Takashi Homma

The Hamaoka nuclear plant, which was shut down by the government after the march 2011 tsunami and earthquake because it is the oldest plants (similar to the one in Fukushima) / Photo Takashi Homma

after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident

text by SUZUKI RUMIKO

 

It’s May 2011. Even during invigorating mornings I hesitate to open a window. I’m reluctant to go out into the garden in my nightgown and touch the bright flowers with my bare hands. I live 250 kilometers away from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. How can I go on living as I did before the disaster, opening windows, inhaling the fragrance of the soil, and picking flowers? How can I banish my fear of radioactivity, which is surely present, even if only in very small quantities? Should I do everything to avoid exposing myself? Should I keep my windows closed and…