how has the character of a place at a local scale been affected? (Tomioka)

information about area

-area of Tomioka - 70km3

-population in 2010- 15,996

-population in 2023- 1326

-severely affected by the Fukushima nuclear disaster- 12km from site

-officially reopened in 2023, but return rate is only 9.6%

changes to social character

\-people not allowed to re-enter area for five years

\-only one man refused to evacuate

return to the area

\-in 2016, people could return in daylight but had to leave at night

\-April 1- evacuation order lifted but only 10% of residents permanently returned due to concern over radiation

\-many people do not want to return due to trauma faced

changes to economic character

\-very few young people decided to return which is detrimental to the economy as there are now less economically active people there

\-many shops and restaurants have not been re-opened

\-there is no employment available in farming due to fear of contaminated land and lakes

changes to political character

\-many locals believe nuclear fallout could have been prevented by authorities

\-the public accused the government for lack of clear information about exact radiation levels and danger

\-there is conflict over where nuclear waste should be disposed