To the Decontamination Workers Cheers and Gratitude from the Children

"ONE Fukushima," aiming for Fukushima's revitalization (Participating Companies = Fukushima Minpo, Fukushima Minyu Shimbun, Fukushima Television, Fukushima Central Television, Fukushima Broadcasting, TVU Fukushima, Radio Fukushima, Fukushima FM; Secretariat = Dentsu Inc., Dentsu East Japan Inc.) held the "Thanks Helmet Presentation Ceremony with Ai Kawashima LIVE" (Organizer = ONE Fukushima, Production = Fukushima FM, Cooperation = Ministry of the Environment) at Big Palette Fukushima in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, on October 12.

 

 

"ONE Fukushima" is a collective term for the team and its initiatives, formed by prefectural media outlets united by a shared commitment to Fukushima's recovery. This event was initiated by numerous emails sent to Fukushima FM from listeners, including those engaged in reconstruction work and residents of the prefecture. With the cooperation of various media outlets, it was implemented to promote mutual understanding and exchange. Elementary and junior high school students in Koriyama City wrote messages of gratitude and support for decontamination workers. These messages were printed on stickers and affixed to helmets, which were then presented as "Thanks Helmets."

 

 

 

The presentation ceremony took place on the main stage at the Fukushima FM 20th Anniversary "Grand Appreciation Festival" venue. Student representatives who took the stage shared heartfelt handwritten messages and gratitude, such as: "Please take care of yourselves and keep up the good work. Thank you," "Fight! We're cheering you on from the bottom of our hearts every day," and "Fukushima is full of warm-hearted, kind people." Some workers were visibly moved, making it an event where the feelings of both sides truly connected.

	 
Director Sekiya (far left) and Mayor Shinagawa (far right)	 	Kawashima's Live Performance

 

Mayor Shinagawa of Koriyama City stated his resolve: "We received messages from seven children and seven samurai. The administration will not betray that expectation and will make every effort." Director Sekiya of the Fukushima Environmental Restoration Office, Ministry of the Environment, touched on the current state of decontamination and said, "Today was an extremely valuable opportunity. I felt the messages were also a call to action for the national and municipal governments. We want to respond to that." All 864 messages from the children were displayed on a back panel. Plans are underway to turn them into stickers for distribution to workers across the prefecture, who will affix them to their helmets.

Singer Ai Kawashima appeared as a guest on stage. She performed a special live rendition of an encouraging song for the future, energizing the venue.