Voices in Japan

Surviving and Thriving after the Great East Japan Earthquake

Episode 109

Jayne Nakata from New Zealand joins this episode, which coincides with the 10-year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant disasters. Jayne has lived and worked in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture for nearly 20 years, and she details her experience of being in Iwaki when those disasters occurred in 2011. On top of being seven-months pregnant with her first child at the time, she and her husband had just finished building their new house as well. She tells a fascinating story about the important decisions they faced and the actions they took. Jayne also talks about why she and her family still live in Fukushima Prefecture, how much the area has recovered, and the ways in which her city is still struggling. We also get to hear about the Transformations with Jayne Podcast, which has helped thousands of people feel less alone in their part of the world, and the other projects that she is a part of that specifically bring women together to create new networks, prioritize themselves and their goals. Jayne also coaches budding podcasters to start their own shows through her PodLaunch service. Please check out her podcast and activities in Iwaki mentioned in the episode through the links below.

Transformations with Jayne Podcast: Click here
Cycle Route: https://kankou-iwaki.or.jp/spot/51218
Hula Okami: https://hulaokami.com/

Voices in Japan sponsors:

Bearfoot Bar
A variety of Japanese made craft bottled beers. A range of whiskeys and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. Friendly English and Japanese speaking staff. Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar

The Red House
Located in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, just cross the main road and it’s behind the Seicomart Convenience store. The restaurant features a mix of Japanese, Asian fusion, and western Style dishes, including shabu-shabu with wagyu beef and Hokkaido wagyu beef steak. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner, with prices ranging from under Yen 1000 to about Yen 5000. https://theredhouse.jp/

Rusutsu Lodges
Open all year round. Located 5 minutes walk to the main Rusutsu Ski Resort Gondola. There are Japanese, Western, and apartment style rooms with breakfast packages available. There’s a Japanese sento (public bath), two convenience stores less than a minute walk, ski room and tune up tables, free pick up available from the bus stop, plenty of free parking space, and summer BBQ packages available. Check out the website for more information and availability. http://rusutsulodges.com

Hokkaido Guide
Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertain

Untethered & Wanderwise: Female Travel Over 45

A travel podcast for women over 45 who want to explore this big beautiful world.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show