NAMIE: The laughter of children enjoying themselves with inflatable rings returned to Ukedo Beach in Namie, Fukushima Prefecture, on Saturday for the first time in about 16 years.
The beach reopened to the public after operations were suspended following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
Located about 6 kilometres north of the nuclear power plant, the beach was once a thriving spot for surfers and families. However, in addition to the nuclear accident, the massive influx of debris carried by the tsunami made swimming at the beach impossible.
Following prolonged clean-up efforts by residents and safety checks to test the seawater for radioactive contamination, the beach was reopened.
"I hope this helps restore vitality to Namie," said Junichi Suzuki, 58, an office worker in Tomioka in the prefecture who is originally from Namie and was serving as a lifeguard. - Japan News/ANN
