TOHOKU WEEK – coming up

March 11 2021 marked the 10th anniversary of the triple disasters in Tohoku.

The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) remains committed to supporting our colleagues and friends in the region and looks forward to delivering Tohoku Week, from July 12-16, 2021. The purpose of Tohoku Week is to promote local businesses and tourism in the three prefectures that were most affected by the events of 2011 – Miyagi, Iwate, and Fukushima.

While the public health situation around COVID-19 continues, the BCCJ will present simple ways for you to connect with and support Tohoku businesses, remotely.

Day 1 – July 12

For our opening chapter, the BCCJ will revisit some of the personal stories that have shaped community and business recovery efforts in Tohoku for the past 10 years. We will reflect upon the ‘Back to Business‘ initiative (2011-2015), with notes from past partners who helped drive revitalisation efforts in regional areas. We will introduce local tourism bureaus and consider how tourism has evolved and adapted to challenges of the past 10 years before exploring some of the stunning seasonal scenery on offer in the region.

Day 2 – July 13 | MIYAGI PREFECTURE

On Tuesday, we will hear from local business owners in Miyagi about some of the ongoing challenges of rebooting businesses and livelihoods. We will share video clips and messages from partners who have been involved in the rejuvenation of the most affected areas in Miyagi, and will also be taken on virtual tours of some local restaurants to learn about the enduring connections between traditional cuisine, agriculture, and community.

Day 3 – July 14 | IWATE PREFECTURE

On Wednesday, we will be tuning into local community and business stories from Iwate prefecture. A local NPO will share how their volunteer-led efforts have connected and inspired a rising generation of regional leaders in stricken areas. We will also reacquaint ourselves with the delights of Iwate’s small restaurants and shotengai (shopping streets).

Day 4 – July 15 | FUKUSHIMA PREFECTURE

On Thursday, we will be moving down the Tohoku coast to Fukushima, exploring the potential for this magnificent part of Japan to inspire change throughout the world. We will highlight how the prefecture is offering unique tourism experiences and work opportunities. We will hear stories from business owners about where success has been found, and where there is still work to be done.

Day 5 – July 16

To wrap up, we will review the diverse needs of local communities, businesses and NPOs in Tohoku, and sign-post reminders of how to keep up-to-date with developments across the region.

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If you are interested in learning more about Tohoku Week by the BCCJ and/or have suggestions from businesses that might benefit from being featured, please let us know: [email protected]

Thank you in advance for your support of Tohoku!