Nippon Institute of Technology was selected for the ``Village Reconstruction Support Project Utilizing the Power of University Students'' sponsored by Fukushima Prefecture, and students visited Tadami Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture, and conducted a fact-finding survey.
In villages located in depopulated, hilly and mountainous areas of Fukushima Prefecture, the aging of the population and the lack of local leaders are progressing further due to the effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the nuclear power plant accident, and it is difficult to maintain and revitalize the villages with the activities and efforts of local residents alone. There are concerns that this will be difficult.
Against this background, the ``Village Reconstruction Support Project Utilizing the Power of University Students'' aims to utilize ``young power from outside,'' such as university students' new perspectives, ideas, energy for action, and specialized skills and knowledge. This event is being carried out with the aim of revitalizing and revitalizing the region, as well as training community supporters.This is a multi-year program, with a field survey conducted in the first year, a demonstration project in the second year, and a companion project in the third year.
With the introduction of the Fukushima Prefecture Regional Development Division, Nippon Institute of Technology decided to visit Tadami Town in Minamiaizu District and conduct a fact-finding survey. On August 2023, 8, we had an online preliminary meeting with Tadami Town administrative staff about the current issues in the town, and from September 6th to 9th, 11 volunteer students made up mainly of the Student Environment Promotion Committee. 12 people, including 12 faculty members including Professor Takashi Amemiya, visited the Shiozawa/Toshima area of Tadami Town.We exchanged opinions with local people and conducted field surveys.
The students were able to get a first-hand feel for the various issues facing the region by hearing stories of the hardships faced by residents and experiencing the actual situation on the ground.On the day of the event, a lively exchange of opinions took place, with each student sharing their own insights and ideas with the theme of how to revitalize the region while protecting its rich and beautiful nature. .Around February next year, they are scheduled to participate in an activity report meeting sponsored by Fukushima Prefecture and present their survey results and proposals for community revitalization.In addition, preparations will be made through repeated workshops for the demonstration project to be conducted in the second year.
