February 26, 2016

Fukushima town to keep blackboards' messages

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160227_04/

A town in Fukushima Prefecture is planning to preserve blackboards with messages of encouragement written by rescue workers in the wake of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

All residents of Namie continue their evacuation from the town since the nuclear accident occurred at the nearby Fukushima Daiichi power plant 5 years ago.

Police and Self-Defense Force members conducted search and rescue operations soon after the disaster. They left words of encouragement for the town's residents on blackboards and whiteboards at Ukedo Elementary School.

Some wrote that they will come and help until the town recovers from the disaster. Others wrote, "Hang on, Ukedo."
Residents also responded to the encouragement. Some wrote that they are sure to return.

On Friday, town officials removed 12 boards from the school to keep them temporarily at another school. They will study how to preserve the boards for the long term, and how to show them to the public.

Vice Mayor Katsumi Miyaguchi said he was moved when he saw the messages. He added that the town wants to devise ways to keep the boards, and will listen to input from residents.