Fukushima Activity Report (Sept-Oct 2016)

Okuma, Futaba, Namie
1.	Access to these areas remains limited, but we are able to continue our activities thanks to the cooperation of local residents.
2.	We have surveillance cameras set up in several homes in Futaba and Okuma, but despite sighting the cats on camera we have been unable to capture any. The pictures show the trap and feeding areas, as well as the harsh environment. 
3.	In Namie, decontamination workers cooperated with local residents to rescue 4 kittens. A group of Koriyama volunteers led by Maruko-san (an independent volunteer also devoted to helping displaced animals) also supported this rescue. We were heartbroken to learn that there was another kitten and mother, who we could not find. 
4.	Over in Tsushima, Namie, a local gent known for his harvesting skills lent a hand to create a feeding box. Thank you!
5.	In September, we helped the good folks at Friends Humane Fukushima move their farm to a new location. This group works to save the environment by allowing cows to graze. These aren’t just any cows—these lucky animals were saved from government-ordered extermination, and are living out their days on the farm. The cows were moved so they could work their magic on rougher pastures. Local residents also turned out to help the move to Koriyama. 
6.	Okuma has dorms for nuclear accident workers, but the human presence does little to dispel the inherent loneliness of the place. 
7.	There is a recovery farm started by a displaced dairy farmer in Fukushima city. It is a clean facility that has earned the trust of local residents, and also provides farming education. We helped with health checks and spay/neuter of some 11 cats on the property. On this day, B-san, a veteran cow farmer and Fukushima native, came to greet us. B-san always has news for us on the latest happenings in Fukushima. Thank you, B-san!
8.	Fall in Fukushima is truly a treasure trove of natural beauty, but thoughts of lonely, hungry cats out there are never far from our hearts. 

English by Judy Howland