The Special Panel Discussion
“Fukushima's Post-Disaster Reconstruction with the Next Generation”
HIRONO asks, "What is “reconstruction?" In the panel conversation following the film, we invite two experts, Prof. Amano and Prof. Watanabe, to explore this important question from the prospective of Fukushima's youth. Prof. Amano, whose research focuses on educational and reconstruction support activities, will discuss the evolution of children's awareness and psychological states over the past ten years as well as the current and future challenges facing them. Prof. Watanabe, who has been recording the health of children since immediately after the disaster, will explain the effects of the disaster on the physical and mental health of Fukushima’s youth.
Panelists and Moderator
Panelists
Prof. AMANO Kazuhiko
A Fukushima native, Prof. Amano, who has been working with children and students for many years to create the future of Fukushima through educational and reconstruction support activities, including "Introduction to Fukushima’s Future Studies," "Fukushima Kodomo Mirai Film Festival," and "Kawauchi Furusato (hometown) School."
Prof. WATANABE Takuya
Born in Fukushima prefecture, Sukagawa City, Prof. Watanabe completed Juntendo University and its Graduate School, and Chukyo University Graduate School. He has been teaching at the Junior College Division, The University of Aizu since 2014, 3 years after the earthquake, to conduct his research on disaster and child development. Recently, his research expanded on the development of children affected by the COVID 19 pandemic.
Moderator
Chris Pilcavage
Chris was born and raised in Japan and has also lived in Cambodia, the Philippines, Kenya, and the United States. She holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs and a Master’s degree in Public Health from Columbia University and a B.A. in Economics and Psychology from the University of California, San Diego. Chris enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling, and doing yoga with her daughter. She also serves the Boston Japan Film Festival as a festival co-director.
Interpreter: Ms. NISHIMURA Yoko