What characteristics define individuals who serve as kataribe (storytellers) in conveying lessons derived from the unprecedented disaster, including the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident?

On March 11, 2011, the triple tragedy of an earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster struck Fukushima Prefecture. This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of kataribe (“storytellers”) who experienced the tragedy and conveyed their experiences in Fukushima, especially the struggle to continue as kataribe. A questionnaire survey was conducted from January 15 to July 30, 2024. The quantitative data were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis. The results indicated that most kataribe were satisfied with their current activities, expressed a strong desire to continue, and were highly motivated to improve their skills. However, approximately half of the respondents experienced difficulties in continuing as a kataribe. Moreover, they expressed a lack of confidence in themselves, social understanding, and economic support. The findings of this study highlight the importance of preserving diverse traditional resources, such as kataribe, who promote disaster prevention measures based on their experiences, not as experts but as peer supporters.

1 Introduction

In the early afternoon (14:46:23 local time) of March 11, 2011, a 9.0-magnitude earthquake, the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE), struck Japan, causing widespread damage to the eastern coastal region. The GEJE, which lasted approximately 6 min, occurred at a relatively shallow depth (15.2 miles) and ended up shifting the Earth on its axis by an estimated 10–25 cm. The GEJE caused a tsunami that proceeded to devastate the coastal areas of Tohoku and southern Hokkaido, claiming the majority of the 19,729 total lives lost. The first tsunami wave reached the coast only 15 min after the GEJE, with reports measuring the maximum height of the wave at approximately 38 m, the height of a 12-story building, directly impacting a continuous stretch of land more than 500 km in length along the coastal areas of Honshu, from the Tohoku to Kanto region, and caused a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP), triggering a potential public health emergency of international concern. As a result, the International Nuclear Event Scale was raised to Level 7, the highest level, similar to the Chornobyl nuclear accident in 1986 (Reconstruction Agency, 2025; World Health Organization, 2013). As of 2025, this triple disaster had led to 4,179 deaths, including 2,348 indirect deaths and missing persons, in Fukushima Prefecture alone. The residents of Fukushima Prefecture have had complicated experiences, including not only anxiety about the health effects of radiation exposure, but also the resultant discrimination and stigmas. Furthermore, many residents were separated from their family members by forced evacuation, experienced major changes in lifestyle habits, and developed worsening chronic illnesses (Takebayashi et al., 2017). The devastation inflicted by this triple tragedy was beyond human imagination and far worse than what was captured in media reports and photographs (Reconstruction Agency, 2025).

Kataribe, which means “storytellers” in Japanese, pass down various historical stories from generation to generation. The history of kataribe can be traced to prehistoric times, when writing had not yet been invented. It began as a way to connect, educate, and entertain within communities (The Stories World, 2024). Kataribe perform storytelling as a natural phenomenon, share cultural beliefs, teach moral lessons, and preserve historical events (Prawoto and Octavia, 2021). The methods used by kataribe include oral narratives, folklore, ballads, mythological epics, and visual storytelling through art and symbols. Furthermore, they use music, dance, and dramatic expressions to engage with their tales (Fakhruddin and Elmada, 2022). In recent years, kataribe have taken on different roles from those in prehistoric times. This study focused on those who have new roles as kataribe. After disasters, narratives naturally emerge among people seeking to understand and memorize what happened (Jerolleman, 2021). In Japan, kataribe share their experiences of tragic events and convey the lessons learned as narratives. Kataribe are active all over Japan. In Hiroshima and Nagasaki, survivors talk about the horrors of the atomic bombings in 1945; in Minamata, Kumamoto prefecture they reflect on struggles and stigmatization linked to the severe mercury poisoning-induced neurological disease of the same name; in Kobe, eyewitnesses guide interested visitors through the city to share their experiences with the devastating 1995 Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and show how the city has recovered (Nagata et al., 2022; Tanaka et al., 2019). Kataribe use storytelling techniques that directly combine the disaster experience with emotions or feelings (Gerster et al., 2020). In this way, they transmit lessons, shared emotions, and developed empathy to listeners. No qualifications are needed to become a kataribe; hence, their activity can be conceived as spontaneous behavior (Nagamatsu et al., 2021). Anyone who has registered with an associated foundation can share their stories as kataribe. However, there have only been about 150 kataribe in the time since the FDNPP accident. Furthermore, neither the kinds of people that comprise kataribe in Fukushima nor their characteristics have been clarified. The present paper focuses on people who have experienced a disaster directly, as opposed to successors in myths, as well as hidden knowledge in regard to disaster prevention methods.

