Second Half Gold Rush, Fukushima Take Control To Win First Game In 8 Matches

Source: http://www.jleague.jp/match/j3/2016/091117/live/#recap

Second Half Gold Rush, Fukushima Take Control To Win First Game In 8 Matches

J3 League Round 21
Okinawa Athletic Stadium
September 12th 6pm Kick Off

FC Ryukyu 2 (75' Togashi, 85' Hirata)
Fukushima United FC 3 (11' Maeda, 76' 87' Higuchi)

Ryukyu were quick to push forward early in the game, and Fukushima pushed forward to attack down the sides.

Fukushima were first to get on the score sheet. In the 11th minute a loose ball from a cross was picked up by Noaki Maeda who skillfully looped the ball over the keeper to give Fukushima the opening goal for the first time in their previous 4 games.

There was a goal rush for both teams in the second half. In the 75th minute, from a 45 degree angle on the right Yuta Togashi shot into the center of goal drew the teams level. In response Fukushima substitute Hiroki Higuchi's strike put Fukushima back in the lead.

In the 85th minute, Ryukyu substitute Kenichiro Hirata found the back of the net after a penetrating dribble, but in the 87th minute Higuchi put Fukushima back in front again to put the nail in coffin in the close contest. It is Fukushima United FC's first win since their round 8 game against Tottori. And the loss leaves Ryukyu with 3 home loses in a row.

FC Ryukyu remain in 10th position on 26 points and Fukushima climb up to 11th place with 23 points.

Convincing Oita Victory After Away Goal Rush

Source: http://www.jleague.jp/match/j3/2016/080712/live/#recap

Convincing Oita Victory After Away Goal Rush

J3 League Round 20
Toho Minna No Stadium
August 7th 3pm Kick Off

Fukushima United FC 1 (90+1 Kim)
Oita Trinita 4 (7 Mitsuhira, 45+2 Hattanda, 52 Goto, 63 Mitsuhira)

Oita set the pace from the start of the match and took the lead in the 7th minute. Kohei Hattanda proved a nice through ball to Kazushi Mitsuhira who calmly slotted the ball in the net after a one-on-one with the Fukushima keeper. Oita continued to dominate the half, during additional time, Hattanda and Mitsuhira exchange a neat one-two, and Mitsuhira chipped the ball into the goal to give Oita a 2 goal lead at half time.

Fukuhsima made 2 changes early in the second half, but Oita continued to find the gaps in the Fukuhsima defense. Tomoki Iwata provided a long ball for Yusuke Goto for another one-on-one with the Fukushima keeper, and scored Oita's third goal. In the 63rd minute a mistimed back-pass by Fukushima defender Hiroto Mogi was picked up by Kazushi Mitsuhira to make it 4-0.

Fukuhsima managed to pull back a goal in the final moments thanks to a goal by Hong Yeon Kim. Oita won the game 1-4. 4 goals is Fukushima's biggest loss this season, and also their 3rd loss in a row. They remain in 12th position on 20 points. Oita jump to second place on 36 points.

Highlights via Sky Perfect TV:

Tenacious Sagamihara Hold On For 1-0 Win

Source: http://www.jleague.jp/match/j3/2016/073113/live/#recap

Tenacious Sagamihara Hold On For 1-0 Win

J3 League Round 19
Sagamihara Gion Stadium
July 31 3pm Kick Off

SC Sagamihara 1
Fukushima United FC 0

After the unbelievable pre-match downpour cleared blue skies, Sagamihara won the match 1-0.

Sagamihara started strong with a lot a pace, their attack centered around Yusuke Kondo in his first home start for the club. But as the game progressed Fukushima managed to hold on to the ball for longer periods, and the end to end play continued for much of the first half. But in the 44th minute Masaki Fukai manged to put the home team ahead to give them a 1-0 lead at the break.

In the second half Sagamihara managed to hold on to the ball for long periods, created many chances, but were unable to finish. Daiki Umei came on for Fukushima in the 84th minute, and Bazilian defender Paulao pushed forward to create some pressure up front, but Sagamihara held on for their first home win in about 2 months.

That leaves Fukushima without a win in their previous 6 games. They were unable to dig themselves out of their hole today. They drop to 12th on 20 points, and Sagamihara jump into the top half of the table to be in 7th on 28 points.

Highlights via Sky Perfect TV:

Mexikokeshi

Mexikokokeshi is an art project that brings together traditional Mexican designs with traditional Japanese wooden dolls, kokeshi.

