Fukushima Prefecture is working toward the realization of a hydrogen society. While many challenges remain, people across the region are thinking for themselves and driving improvements in their respective fields. This episode takes a closer look at their efforts and the determination behind them.
It has been fifteen years since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Fukushima is working on future-focused urban development using hydrogen as a new energy source to phase out nuclear power, and in 2021 it partnered with Toyota to support this vision. Toyota Times News has continued to follow this journey.
This time, Yuta Tomikawa visited Namie Town in Fukushima Prefecture. The town is promoting the “Namie Hydrogen Town Concept,” advancing hydrogen use across various sectors as it works toward both a hydrogen society and a zero-carbon city.
This year marks the fifth year of the Namie Hydrogen Festival and the beginning of hydrogen tourism, where people can learn about hydrogen while touring the area. In Namie, companies and research institutions conduct demonstration experiments with hydrogen, allowing tour participants to see real-life applications and learn how hydrogen is being used.
Around 80 percent of Namie remains designated as a Difficult-to-Return Zone. Mayor Eiko Yoshida says, “I hope people will come and see how this disaster-affected region is moving forward through hydrogen initiatives — and witness the Fukushima of today.”
One major barrier to achieving a hydrogen society is the high cost of operations. Nemoto Tsusho, a company that operates hydrogen stations in Iwaki City, Fukushima, consulted with Toyota about reducing those costs. Employees underwent training at the Motomachi Plant, where efforts to lower station operating costs are actively being tested. The company now aims to cut expenses by performing scheduled maintenance in-house instead of outsourcing it.
President Katsuyori Nemoto smiled as he said, “Reducing operating costs is a challenge for all hydrogen stations in Japan. If we can make even a small improvement and promote it to all of Japan from Iwaki, I’ll be happy and I think my staff will be even happier.”
In October 2025, the Renewable Energy Industrial Fair was held in Koriyama City, Fukushima, bringing together several companies promoting hydrogen use. Fukushima Governor Masao Uchibori said, “After experiencing a nuclear accident, Fukushima is in an ideal position to lead efforts in achieving a hydrogen society. By expanding our circle of partners with Toyota, we hope to spread hydrogen from Fukushima to Japan and eventually the world.”
The circle of hydrogen adoption continues to expand, driven by collaboration between Fukushima and Toyota.
Toyota Times News has continued to spotlight Fukushima’s initiatives in past features. Don’t miss these previous episodes.