Everyone's smiling, 'Fuku' in full bloom! Fukushima Grand Exchange Fair

Fukushima Prefecture held the event "Everyone Smiling, 'Fuku' in Full Bloom! Fukushima Grand Exchange Fair" (Co-hosted by the Fukushima Prefecture Tourism Revitalization Campaign Committee and Tokyo Metropolis) at the Tokyo International Forum in Chiyoda Ward on December 23. This third event since the Great East Japan Earthquake was planned to showcase the vibrant, recovering Fukushima to people in the Tokyo metropolitan area and to provide a place for interaction among those evacuated to the capital region.

 

 

Alongside displays and sales of local products and tourism promotions by municipalities and organizations within the prefecture, the fair featured a B-grade gourmet food corner, hands-on experience areas like painting "Okiagari Koboshi" (self-righting dolls) and making bamboo crafts, and an Ultraman corner honoring the late Eiji Tsuburaya, the creator of Ultraman and a native of Fukushima Prefecture. The event drew a lively crowd of approximately 15,000 visitors.

On stage, a special talk show was held featuring Fukushima Governor Yuhei Sato and Yokohama DeNA BayStars manager Kiyoshi Nakahata. Governor Sato stated, "At the recent sake appraisal competition, 26 brands from Fukushima won gold awards. Fukushima sake is delicious because of its water, rice, air, and the character of its people. I believe this recognition signifies that Fukushima is acknowledged as safe and secure." Manager Nakahata, who dedicates much of his free time to volunteer activities in Fukushima, emphasized, "Fukushima has so many products we can be proud of. I want to promote them as world-class goods, free from the effects of unfounded rumors."

Additionally, on stage, the Hula Girls from Spa Resort Hawaiians performed a Polynesian review in vibrant costumes. The Fukushima Yaegata and the local mascot "Kibitan" also appeared, promoting the region through song and dance.