Kokeshi are a traditional doll from the Tohoku area of Japan. Tsuchiyu Onsen situated just to the north of Fukushima City is famous for its Tsuchiyu style kokeshi.

Mexikokokeshi was a project that began in 2011 following the Tohoku arthquake and tsunami. It is part of the Chido Project organised by Asami Shida to introduce Mexican culture to Japan.

The exhibition is being held at Nishida Museum from August 8th to November 30th.



More Info:
http://nishidakinenkan.or.jp/index.html
https://twitter.com/asamijapon

Gamba Osaka U/23 Show Strength. Defeat Fukushima For 3rd Consecutive Win

Source: http://www.jleague.jp/match/j3/2016/072415/recap/

Gamba Osaka U/23 Show Strength. Defeat Fukushima For 3rd Consecutive Win

J3 League Round 18
Suita City Football Stadium
July 24 5pm Kick Off

Gamba Osaka U/23 1
Fukushima United FC 0

Coming into a match with 2 consecutive wins for the first time this season, Gamba Osaka U/23s showed attacking and defensive strength to overcome Fukushima 1-0.

Both teams had plenty of time on the ball, but both sides unable to find a way through their opponents defense in a see-sawing game of attack and defense that continued well into the second half.

Naoya Seno came into the game in the 74th minute and pushed Naoki Ogawa across to the right side who delivered a pin point cross to the head of Hiroto Goya to put Gamba in front.

In the dying stages of the game, Fukushima forward Kota Hoshi beat Gamba keeper Mizuki Hayashi to face an open goal. But just as Fukuhsima look to have equalized, Gamba defender So Hirao clear the ball off the goal line to give Gamba their 3rd consecutive win.

The win moves Gamba Osaka U/23s up to 6th on 26 points, and leaves Fukushima in 11th on 20 points after 18 rounds.

Highlights via Sky Perfect TV:

Momentum Toward A Real Recovery: Soma Nomaoi Opens Tomorrow

Source:  http://www.minyu-net.com/news/news/FM20160722-094182.php

Momentum Towards A Real Recovery: Soma Nomaoi Opens Tomorrow

Like a heroic scene from feudal Japan, the nationally designated cultural event, Soma Nomaoi starts on the 23rd.   It is the first Nomaoi Festival to be held since the evacuation orders have been lifted in the Odaka district in Soma City following the nuclear disaster at Fukuhsima Daiichi. Members of the local Odaka Horse-Riding Association have anticipated the opening of the festival, "This is a real opportunity for recovery following the lifting of the evacuation order, we hope to create some momentum with the Nomaoi festival."

On the 23rd, the first day of the festival, riders from each of the 5 districts participate in the Yoinori Race at Higarigahara Field in Haramachi District. On the 24th, the Sacred Flag Competition and the Armed-Horse Race are held at Higarigahara Field. On the final day on the 25th, the Nomakake ritual is held at Odaka Shrine in Odaka District.

Mr. Enei (Odaka District) "No Hesitation"

The riders are in full preparation for the Soma Nomaoi. Construction worker Yoshihide Enei (67), from Odaka District where the evacuation orders have been lifted, has been chosen to carry the portable shrine (omikoshi) as a member of Odaka Horse-Riding Association. Mr. Enei was being very positive, "Now that the evacuation order has been lifted, there are no special restrictions.  We don't have to go through the process of preparing somewhere to stay before the event, we can participate without hesitation."

First participating in the festival when he was 29, this is the 30th time that he has taken part in the event. "It's not just me participating, but also my horse. Not just participating, we're going out there to win the event," he said.

Mr.Enei can take care of his horse at home while participating in the event. Even after the nuclear disaster, he always participated and didn't part with his horse. While living in a rental property in Haramachi District, he received special permission in 2014 and 2015 to stay at his home in Odaka District during the event. Now he is living in an apartment in the same district as his home, this year he can participate in the event from home for the first time since the nuclear accident.

Further Information: http://soma-nomaoi.jp/english.htm

Fukushima Gainax

In 2015 Gainax animation studio opened an animation studio and museum in Miharu, Fukushima to help the local community rebuild. They are current holding an exhibition for the 10th anniversary of Tekkon Kinkreet (http://fukushimagainax.co.jp/?p=2211), but it is closing at the end of the month so you have to get in quick.

The studio has several projects to provide a voice for the local community. Most recently was the "Fukushima Dream Robot" illustration contest. The winning entry was developed as a short animation that shows a rocket delivering many products from around Fukushima in to space.

