"KAKEHASHI" was created to build strong connections between people in America and Fukushima.

Recently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan hosted an international exchange project for youth, called the ‘KAKEHASHI Project - The Bridge for Tomorrow’. ‘KAKEHASHI’ stands for a connection or bridge between two things. The project was created to build strong connections between people in America and Fukushima. As part of the project, 23 American college students from the University of California, Irvine, visited the Fukushima Prefectural Office to learn about Fukushima’s revitalization process, and all the wonderful things the prefecture has to offer.

At the Prefectural Office, the students were welcomed by a dance performed by the group ‘Future from Fukushima, Team Kibitan’ (Kibitan is a mascot character of Fukushima Prefecture.) The students danced together with Team Kibitan, and everyone was able to enjoy a relaxed time together.

The students stayed for 5 days in Fukushima from June 26th to 30th. During their stay, they attended an exchange program at Fukushima University, and also toured Ura-bandai, Tsurugajo castle, and were able to experience agricultural work in Kitakata city.

We hope that these 23 college students who visited Fukushima can become “KAKEHASHI ” between America and Fukushima. Let’s all work together with the youth of the world and show everyone our Fukushima spirit!

“KAKEHASHI “project http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/area/page23_000012.html