Previous studies have documented the history (The Stories World, 2024) and background of storytelling (Prawoto and Octavia, 2021), as well as the details of its activities (Fakhruddin and Elmada, 2022). However, few studies have investigated what kinds of people are storytellers, or what passion they have, especially in relation to research on the FDNPP accident. Recent studies have focused on the benefits of storytelling, while previous studies have concluded that kataribe are beneficial and effective in conveying the lessons of unexpected future disasters and preparedness. Audiences can recognize that disasters may occur by hearing the experiences of kataribe, which increases interest in not only disasters, but also disaster mitigation and prevention measures, as well as motivation (Watanabe et al., 2024; Sato, 2020). It has also been confirmed that people who listen to kataribe feel more motivated to share stories with their friends and family and that the motivation to implement disaster prevention measures spreads through listeners (Sato et al., 2023). Recently, the style of kataribe has evolved. Combining kataribe and worksheets that include impressions, comments, opinions, and experiential learning case study games has increased the understanding of and deepened preparation for man-made disasters or those triggered by natural hazards (Kimura and Hayashi, 2009).

Given this background, the present study aimed to clarify the characteristics of kataribe in Fukushima Prefecture, including the struggle to continue as kataribe, and to evaluate social resources from their perspectives. There is clear evidence that hearing disaster experiences directly from victims increases awareness of disaster preparedness. However, even in disaster-prone countries such as Japan, the kataribe system has not been fully established. Clarifying what kind of individuals comprise kataribe and the difficulties they face could lead to more effective support and contribute to mitigating the damage caused by unexpected disasters.

2 Materials and methods

2.1 Participants

This study was conducted in Fukushima Prefecture, which is the location of the FDNPP. A questionnaire was distributed to 21 groups, comprising 115 kataribe who were registered in Fukushima Prefecture at an office for united kataribe groups. Among the 115 questionnaires distributed to each kataribe group leader, 72 responses were received and included in the analysis (response rate: 62.6%). Among the respondents, 43 (59.7%) were female, 13 (18.1%) were in their teens, eight (11.1%) in their 20s, one (1.4%) in their 30s, two (2.8%) in their 40s, 11 (15.3%) in their 50s, 13 (18.1%) in their 60s, 20 (27.8%) in their 70s, and four (5.6%) in their 80s and over. The purpose of the study and ethical considerations were described in the questionnaire, and returning a completed survey was considered to indicate informed consent. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (No. 23102701), and authorization for the study was obtained at the registration office in Fukushima Prefecture.

2.2 Questionnaire

The questionnaire was developed based on previous studies conducted in Fukushima (Yasumura and Abe, 2017; Takamura et al., 2023) and other information obtained through private interviews with kataribe and their supporters. The questionnaire was designed to be completed in both paper and electronic format, according to the preference of the respondent. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, including sex, age, place of residence at the time of the disaster, and whether there were changes in living areas and occupations due to the GEJE and FDNPP accident. Furthermore, the participants were asked whether their current primary source of income included the activity of kataribe. The participants were also asked to select the most appropriate response from the options provided regarding the following type of disaster telled: how they joined the kataribe (self-initiated or recommended), position as a kataribe (group, private, or both), duration of their activity (1–4 years, 5–9 years, and ≥ 10 years), frequency of their activity (once per month, once every 2 weeks, or more than once per week), and whether they conducted storytelling at a regular place (yes or no).

We also asked about the difficulty of continuing as a kataribe using the following question: “Have you ever experienced difficulties continuing kataribe activities?” We then asked those who responded yes to select multiple reasons (e.g., being busy with a primary job, health issues, others). For those who chose “others,” we asked them to describe in free writing why it was difficult to continue the activity.

