チェルノブイリへのかけはし

Non‐Profit Organization Kakehashi (Bridge) to Chernobyl

1. Established: 8 April 1992

The executive office situated in Sapporo, Hokkaido.
The organization was founded mainly by a group of housewives.

2. Purpose: Relief efforts focusing on children and other victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster

The main activities involve inviting the afflicted to Japan for health and recuperation.
The organization’s statute was amended in 2011 to include victims of any nuclear power related disaster.
The organization is also no longer able to invite children from Belarus to stay in Japan and is instead continuing to offer financial support. The focus has shifted to providing relief to victims of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan and raising awareness for their cause.

3. Chernobyl Youth Victims Supported: Between 1992 and 2010, 648 children were brought from Belarus to Japan for recuperation

Since 2011, visits from Belarusian children are no longer facilitated by the organization.
Now the organization assists with the recuperation of mothers and children living in contaminated areas of Japan.

4. Cultural Exchange Projects

a. Belarus
Performances by International cultural exchange troupe ‘Manjushaka’ in Belarus:
1999 Visits to contaminated areas and the current residences of evacuees from Chernobyl
2006 Commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster
2011 Japan Foundation annual grant program, commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster
2014 Prayers for Peace performance with participants from the Republic of Belarus, Ukraine and the Russian Federation
2015 Invitation from the Republic of Belarus

b. Collaboration with the volunteer exchange program between Canada and Hokkaido
2004 Reception of observation group
2006 Reception of observation group
2008 Volunteers sent to Canada

5. Public Recognition and Grants Received

1994 Awarded the 17th Annual Hokkaido Youth Science and Culture Prize, International Exchange category
1995 Grant received from Daihyaku Seimei Friendship Foundation for continued learning
1997 Grant received from Akaihane Community Chest
2004 Grant received from Akiyama Life Science Foundation for activities contributing to society
2005 Received citizen activity grant from Toyota Foundation, publishing division for “The weighing scales of love and radiation”
Awarded “Citizens of Earth Prize” by the Japan Foundation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
2011 Grant received from the Japan Foundation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) for performance by International cultural exchange troupe ‘Manjushaka’ for the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster
2012 Received thank-you letter from the Ministry of Defense for “Prayer of a Thousand Cranes” Project
2014 Received “Contribution to Society” award from FESCO (Foundation for of Social Contribution)

6. From 2011 onwards: Activity following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster

a. Japan
Mass health consultation led by a medical doctor (over 500 attendees)
Medical practitioner exchange program between Japan and Belarus (9 medical doctors as participants)
Relocation and temporary evacuation of mothers and children affected by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, as well as conducting educational lectures
Thyroid examinations and analysis of urine for cesium levels
Publication of materials
Issuing correspondence
Telephone consultations

b. Belarus
Financial assistance to NGOs and aid performances

7. Health Preservation Research

Acquisition of whole body counters (Belarus) and analysis of cesium levels before and after temporary evacuation/recuperation
Introduction of antioxidants and effective microorganisms into health preservation strategies

8. Funding

Operating costs are covered by fund-raising activities such as bazaars.
The organization issues annual correspondence. Those interested in receiving these communications are encouraged to register.