Nuke crisis refugees form association to preserve village-in-exile's community ties (JAPAN)

[AsahinaKimi]

IITATE, Fukushima -- Residents of the village of Iitate, forced by the Fukushima nuclear crisis to evacuate and with no return home in sight, have formed an association dedicated to preserving their community in exile.

Though organizing began in May, the "Iitate Madei no Kai" group officially came into existence on July 6, with Iitate villagers making up the majority of the membership. The word "madei," which means "unsparing effort," had long been a watchword in the village and formed a central part in the development of its particular characteristics.

"I hope to build a structure that allows people of our village, now refugees and scattered all over, to continue to interact," says group representative and "Madei Ambassador" Hiroshi????? Tanigawa, who is now living in Tokyo.

The group, which includes local shopkeepers, the president of a Fukushima Prefecture sake brewery and a TV announcer among its members, plans to hold events for villagers and play dates for their children to maintain community bonds while their homes remain within the nuclear no-go zone.

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