Because one of the purposes of the survey was to evaluate activities from the perspective of kataribe themselves, we asked whether they had assessed well-developed places of storytelling, training systems, and meeting for changing activity information. Further, we asked whether they felt that comprehensive social support was sufficient (yes or no). The participants were also asked about the motivation and experience needed to improve their skill as a kataribe, whether they wanted to improve their kataribe skills, whether they wanted to be more active, whether they wanted to learn about radiation, and whether they had participated in a skill-up seminar on kataribe (yes or no). Furthermore, we asked the participants to select multiple items from 11 options that they considered necessary to continue as a kataribe.

To assess their mental health, we included questions about life satisfaction and included the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) checklist (PCL-S) and the 3-item version of the University of Tokyo Health Sociology Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-3-UTHS). Satisfaction was evaluated by asking the following questions: “Are you satisfied with the activity of kataribe?,” “Did your life satisfaction change as a result of becoming a kataribe?,” and “Do you feel happy with your current life”?

The PCL-S is widely used to assess the severity of traumatic reactions and screen for PTSD. The PCL-S is psychometric, and its screening properties have been reported (Shiga et al., 2021; Wilkins et al., 2011). We used the standard cutoff of ≥12 as an indicator of mood/anxiety disorders, as defined in previous Japanese studies. The SOC-3-UTHS, which assesses the capacity to cope with stress, has been widely used in epidemiological and psychological investigations (Lundberg and Nyström, 1995; Togari et al., 2007). The SOC-3-UTHS is composed of three items rated on a seven-point Likert-type scale (possible score ranges from 3 to 21), with higher scores indicating a stronger sense of coherence and ability to cope with stress.

2.3 Statistical analysis

The chi-square test was used to assess differences between the difficulty of continuing kataribe activities and each question item. Logistic analysis was used to evaluate each kataribe system’s independent association with the difficulty of continuing the storytelling activity. Age and sex were included as adjustment factors in each model. All data were statistically analyzed using SPSS Statistics 29.0 (IBM Armonk, New York, NY, United States), with the level of statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

3 Results

3.1 Basic attributes

Of the 72 participants, 47 (65.3%) experienced the GEJE in Hamadori, 18 (25.0%) in Nakadori, two (2.8%) in Aizu, and five (6.9%) outside of Fukushima. In addition, 25 (34.7%) of the respondents had changed their residence and moved to a different district from where they had been during the disaster. Further, 29 (40.3%) had changed occupations because of the disaster, and only seven (9.7%) earned their primary income from kataribe activities. The results of a chi-square test indicated that only the occupation had changed because the disaster influenced the difficulties experienced in continuing kataribe activities (Table 1).

Table 1

Table 1. Characteristics of kataribe in Fukushima related to the difficulty of continuing storytelling activities.

3.2 Characteristics of the kataribe

In total, 35 (48.6%) participants had joined the kataribe via self-initiation. Regarding position, 39 (54.2%) belonged to a group, 12 (16.7%) were privately active, and 21 (29.1%) were active both in a group and privately. The duration of kataribe activity was as follows: 38 (53.5%) had been active for 1–4 years, 15 (21.1%) for 5–9 years, and 18 (25.4%) for ≥ 10 years. Regarding the frequency of storytelling, 36 (52.2%) responded once per month, 19 (27.5%) once every 2 weeks, and 14 (20.3%) more than once per week. Moreover, 60 (83.3%) had a place where they regularly told a story (Table 1). Regarding topics, 62 (86.1%) participants talked about the GEJE, 56 (77.8%) about the tsunami, and 54 (75.0%) about the FDNPP accident. Table 2 shows the details regarding the combinations of stories about disasters. The most common patterns included three disasters, such as the GEJE, tsunami, and FDNPP disaster in one story (58.3%, n = 42), followed by the tsunami and GEJE (16.7%, n = 12), the GEJE and FDNPP disaster (8.3%, n = 6), only the FDNPP disaster (6.9%, n = 5), and various disaster patterns.

Table 2

Table 2. Details of the combination patterns of stories about disasters.

3.3 Difficulties experienced when continuing as a kataribe

Among the 72 participants, about half (n = 32; 44.4%) reported experiencing difficulties continuing as a kataribe. The most common reason given was feeling unsuitable as a kataribe (n = 9; 29.0%), followed by health issues (n = 7; 22.6%), financial problems (n = 6; 19.4%), restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 5; 16.1%), and busy with a primary job (n = 4; 12.9%) (Figure 1).

Figure 1

Figure 1. Reasons for experiencing difficulties in continuing as a kataribe (multiple responses).