More info: http://fukushimagainax.co.jp/

This Is Fukushima

http://www.thisisfukushima.org/

Recently there has been a lot of criticism that photos taken in the disaster areas deliberately portray a lopsided image of Fukushima. Many people have been working tirelessly over the past 5 years to rebuild their lives and communities. Starting in 2013 This Is Fukushima is a calendar project that by local residents Ryan McDonald and Paul Sprigg to show the world that Fukushima is a beautiful place with gorgeous natural beauty and charm.

They are currently accepting submissions for the 2017 This Is Fukushima calendar which will be available towards the end of the year. You can get more information at http://www.thisisfukushima.org/, and also check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsFukushima/

Malaysian Photographer "Photos from the Fukushima Restricted Area" -> Angers Local Foreign Residents "Stop the Rumour Spreading Cosplay"

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.jp/2016/07/18/malaysia-photo-fukushima_n_11049638.html

Malaysian Photographer "Photos from the Fukushima Restricted Area" -> Angers Local Foreign Residents "Stop the Rumour Spreading Cosplay"

The Huffington Post | Author:    Chitose Wada

Submission Date:  19 July 2016, 12:33 pm JST

On July 10th Malaysian photographer Keow Wee Loong (27) has caused controversy by uploaded photos to Facebook that were taken in evacuated areas that are preparing to be re-opened surrounding Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Loong introduced the photos as inside "Fukushima exclusion zone". CNN and The Guardian picked up the story, and as of 10 am on the 19th the story has been shared over 70,000 times.

However, many foreign residents living in Fukushima have criticized Loong's actions. The 4 main complaints are:

He entered into residential homes and shops without permission to take the photos.

He wrote that the photos were taken in a restricted one, but most of the photos were not taken in a restricted area.

Even though there were people in the area, he exaggerated the photos to appear as if the area was deserted.

He wore a gas mask, along with shorts and sandals when he took the photos which was irregular.

Why did Loong take these photos? Why were Fukushima's foreign residents upset? We asked both sides of the story.

What type of photos did Loong take?

First we clarified what type of photos Loong took.

During June Loong and some Japanese colleagues took some photos in Namie, Okuma, and Futaba in Fukushima. Loong took some photos of goods scattered around a supermarket and a video rental store, washing scattered inside a laundromat, in homes where it looked like people had lived, and uploaded 27 images on July 10th. But there was no-one else present in all the photos, just Loong in his gas mask, sandals, and shorts, and 2 colleagues in white masks and long pants.

Loong posted on Facebook, "... I need a special permit to visit this town and it takes 3-4 weeks to get the approval from the local council,, well too much bureaucracy bullshit for me ..  so I just sneak in the forest to avoid cops on the road ..." to emphasis the difficulty of getting the photos. He wrote that he went and took photos without permission.

Further more, Loong referred to the 'difficult-to-return' designated areas as the "Red Zone". The photos were explained with captions like, "When i enter the red zone, i can feel a burning sensation in my eyes and thick chemical smell in the air", "the Empty ghost town", "eerie feeling in this ghost town, even there is no car in this town but the traffic light is still working", "(Eating candy at the supermarket with nobody around, it was my dream as a child)".

Why was Loong in shorts?

Loong told Huffington Post Japan that the purpose of these photos was the capture the impact of Fukuhsima Daiichi.

He said that "I didn't mean to break-in" (to the homes and shops). "The doors were already open. "If they were closed, I wouldn't go in," he said.

When asked about taking photos in places where we wouldn't see other people or cars he answered, "I saw them along Route 6", then explained, "But I avoided those places." He didn't say any more about that.

When we asked about the gas mask, shorts, and sandals he explained, "I had no money to buy any protective clothing."  This gas mask was the mask mask he used when he snowboarded down a volcano in Indonesia.

"I came to Tokyo, and I lost 300 000 yen.  I had no money, I couldn't buy any protective clothing, and my time in the country was limited. I couldn't wait for permission.

Also, I don't usually wear long pants. I only brought some shorts and a jacket to Tokyo. I had no money, I couldn't buy new pants. It is a military gas mask; I always carry it around with gloves.

I asked Greenpeace Japan to help me with photography permissions, and protective clothing, but they wouldn't help.  They wouldn't co-operate at all. So, as a freelance photographer, I did all that I could myself."

The reason he gave for the gas mask was, "When I entered the red zone, my eyes were stinging. I thought I shouldn't be breathing the air directly into my lungs," he answered. He didn't answer about his colleague’s attire.

