FUTAHOME is a community activity base located in front of Futaba Station.

This building used to house a shop called "Matsumoto Kimono Store" before the disaster. It was a place long cherished by the locals as a "boutique" for women's clothing and a kimono shop in the town.

Just before the disaster, the kimono store had already closed, and at that time it was in a state of "store for rent". After that, due to evacuation orders from the nuclear accident, it remained an empty building for over 10 years, with time standing still.

The empty building was renovated, and with the collaboration of Kotolabo LLC, Tohoku University, Fukushima University, and UR Urban Development Corporation, it received reconstruction grants from Futabamachi and opened on March 1, 2025. In Futabamachi, where recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and the nuclear accident is progressing, it serves as a place to support the first steps of those who want to start something and to create community interaction and vibrancy.

The first floor is a share cafe and challenge shop

It is a space where businesses such as restaurants and retail can trial their operations for a certain period. Different shops set up on different days, and self-managed lunch and dinner are also provided.

The second floor is a co-working space

It is a space that can be used for work or study, and drop-in (temporary use) is also possible.

Professor Karitani and his research team are also using the second-floor space for their activities.

Various exchange events by diverse organizations engaged in recovery activities are also being held.

A large painting on the wall stands out.

It was created as the fourth installment of the "FUTABA Art District" project, titled 'BACK TO THE FUTABA'. It expresses the subtle feelings of the townspeople from the driver's perspective, as they cherish the past (rearview mirror) while moving toward a new future (windshield).

The Futaba Art District continues to create large artworks on walls and other surfaces to invigorate Futabamachi.

On January 21, I was able to meet and talk with Professor Tomohiro Karitani from Tohoku University and Professor Tomoko Matsushita from Fukushima University at "FUTAHOME" in Futabamachi. The details will be in the next article.

#Hope Tourism