Mareike Zoe
Hümmerich

I spent my year abroad in Fukushima, Japan, as a way to bring together my two fields of study. My time there turned out to be very different from what most people might expect when they think of Fukushima, often associating it mainly with the nuclear disaster. What I found instead was a place full of warmth and resilience, qualities that left a lasting impression on me. In this book, I share my experiences alongside the voices of people from Fukushima: from memories of the disaster and the process of rebuilding to stories about daily life, snow-covered mountains, cherry blossom-lined streets, and beautiful beaches. What’s important to the people who live there today? What does life look like 14 years on, and what makes Fukushima feel like home to them? I hope this book offers a fresh perspective and perhaps even inspires a visit to this unique region with its welcoming people and rich natural beauty.