On an interview on the travel information site Zafigo, Loong said, "I'm sorry if I have hurt the people of Fukushima" he apologized, "If I can't sell photos, then I can't make a living as a photographer. I didn't interfere with anything. I only did my job as a photographer. Just take photos, record the journey, then share it with the world," he explained. "I only did something that a lot of other people can't do. If a lot of people could come to Japan and visit Fukushima, there is no need for me to do it," Loong urged.

"I take photos of what people around the world want to see." Loong told Huffington Post Japan. "Do these photos represent Fukushima? Or do they misrepresent Fukushima? I don't think they do."

Criticism from foreign residents in Fukushima

When Loong's photos began to spread online, complaints from foreign residents in Fukushima began. New Zealand-born Iwaki-based English teacher Xan Wetherall (30) posted in a Facebook group for English teachers in Fukushima, "There are some photos taken inside shops and houses without permission.  Not only are his actions unlawful, it's very rude tot he people that have been forced to evacuate their homes." Many foreign residents in Fukushima have similar feelings, "Why is he only taking from the one perspective?" "I want to here from the residents", and there are over 70 similar comments as of 10 am on the 19th. Some people also made comments directly to Loong in English, "Don't take photos as a publicity stunt."

Wetheral in a phone interview with Huffington Post said, "There are a lot of people in Iwaki that have evacuated due to the accident at Fukushima Daiichi power plant.  Maybe they know the people's home that Loong used in his photos. It's upsetting that he uploaded these photos without their permission," she said. "There is a story in Fukushima, people are striving to rebuild. Entering into people's homes without their permission, without knowing the full story, just posting exaggerated photos, it's unfair."

Wetheral is worried that Loong's actions might have a negative impact on foreign residents in Fukushima. "When you live in Japan, for example, even if a door is unlocked, you can't go into other people's rooms. Maybe Japanese people think other foreign residents will do the same thing as Loong. Due to one person's foolish actions, I'll regret it people think like that."

Loong's photos "deliberately exaggerate the absence of people"

William McMichael from Fukushima University Finance and Economics Department told his concerns to Huffington Post Japan, "Intentionally spreading just a few photos, it can create a mistaken image of Fukushima." It gives the impression that Fukuhsima has become ruins.

"'Red Zone', 'Ghost Town', 'Restricted Area', 'Abandoned for 5 years', these are the type of sensationalist words that Loong used. It just makes it seem that Fukushima is a place where nobody lives, but in reality even the places where he took photos, reconstruction work is beginning, people are working.

The phrase 'Red Zone' is associated with "complete lock down", and "state of emergency", but Longs photos were taken in the areas being prepared for re-habitation, not areas with restrictions on entry. Many things included in the photos are the areas where it's difficult to return if you look at the map, anyone can use these roads. I can't call those areas the "Red Zone", although Loong clearly doesn't know the difference. A sly use of words, and taking photos that only show himself or colleagues, they were able to purposefully create this image that it was a ghost town.

Over half of Loong's 27 photos were taken in Namie. I know the place where he took the photos near Namie Station, and I went to take my own photos. These are areas that are being prepared for re-habitation, you don't need special permission for these areas, anyone can go there.

For example, here is the place where Loong took the photo of the crumbling wall at the shop front.

If you step back a bit you can see the orange cone that is being used during construction.

Long said, "No one has been here for 5 years, it's left as it was" but that's not the current condition, you can see people are working. Just by that you can see the difference.

Also, Loong took some photos down the side of the station, but there is demolition work going on out the front, there are people working nearby. Just because there is no one around doesn't make it the red zone.

The government highlights the intersection out from of Fukushima Daiichi in pink the "Evacuation Limit Diagram", anyone can check it out along Route 6, many cars come and go past here. Loong also wrote he was "100 metres from the reactor", but where he was about 2km away, so he got that wrong."

Loong "stirring up fears in cosplay"

Also, both Wetherall and McMichael point out Loong's attire in the photos. Wetherall said, "Radiation is not a gas, so he doesn't need the mask, he doesn't understand radiation", and McMichael said, "You don't need a gas mask," and continued,

"For example, outside Namie Station the radiation levels on the 15th were under 0.5 microseiverts. You don't need a gas mask at that level. If he was scare of radiation, why shorts and sandals? Isn't that his usual trademark? Being blunt, it's just cosplay. He is not thinking about the people in the area, just spread fear with the gas mask. I want him to stop spreading hurtful rumors.

McMichael says he doesn't want to see Loong punished

He said, "This time especially, using English to spread around the world. If it was in Japanese, there would be a lot of people who would criticize him, but in a foreign language the response is slow, it's a problem."