Seventeen respondents selected “other” and provided free-writing responses, which were analyzed using content analysis and divided into the following five categories (Table 3): “Lack of disaster experience,” “Lack of understanding,” “Lack of transportation,” “Lack of salary,” and “Others”.

Table 3

Table 3. Content analysis of the difficulties experienced by continuing as a kataribe (free writing; others).

“Lack of disaster experience” included five descriptions and indicated the inability to continue as a kataribe because they had experienced less severe disaster damage than others.

I did not experience the tsunami casually. Further, I did not experience the death of my family after the GEJE. So I cannot tell a more touching story than other victims. I do not have confidence in my story.

“Lack of understanding” included four data descriptions and indicated being unable to obtain the understanding as a kataribe from the audience.

I tried to make an understandable and touching story, but it was difficult based on my disaster experience and skills. I was very shocked when someone said to me after my storytelling, “Your talk was difficult to understand. What did you want to convey to us about the disaster experience?

“Lack of transportation” included three data descriptions and indicated those who did not have sufficient transportation to go to the venue of the kataribe activity.

The venue for delivering the storytelling was not always a well-transported area. I do not have a driving license. So, I could not get there on time without not only public transportation, but also special support.

“Lack of salary” included two data descriptions and indicated those who could not obtain enough of a reward as a kataribe.

The kataribe activity does not provide enough of a reward. Generally, as volunteers, clients in Japanese society tend to ask us for no fee. It was a tough situation. I want more people to listen to my story and have knowledge about the disaster. But if I energetically perform a storytelling activity, it interferes with my main job, and I cannot make a living.

“Others” was categorized according to three different meanings and descriptions.

“Due to a health issue in my family, I could not continue the activity,” “I was beginning to feel unwell because of aging, so I refrained from the activity,” and “I could not gather enough information on where and who needed kataribe”.

3.4 Evaluating the social system of kataribe

In total, 90.0% of the respondents evaluated the places for storytelling as well prepared [yes: n = 41 (58.6%); probably yes: n = 22 (31.4%)], and 72.8% responded that the storytelling training system was also good [yes: n = 29 (41.4%), probably yes: n = 22 (31.4%)]. In addition, 81.4% evaluated the meeting place for exchanging information about their latest activity as well organized [yes: n = 26 (37.1%), probably yes: n = 31 (44.3%)], and 63.2% (n = 43) responded that social support for their storytelling activity was well prepared (Table 4).

Table 4

Table 4. Evaluating the social system of the kataribe in relation to the difficulty of continuing activities.

Logistic regression analysis revealed that each social system evaluation was independently associated with the difficulty of continuing a storytelling activity. The variance inflation factor (VIF) of all selected variances was < 10 (all VIF values were between 1 and 2), and no serious multicollinearity was observed. A major finding of this study was the low evaluation of comprehensive social support for storytelling and how it independently influenced the difficulty of continuing the storytelling activity [odds ratio (OR) = 5.42, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.75–16.8, p < 0.01]. Furthermore, the lack of a meeting place for exchanging information about their latest activity (OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.31–5.56, p < 0.01), the lack of a place for a kataribe activity (OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.11–5.15, p < 0.05), and the lack of a training system (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.10–3.60, p < 0.05) were all independently associated with the difficulty of continuing a storytelling activity (Table 5).

Table 5

Table 5. Independent associations with the difficulty of continuing kataribe activities.

3.5 Motivation to continue as a kataribe

Regarding the motivation to improve storytelling skills, 58 (89.2%) of the respondents indicated that they wanted to improve their storytelling skills, while 56 (78.9%) wanted to be more proactive in their activity. Furthermore, 64 (90.1%) of the respondents wanted to acquire more knowledge about radiation regardless of whether they were talking about the FDNPP accident. In total, 45 (62.5%) respondents had participated in a skill-up seminar for kataribe. Regarding ambition as a kataribe, the only significant difference observed was between the group that had experienced difficulties in continuing as a kataribe and the group that wanted to be more proactive in their activity (p = 0.02) (Table 6).

Table 6

Table 6. Ambition and mental health as a kataribe in relation to the difficulty of continuing activities.

