Commerce organizations from the three municipalities of Ofunato, Rikuzentakata and Sumita (an area on the southern coast of Iwate commonly called the Kesen region) came together on May 14th to voluntarily form the Kesen Regional ILC Promotion Council. They will hold seminars on the ILC as well as work to boost enthusiasm for the project in Kesen.

A kick-off ceremony was held in a hotel in Ofunato City, where around 110 people attended from various commerce organizations. Former Diet member (House of Councilors) Hon. Yoshinobu Fujiwara was elected as chair.

Should the ILC be realized, the port in Ofunato would be used to receive and store parts for its construction, leading to further development of the region. Hon. Fujiwara talked about how important this new council would be: “Raising interest in the ILC in the Kesen area will be an appeal to the rest of the world.”

The Council will periodically hold seminars on the ILC. They will work to increase understanding of the benefits of the ILC, as well as boost enthusiasm for its realization.