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Although more than two years have passed since the triple disaster hit Japan’s Tohoku region, health professionals say the impact on children’s physical and emotional state is continuing to be felt.
In Fukushima, many families are still reluctant to let children play outdoors because they are worried about radiation. Fumiyo Kawagoe, mother of a four-year-old boy, Rihito, who came to play at the Red Cross Smile Park, said: “Even if they said they had washed out the radiation, it still concerns me so I don’t let him play in the park.”
In order to help children’s recovery, the Japanese Red Cross (JRC) continues to focus on their needs, with projects like the Smile Park indoor playground in Fukushima.

It will be set up in 6 locations throughout the year for small children who have been unable to play outside. At the first location, in Fukushima South Gymnasium, which opened in 2 July to 12 July, a total of 7,508 children and parents had visited. Japanese Red Cross Society welcomes media to visit Smile Park.

Red Cross Smile Park offers the following activities;
– Slides, trampoline, jungle gym, ”ball pool”
– Kids’ exercise with instructor
– Stage show by popular entertainer for kids

2015Feb28 – Prince William visited with children in a playground in Fukushima, about 60 kilometres west of the meltdown-stricken nuclear reactors. The children were being allowed to play outdoors for the first time recently. Previously, radiation levels had been too high for children, who are more susceptible to the health risks of radiation.

Children scurried around William. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe played host, and they all juggled balls at Smile Kids Park playground. Abe has been eager to spread the message that the nuclear disaster has been brought under control, although some say problems remain with contamination from radiation and continuing leaks at the reactors.

Local growers and fishermen have complained of what is called “fuhyou” damage, which means caused by false rumors or gossip. Many people remain afraid of eating Fukushima-grown products.