Table 7 shows the reasons considered necessary to continue storytelling activities. The most highly necessary thing was someone to listen to their story [n = 51 (70.8%)], followed by a place where they could tell their story [n = 42 (58.3%)], people or organizations for coordinating their storytelling [n = 36 (50.0%)], physical strength [n = 34 (47.2%)], financial support [n = 28 (38.9%)], someone to accept the contents of the story [n = 26 (36.1%)], and spreading information about the kataribe [n = 25 (34.7%)]. By contrast, evaluations [n = 17 (23.6%)], comments [n = 16 (22.2%)], and professional advice [n = 12 (16.7%)] were needed less than the other things related to storytelling.

Table 7

Table 7. Things necessary to continue storytelling activities.

3.6 Satisfaction and mental health

Approximately 80% of the kataribe in Fukushima were satisfied with their storytelling activity [yes: n = 28 (40.0%); probably yes: n = 30 (42.9%)]. Almost all of the participants [n = 68 (98.6%)] felt that their life satisfaction had improved as a result of beginning storytelling. Furthermore, 62 (88.6%) of the participants felt happy with their lives at the time of the survey. On the other hand, three respondents (4.2%) reported having a traumatic response. The SOC-3-UTHS score (mean ± standard deviation) of the kataribe was 15.5 ± 3.9. No differences in SOC-3-UTHS scores were found between those who had and those who had not experienced difficulties continuing as a kataribe (p = 0.767) (Table 6).

4 Discussion

This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of kataribe in Fukushima after a triple disaster that included the Earthquake, Tsunami and FDNPP accident. There are many kataribe in Japan (Nagata et al., 2022; Tanaka et al., 2019). However, Fukushima is the only area that was directly affected by the FDNPP accident. The present findings highlight the importance of protecting opportunities to convey valuable lessons directly from the perspective of victims as kataribe.

4.1 Difficulties experienced as a kataribe

Approximately 40% of the study participants had experienced difficulties in continuing as a kataribe. One of the most useful findings of the study was that the most common reason for experiencing difficulties in continuing as a kataribe was a loss of self-confidence due to self-evaluation as opposed to financial reasons or health problems. The findings also revealed that the kataribe were sensitive to evaluations from audiences, and that a lack of understanding or a negative evaluation inhibited them from continuing as a kataribe. It has been shown that kataribe who explain disasters and their experiences tend to have three types of difficulties: technical, psychological, and social (Nishisaka and Furuya, 2018).

On the other hand, the findings indicated that kataribe need support to continue their activities, such as someone to listen, a place to tell their stories, and coordination for storytelling. Interestingly, few kataribe indicated a need for evaluations, commentary, or professional advice about their stories. On the other hand, although the number of participants was small, we found that those who had experienced difficulties continuing their work were statistically more likely to seek advice from a professional compared with those who had not. It is necessary to prepare a consultation system for kataribe who want to seek advice. It is also important to understand that some kataribe feel inferior because of a lack of miserable disaster experience. Allowing them to share their stories by coordinating places and people who can listen to them could provide useful support.

4.2 High motivation and support for kataribe

While the present study revealed that kataribe did not need advice to continue their storytelling activities, they were highly motivated to improve their skills and learn more about radiation. Most of the participants wanted to “improve their storytelling skills” and “acquire scientific knowledge about radiation.” However, only about 60% of the participants had experience attending skill-up seminars. A previous study also revealed that despite a strong desire to gain scientific knowledge, they had fewer opportunities to learn about scientific evidence regarding how these disasters were triggered by natural hazards (Matsuki, 2024).

In particular, this study targeted Fukushima, which was the only area directly affected by the FDNPP accident. In Fukushima Prefecture, there are still areas designated as “difficult to return zones,” where access is restricted because of radioactive materials (Fukushima Prefectural Government, 2025). In addition, there is still deep-rooted anxiety about the health effects of radiation exposure among not only residents of Fukushima, but also the general population (Nakayama et al., 2019), even though international organizations have clearly stated that no adverse health effects have been observed in Fukushima (UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, 2022). Among the participants, 75.0% talked about the FDNPP accident in their stories. For kataribe to convey accurate knowledge about radiation and its health effects and help prevent the spread of unnecessary reputational damage, education on radiation and other scientific evidence are needed.

