On March 11, 2011, the Tōhoku region of north-eastern Japan, including the prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima, was struck by a massive earthquake and tsunami. The nuclear power plant at Fukushima was catastrophically damaged. Eleven years on, the affected regions have largely recovered thanks to the hard work and efforts of the local people. In Fukushima Prefecture, radiation is back to levels in line with major foreign cities such as London and Paris. The lives of most people have returned to normal, and the region is now able to produce agricultural products that are not only delicious but also safe to eat.

This year, to highlight the attractions and appeal of Tōhoku, after a rebuilding process that goes back over 10 years, Japan House London is collaborating with Japan’s Reconstruction Agency to host a week-long exhibition accompanied by drinks tastings, talk events and craft workshops.

Presented in the Hall at Japan House London, a display tells the story of the reconstruction of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures and introduces the rich craftsmanship and gastronomic cultures of these areas. Guests to the exhibition can enjoy a number of interactive experiences including drinks tastings of local specialities and hands-on workshops enabling participants to try their hands at local crafts.

On select days, hybrid talk and discussion events, presented from Japan House London, and livestreamed on Japan House online platforms, shine a spotlight on some of the creative minds behind new initiatives and innovations in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures.

The Hall display is free to attend and operated on a drop-in basis. Booking is essential for all workshops and talk events. See below for more details on these events.

Workshops

Okiagari Kobōshi Painting Experience from Fukushima Prefecture 

Sashiko Embroidery Experience from Iwate Prefecture 

Kokeshi Painting Experience from Miyagi Prefecture 

*More information for each workshop will become available soon.

Talk and Discussion Series

On select dates, a series of four talk and discussion events bring together creative minds leading new innovations in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures and prominent industry figures based in the UK to explore current reconstruction and revitalization initiatives in Tōhoku. These hybrid events are presented from the Hall at Japan House London and livestreamed on Japan House online platforms.

Sunday 6 March 2022: Landscape and Lore along Eastern Tōhoku’s Michinoku Coastal Trail 

*More events will be added as soon as they become available. 

Sake Tastings

A selection of sake from Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures can be sampled in the Hall throughout the exhibition period. 

Guests must be over 18 years old to participate in tastings of alcoholic drinks. Japan House London will operate a Challenge 25 policy during events so guests who look under 25 may be asked to show proof of age. Japan House London reserves the right to refuse to serve alcohol to guests.

Please drink responsibly. Visit drinkaware.co.uk for more information.