What to Expect in the City
Editor Clare Braganza interviews CIR Youki Wiens
Many people in Japan might view Fukushima prefecture as the inaka (countryside), but it still has large cities such as Iwaki, Koriyama, and Aizu-Wakamatsu. The capital, Fukushima City, is not the largest, but it has a central location in the Nakadori region and shinkansen links to Tokyo and the north. CIR Youki Wiens has lived here for over three years, and will give us the rundown on city life in Fukushima.
First, about Youki: she is a half Japanese, half Canadian CIR working for Fukushima’s prefectural government. Back home in Vancouver, Canada, she studied Japanese and French through university, and loves outdoor activities. Her favourite place in Fukushima is Inawashiro Lake, the 4th largest lake in Japan!
When she first got her placement, she wasn’t surprised to be in the city; CIRs always work in an office, so she knew it wouldn’t be rural. However, she was aware of the 2011 disaster. Her high school had held a fundraiser for the victims, but the focus had been more on the impact of the tsunami and earthquake, not radiation. When she heard that she’d be going to Fukushima, she wanted to help out.
“When she heard that she’d be going to Fukushima, she wanted to help out.”
So, what are the pros of city life?
You likely don’t need a car, and can use public transport.
All main stores are near the train station and easy to access, so living alone is easy.
Having a shinkansen station means you can reach bigger cities, like Sendai.
Weekend events - there’s always something happening to check out
Stores, banks, and post offices etc. are open later.
Easy to meet new people, and there’s likely a younger crowd than in the countryside.
What are the cons?
It’s not always easy to leave the city and see typical Japanese scenery and nature. This can be a problem if you like the outdoors.
Not having a car can be a drawback. As a JET if you want to explore different regions, it can be hard without a car.
Restricted by public transport schedules. It’s easy to stay in the city bubble.
In the future, Youki wants to continue living in cities in Japan. Unfortunately, rural populations tend to be more elderly, so she enjoys all the city events where she can meet new people. She sees Fukushima City as middle-sized, and the perfect blend between nature and easy access to things. People often tell her they’ve seen her riding around on her bike, and when running in a downpour once, a man from one of her English events was on a walk and saw her wet, soaked and running. So although Fukushima is technically a city, it’s small enough to keep bumping into people!
Youki’s tips for JETs placed in cities
“Unlike the countryside, there’ll be events, clubs, and more things to do, so even if you don’t really know Japanese you can still search for local clubs. Definitely find something to do and take advantage of it. There are lots of young people working or at university, so there will be plenty of clubs you can join, like adult sports teams or social clubs. One example is Fukushima Young College, which organises weekly events for young adult residents such as volleyball and craft sessions.”
“Definitely find something to do and take advantage of it.”
All in all, Youki is very happy with her place in Fukushima City. In the beginning she actually wanted to live in a bigger city like Osaka, but after living here for over three years, she’s decided that Fukushima City is the perfect size. Everything that she needs is here. More importantly, she gets to work for the government and do unique work for people affected by the 2011 disaster. After everything that’s happened, she gets to see firsthand the progress that’s been made. Things are normal and that’s encouraging to see, but she wants Fukushima to keep improving.
“The things we are experiencing [in Fukushima] are things that not everyone on JET can experience,” Youki says. “They’re unique opportunities. After adapting to living here and getting to know all the places, I feel comfortable talking about Fukushima and letting people know about the area.”