On one hand, Loong is "not trying to hide information from the people that live there, he just should have heard the stories of the people who live there." "I'm really thankful if people want to talk about Fukushima to the world. However, I can't allow people to deliberately exaggerate the truth and make up stories. The people of Fukushima are continuing to suffer because of the spreading of misinformation.  Having said that, I don't want Loong to be punished. I want him to come back to Fukushima, and I'll show him around, and he take photos of the real Fukushima.

Heated match in Aizu ends in draw

Source: http://www.jleague.jp/match/j3/2016/071614/recap/

Heated match in Aizu ends in draw

J3 League Round 17
Aizu Athletics Stadium
July 16 3pm Kick Off

Fukushima United FC 1
Kataller Toyama 1

In the 15th minute a chance was created from a cross by Fukushima left side-back Shota Fukuoka, which lead to a loose ball that was crossed in again by right side-back Goson Sakai and calmly finished by Kim Kong Chong. In response Toyama left side-half Yuki Kitai and right side-back Kosei Wakimoto combined to create a chance just before half time for Ryo Kubota to score from the centre and restore the game to a draw.

Both teams were really pushing for a second goal in the second half, and while Fukushima enjoying the majority of chances they were unable to finish. Both teams made attacking changes with Fukushima adding Takuya Muraoka, Hiroki Higuchi, and Daiki Umei, while Toyama added Yudai Nishikawa, Yu Eto. But both teams unable to steal a late winner the game ended 1-1. The hotly contested game ending in a draw in Aizu.

The game leaves Toyama in 5th on 26 points and Fukushima in 11th on 20 points after 17 rounds.

Highlights via Sky Perfect TV:

Why highlight the tragedy? Foreign residents lament the "unauthorized photos" from the evacuation zone

Source: http://www.minyu-net.com/news/news/FM20160715-092413.php

Why highlight the tragedy? Foreign residents lament the "unauthorized photos" from the evacuation zone

15 July 2016 9:41 AM

"Although there has been an effort to show the beauty of Fukushima, and the efforts of the residents to rebuild their communities." A Malaysian photographer posted photos online from within the evacuated zone that have spread around the world. On the 14th, people affected by the rumors have spoken out with frustration about the focus on the nuclear incident and not on present conditions.

The photographer posted the supposedly previously unseen photos of shops in the deserted evacuation zone, but in reality they are not unseen areas, the Japanese government and TEPCO have not been hiding these places from Fukushima residents.

"A lot of foreign residents in Fukushima have united to refute the photos, but online when they have tried to clarify the situation, the photographer has received a lot of praise, and their voices have been drowned out." Fukushima Univeristy's William McMichael (33) commented.

McMichael said that when photos like that are spread online, there is a mentality where people are drawn to tragic sensationalism.

To provide information on the present state of Fukushima, the prefecture is holding seminars for diplomatic groups and study tours for international students.

Chairman for NPO Happy Road Net, Yumiko Nishimoto (63), has permission form the various towns in Futaba District to lead observation groups into the district.  The rebuilding stages differ depending on the area, trying to give an accurate explanation of the situation, "If we don't try to understand what is happening in the disaster areas, the actions of a small group of people can spread misleading information, it's really upsetting" Nishimoto lamented after the recent event.

Foreign photographer spreading fear around the world with unauthorized photos from evacuated areas

Source: http://www.minyu-net.com/news/news/FM20160715-092368.php

Foreign photographer spreading fear around the world with unauthorized photos from evacuated areas

15 July 2016 8:00 AM

A Malaysian photographer posted photos on Facebook on the 14th that where taken in private homes and shops in areas that are affect by the accident at TEPCO's Fukushima Daichi. He wrote that the photos show never before seen areas within the restricted zone in Fukushima, and so far his post has received over 43,000 likes on Facebook. Featured on CNN and other large media networks, the story is receiving a lot of attention, however many foreign residents in Fukushima have voiced their concerns that the photos are heavy biased and only portray a one-sided view of the prefecture.

The photos show goods scattered around the supermarket, with the photographer loitering while wearing a gas mask, and also inside resident’s homes. The photographer stated on Facebook that he entered Okuma, Futaba, and Namie. He also stated that he entered through the forest to evade police, and entered the restricted area without permission.

William McMichael (33) from Fukushima University's Economics and Finance Department is familiar with the problem and pointed out that restoration works are ongoing within the evacuation area, and that it was wrong to show photos that depict the area as deserted. He also stated that if the information had originally appeared in Japanese opposition would have been swift, but because they were in English it is difficult to counteract the harmful effects of such rumors. It effects the whole image of Fukushima, we need some voices that are going to directly object to such rumors.