの親や学校は子供を外で遊ばせていない。子供達は外出時に長袖にマスク着用し、雨を避けている。そして食べ物や飲料水にも注意を払っている。郡山市は人口34万人、福島第一原発から60km西に位置している。

Ren is 9 and lives in Koriyama, 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi

His situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. They try to be careful about food and water. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi.

Ice cream, donuts, apples and cookies in the sky - Fukushima child

ヒロトくんは9歳。福島県郡山市在住。

His words
空からアイス、ドーナツ、リンゴ、クッキーがたくさん降ってきたらいいな。
もっと色んな物を食べておなかいっぱいになりたい。

彼のおかれた状況
郡山市で検出された放射線レベルは非常に高く、学校のグラウンドの土を除去したとはいえ、ほとんどの親や学校は子供を外で遊ばせていない。子供達は外出時に長袖にマスク着用し、雨を避けている。そして食べ物や飲料水にも注意を払っている。郡山市は人口34万人、福島第一原発から60km西に位置している。

Hiroto is 9 and lives in Koriyama, Fukushima

"I wish that ice cream, doughnuts, apples and cookies would fall from the sky like rain. I want to eat so many things untill I am stuffed"

His situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi.

Flying with dragonflies - Fukushima child トンボと一緒に飛ぶ

ミツキは8歳。福島県郡山に住んでいる。

Her words:
 空を飛んでいる絵を書いた。空から下を見ると綺麗だと思うから、空飛ぶ生き物と一緒に空を飛びたい。雲が不思議だなと思うから、いつか調べてみたいなと思う。

彼女のおかれた状況
郡山市で検出された放射線レベルは非常に高く、学校のグラウンドの土を除去したとはいえ、ほとんどの親や学校は子供を外で遊ばせていない。子供達は外出時に長袖にマスク着用し、雨を避けている。そして食べ物や飲料水にも注意を払っている。郡山市は人口34万人、福島第一原発から60km西に位置している。

Mitsuki is 8 and lives in Koriyama, Fukushima

Her words:
I have drawn like I am flying the air. I thought the sight would be so pretty if I could look down from the sky. I would like to fly together with flying beings such us dragonflies, bees or birds. Clouds are wonderful. I want to study them one day.
 
Her situation
The levels of radiation in Koriyama are so high that most parents and schools are not allowing children to play outside at all, even though soil has been removed from many school grounds. They wear long sleeves and face masks when outside, and avoid the rain. Koriyama is a city of 340,000 people 60km west of Fukushima Daiichi.

I think our future is not nuclear generation - it is wind power

シゲノリは11歳。福島県の柳津町に住んでいる。

彼の置かれた状況
2011年3月11日に起こった原発事故に加え、この絵が描かれた数週間後には、郡山市から排出された640トンもの高濃度汚染水が、自治体の希望に反してシゲノリくんの住む村にこっそり遺棄されたとテレビが報じた。そして7月29日、豪雨により村は洪水に襲われた。

Shigenori is 11 and lives in Yanaizu, Fukushima prefecture.

Her writing on the picture says "Everybody's future.
In the future everyone can get on well. I think our future is not nuclear generation - it is wind power

Her situation
As well as living with the nuclear accident of 11th March 2011, a few weeks after this drawing was made it was reported on TV that 640 tons of highly radioactive sewage waste from Koriyama had been secretly dumped near her village against the wishes of the council.Then on 29th July, a major flood  hit the valley.  

I hope the future will be like this 未来がこんなだったらな

リョウマくんは10歳。福島県の柳津町に住んでいる。
Ryouma is 10 and lives in Yanaizu, Fukushima prefecture

リョウマくんは肖像画に「未来がこんなだったらな」と書いてくれた。
His writing on the picture says "I hope the future will be like this."

彼の置かれた状況
2011年3月11日に起こった原発事故に加え、この絵が描かれた数週間後には、郡山市から出た640トンもの高濃度汚染水が、自治体の希望に反して彼の住む村にこっそり遺棄されたとテレビが報じた。そして7月29日、豪雨により村は洪水に襲われた。
His situation
As well as living with the nuclear accident of 11th March 2011, a few weeks after this drawing was made it was reported on TV that 640 tons of highly radioactive sewage waste from Koriyama had been secretly dumped near his village against the wishes of the council.Then on 29th July, a major flood  hit the valley.

Is there radiation in the food? 食べ物は放射性物質に汚染されているの？

アミは10歳の女の子。福島県の柳津町に住んでいる。
Ami is 10 and lives in Yanaizu, Fukushima prefecture.

彼の置かれた状況
2011年3月11日に起こった原発事故に加え、この絵が描かれた数週間後には、郡山市から出た640トンもの高濃度汚染水が、自治体の希望に反して彼女の住む村にこっそり遺棄されたとテレビが報じた。そして7月29日、豪雨により村は洪水に襲われた。

Her situation
As well as living with the nuclear accident of 11th March 2011, which is still ongoing, a few weeks after this drawing was made it was reported on TV that 640 tons of highly radioactive sewage waste from Koriyama had been secretly dumped near her village against the wishes of the council.Then on 29th July, a major flood  hit the valley.