4.3 Mental health of the kataribe

Kataribe are both information providers and victims of a tragic accident. It has been reported that immediately after a disaster (within 1 month), victims tend to experience a state of negative emotions, such as awareness of death, various negative reactions such as anger and depression, and survivor’s guilt (Longmuir and Vincent, 2021). Furthermore, evacuees from areas affected by a nuclear accident have been shown to have prolonged mental health problems. In particular, it has been reported that people who have experienced a nuclear disaster tend to experience a prolonged deterioration of mental health and high levels of psychological distress because of a fear of the health effects of radiation (Murakami et al., 2019).

On the other hand, the participants in the present study were better than average in terms of improved mental health after the disaster. Emotional support, changes in the environment, work, religion, hobbies, time, and past adversity were related to other types of psychological recovery (Tanaka et al., 2019). Furthermore, sharing one’s own experiences has been reported to improve mental health (Tanaka et al., 2020). This is referred to as “narrative therapy,” which can help survivors overcome difficult experiences by allowing them to talk about and interpret such experiences (Nagamatsu et al., 2021). In the present study, 98.6% of the participants reported that their life satisfaction was improved after starting kataribe activities. These results suggest that discussing their experiences may help prevent the worsening of mental health among survivors.

4.4 Characteristics of the kataribe

Kataribe in Fukushima Prefecture have been sharing their experiences and lessons learned from disasters for not only tourism, but also education as increasing motivation for disaster prevention among all generations and various backgrounds (Fukushima Prefecture, Lifelong Learning Division, Culture and Sports Bureau, 2023). Storytelling about the disaster revealed that it has two major functions: public disaster education and promoting recovery to enhance the resilience of the community (Kargillis et al., 2014). In this study, 83.0% of the participants had a place where they could regularly tell their stories; however, the frequency of such activities varied. In addition, only 25.4% of the kataribe had been continuing their activities for ≥ 10 years, suggesting the difficulty of continuing storytelling. On the other hand, kataribe positively evaluated the surrounding social resources. While it is necessary to establish social resources, it is also necessary to develop projects and support to help them maintain their motivation.

4.5 Limitations

This study has several limitations. First, we could not follow up with individuals who did not continue kataribe activities for several reasons after the FDNPP accident. Second, these studies carefully investigated the situation of kataribe in Fukushima Prefecture after the GEJE; however, the GEJE caused damage in not only Fukushima, but also Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures. Therefore, the findings of this study may differ from those of other regions that have not been affected by a nuclear accident. Although Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures are adjacent to Fukushima and face the Pacific Ocean, they were not directly affected by the FDNPP accident. Finally, this study focused on kataribe who learned lessons from a nuclear accident in Japan. Storytellers exist all over the world, and they each have a historical background that likely influences their motivations and responsibilities. However, these data are limited, so we could not conduct a detailed analysis. It would be meaningful to study the roles and potential of storytellers in the modern era, which is characterized by the evolution of the Internet and artificial intelligence.

5 Conclusion

In this study, we investigated the characteristics and difficulties of continuing as a kataribe in Fukushima Prefecture. The results revealed that most kataribe were satisfied with their current activities, expressed a strong desire to continue, and were highly motivated to improve their skills. On the other hand, about half of the participants experienced difficulties in continuing as a kataribe, and it was found that there was a lack of confidence in themselves, social understanding, and economic support. In summary, the findings of this study indicate that kataribe, who promote disaster prevention measures based on their experiences and lessons learned from tragic disasters, not as experts but as peer supporters, are diverse traditional resources that need to be preserved.

Data availability statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author/s.

Ethics statement

Written informed consent was obtained from the individual(s), and minor(s)’ legal guardian/next of kin, for the publication of any potentially identifiable images or data included in this article.

Author contributions

HM: Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Investigation, Writing – original draft. SY: Conceptualization, Data curation, Writing – review & editing. YK: Methodology, Writing – review & editing. MO: Validation, Writing – review & editing. NT: Supervision, Validation, Writing – review & editing.

Funding

The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum mission research fund.

Acknowledgments

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the kataribe of Fukushima Prefecture who participated in this study, and to Koichi Moriai, Director of Social Education, Lifelong Learning Division, Fukushima Prefectural Culture and Sports Bureau (at the time of the study), who coordinated the research.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Generative AI statement

The authors declare that no Gen AI was used in the creation of this manuscript.

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