Can Fukushima develop international tourism appeal with HOPE TOURS?

"Finding Hope in Fukushima" is an article I wrote on MEDIUM - 2023 is the 12th anniversary of the 3.11.2011 earthquake-tsunami-nuclear power meltdown Tohoku disaster and the first time I had ever visited Fukushima.

This podcast is an overview of the big takeaways of my 3-day consulting trip along the HAMADORI coastline that was most effected by the radiation disaster after the earthquake and tsunami of 2011.

Key points of future tourism appeal:

1) great guides. On this monitor (trial) tour, we had Azby Brown- an expert from the SAFECAST org who has visited the area more than 40 times since 2011. Good guides are key to the success of this area as a destination as only knowledgeable and honest guides will be able to clearly communicate the complex issues and the past, present and future realities for the Fukushima area.

2) preservation of ruins and key sites as memorials

3) engagement with interesting locals who are actively developing new businesses, engaged in activism and who can give a clear and honest perspective of what it's like to stay in Fukushima

4) testing for knowledge, but also for safety and peace of mind of the visitors