Research As a Volunteer - A Case Study Of The Resurrection Of Fukushima-.

Using the NPO “Resurrection of Fukushima” as an example, we will illustrate the necessary elements in doing research as a volunteer. Resurrection of Fukushima was established in Sasu, Iitate village, Fukushima prefecture on June, 2011. Its objective is to reconstruct people’s lives and the industry destroyed by the accident at the nuclear power plant. The organization consists of retired scientists and people who have various backgrounds such as active researchers, teachers, IT engineers and so on. Their aim is the reconstruction of nature and people’s lives in Fukushima and they continue to research at Iitate village as volunteers. The organization manages basic elements that are required in order to practice the research, people, goods and money to continue activities. When we met the members we noticed an additional factor: motivation. The members of the organization are not necessarily from the Northeast area of Japan. It turns out that the core members who gather every weekend journey from Tokyo. In the interviews, a strong sense of mission, sense of crisis and the joy and challenge to work as an organization based in the region could be felt. In conclusion if they meet the following conditions, doing research as a volunteer is possible; if enough people can be secured, if there is enough budget and funds to purchase necessary materials for research and if there is motivation and enthusiasm of each participant. The special characteristic of volunteer activities is that monetary rewards is not the principal aim. In addition, a network of people that can expand their activities is also essential.