“Haru Yo Koi: Bears, Honey Bees and Akio-san”
(2015 / 65 min. / (c) Wataru Abiko)

Struggles of a Bear Hunter to Preserve Tradition and Nature
Radiation from the Daiichi Nuclear Accident in 2011 adversely affected Nature near Kaneyama Town in Fukushima though it is 120-km (80-mile) away from the plant. Akio Inomata is a surviving Matagi (bear hunter) in the town and is very knowledgeable about Nature.

Akio struggles to pass this fading tradition on to future generations. He feels a sense of crisis by knowing that there are less people who are interested in Nature. The serious situation, which has not yet changed in Fukushima, does not stop Akio from trying to protect his beautiful hometown and Nature for the future.

“Mothers of Fukushima: Eiko & Yoshiko”
(2016 / 95 min. / (c) Mizue Furui)

Story of Friendship of Two Women Who Try to Survive the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster
Eiko and Yoshiko Kanno are distant relatives and were close neighbors in a small farming village, Iitate, Fukushima, Japan. They lived all their lives in the village until a massive earthquake hit northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011. The disaster caused a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Powerplant which was 20 miles away, resulting in the evacuation of the entire village with 6,500 residents. Eiko started living by herself in temporary housing. Yoshiko took shelter in Saitama with her bedridden mother and sick father, but both of her parents passed away within eight months. In mourning, Yoshiko’s longing for Fukushima grew until it made her decide to return. She found Eiko and started living next door to her.

Eiko and Yoshiko are now surviving together, telling jokes to each other like a comedic duo. Eiko keeps herself true to her principles by which she lives: You produce your own food. They borrowed a farm field to grow vegetables which they cook for meals. They often smile and boast about how delicious their harvested crops are on their table. They are trying to preserve the food culture of Iitate Village by offering cooking workshops on miso paste and “Shimi mochi” (freeze-dried rice cake) traditionally produced in the village. Although decontamination efforts are being made in Iitate village, the process is radically altering the landscape and is not successful in reducing radiation levels. Eiko and Yoshiko continue to live with uncertainty in their future, but they try to overcome their difficulties with tears and laughter.

***SPECIAL ANDEAN QUENA FLUTE PERFORMANCE by ITSUKUNI HIGASHIDE!***

Enjoy the beautiful theme music of “Haru Yo Koi” live on stage during intermission by our special guest from Japan, Mr. Itsukuni Higashide, who composed and played the theme music!