Job Discussion Forums

omrb83 · Joined: 25 Jan 2012 Posts: 9

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone is working in, or near, Iwaki City. As this is close to the reactor I wanted to know what the safety concerns are for people who live near there, or in Fukushima prefecture in general. The company I'm looking at has an office there and they have told me that they don't see any safety concerns and that their teachers have stayed there to work and live. Just looking for a second opinion about the radiation and how it affects daily life there, if it does at all (food, water, etc.). I guess swimming at the beaches there is a no-go anymore also after the meltdown. Anyone who has some insight would be appreciated if they would share. Thanks. If you need more info about my question let me know.

omrb83 · Joined: 25 Jan 2012 Posts: 9

Anyone?

How about Koriyama or other cities in Fukushima?

nimaime · Joined: 14 Aug 2011 Posts: 51

Of course employers in Fukushima are going to say there aren't any "safety concerns." Nobody knows what the long-term effects of this disaster will be. You have to use your own judgement on this one.

Personally, I wouldn't want to live anywhere in Fukushima anytime soon. But that's just me.

Maybe you're not looking for my opinion, I don't even live in Japan. But seeing no one else is replying I thought I'd chime in.

Shonai Ben · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617

I live in Sendai which is just north of Fukushima-ken........no radiation concerns here.I have also visited an onsen just outside of Fukushima city this winter.Again there didn't seem to be any concerns about radiation among the locals.......or myself.
Personally I wouldn't worry about it.........but that's me.

nimaime · Joined: 14 Aug 2011 Posts: 51

Ben,

Just curious.. I always wanted to visit Sendai then came the earthquake.
How much damage has the city sustained and what are the beaches there like post-earthquake? Are there concerns about water pollution?

Shonai Ben · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617

The city core area didn't really sustain much damage but the surrounding suburbs did.
The Natori area was hit by the tsunami and the northern areas had a lot of quake damage.Still lots of construction going on in those areas.
I haven't been to any beaches so I can't help you there.The city water supply seems to be fine though.

Tsian · Joined: 10 Jan 2012 Posts: 85

To offer a personal opinion, I would feel perfectly comfortable working in Fukushima city, or Iwaki.

Most of the scientific evidence seems to point to there being minimal to no long term effects (at least as far as I understand).

But yes, it is impossible to say with any certainty. Then again, I never quite know whether I am going to be hit by a car either. I realize that isn't necessarily an apt comparison, but I don't (personally) feel the threat from radiation, whatever it may be, warrants too much concern over choosing employment location.

omrb83 · Joined: 25 Jan 2012 Posts: 9

Thanks for the replies.

I can't find any information on this beyond a few articles of people living there currently and teaching, saying they think it's business as usual. It may not be an issue anyways as I may not be available for the starting date.

Does anyone know the deal with the ocean water? Is it safe for swimming/surfing? I know that Iwaki City closed the beaches for swimming during all of 2011. Living there without enjoying the beaches would be difficult.