Japan's Tohoku gaining favor as relocation place 15 yrs after disaster

SENDAI, Japan - Three prefectures in the Tohoku region, northeastern Japan, ravaged by a massive earthquake and tsunami 15 years ago have seen a steady increase in interest among prospective migrants who could help revitalize local communities, though a shortage of housing and other infrastructure remains a hurdle.

Fukushima Prefecture, which hosts the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant that experienced meltdowns following the 2011 quake, ranked second after Nagano among the country's 47 prefectures after receiving 20,505 inquiries from people wishing to relocate in fiscal 2024, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.