Khaldon Azhari

FUKUSHIMA: Fukushima Prefecture, which was hit by the triple blow of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown 11 years ago, has created the Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework to accelerate the recovery in the eastern part of the prefecture, which was the hardest hit in 2011.

The Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework is a national project to build a new foundation for industry in the eastern part of the prefecture, known as the Hamadori area. 

It is aiming to promote activity in six key fields, including decommissioning; robotics and drones; and energy, environment, and recycling. As a result of the disaster, population has decreased significantly, and the promotion initiative also plans to bring and support returning farmers and relocation of business.

The framework is working to attract robotics companies, train personnel, expand networking opportunities, and disseminate information based around the Fukushima Robot Test Field, a development testing ground for robots and drones at a scale rarely seen in the world.

The Hamadori area is still recovering from the triple disaster. Evacuation orders continue to be lifted and reconstruction is steadily progressing with rebuilt public transportation infrastructure, as well as stores and hospitals being opened.

With the huge Fukushima nuclear power plant knocked out of commission, the prefecture is looking at ways to introduce advanced renewable energy and recycling technologies.

One of the hardest hit areas was agriculture and the project is looking to revitalize the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry using information and communications technology, as well as robot technology. One of the planned projects involves “tractor drones,” or unmanned agricultural machines.

The Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework will offer support to attract companies, match companies inside and outside the region, and develop new products