The coastal town of Minamisoma, in Fukushima Prefecture, held high hopes of hosting a prestigious world-class surfing competition this fall. Sadly, these ambitions were dashed when the international pro-surfer organization refused the locals’ plans. Consequently, the Kitaizumi Surf Festival 2023 will go ahead in cutback form without the much-desired world championships.

Minamisoma, the stunningly beautiful coastal city of Fukushima Prefecture, was once alive with surf enthusiasts and beachgoers galore, exceeding an annual visitation of one hundred thousand. But in 2011, an enduring tragedy shook the city when a horrible nuclear disaster forced many to evacuate some parts. Hundreds of families had to bid an indefinite farewell to the splendor of Kitaizumi Beach. Though there was a long and desolate wait, the evacuation order was lifted in 2016, allowing locals the chance of redemption to start anew. The beach officially reopened in 2019, symbolizing a step towards recovery.

The path to recognition for Fukushima’s surfing event

Last summer, the Surf Paradise Executive Committee, a coalition formed from various local organizations, endeavored to wipe away the nuclear disaster’s devastation. In an ambitious move, the team planned an international surfing championship, hosting nearly three hundred professional surfers from Japan and beyond. To gain recognition from the world’s premier authority on professional surfing and, in turn, capture the global spotlight, the committee needed to have the local government’s official stamp of approval.

Unfortunately, in late March, the international organization concluded that the event could not be sanctioned for 2023 due to worries about treated water released by the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant’s Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) during the warmer months. Notwithstanding this hindrance, the possibility of hosting the event in Fukushima remained open for future years, such as 2024 or beyond. The grave implications of ALPS’s discharged water were yet to be fully assessed. Appreciating the magnitude of the issue, the organization gave notice that the prospect of holding the event in Fukushima could and should be revisited with more favorable conditions in the future.

Despite the setback, Shinji Murohara, the head of the Fukushima Surfing Association and chairman of the organizing committee, maintained his fortitude. He stated, “We have not given up on holding a sanctioned event. This year we were not prepared enough and could not explain the safety of the treated water to the (international) organization. Even if we didn’t make it this year, there is next year.”

Navigating global concerns

The ALPS initiative launched to purify the waters of Fukushima from a wide variety of hazardous isotopes, such as tritium, is a complex process that must not be taken lightly. This summer, the Japanese government will be releasing the treated waters into the ocean, requiring a twofold effort: controlling the contamination levels that fall within the required safety parameters while also maintaining smooth and varied communication.

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Despite the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) affirming that radiation effects on humans are safe and significantly lower than regulatory standards, there is still some lingering unease across the world, especially in countries such as China and South Korea. In June, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura garnered strong opposition from fishermen’s groups in Miyagi, Fukushima, and Ibaraki prefectures during a meeting about the water release.

The horrifying event in Minamisoma has reverberated around the globe, leaving the local government with a daunting quest: to rebuild the region’s image. Consequently, the coordination panel is resolved to partner with a foreign partner to survey the contaminated water and further seek certification. Despite this calamitous situation, the citizens of Minamisoma insist on re-establishing their status, displaying their resilience and bravery to surpass the destruction. Hopes remain high that they can overcome this tragedy and realize their aspirations.

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