太陽光パネルによる景観悪化や光害に揺れる鳥取・智頭町　同じ問題抱える福島を描いた映画を上映

This is the official news channel of Fukushima Television. Please subscribe to our channel and watch the latest news from Fukushima Prefecture. #Fukushima #News A screening of "Theatrical Version of Kageru Shinro" (Shaking Course), produced by Fukushima Television, was held in Tottori Prefecture. This documentary follows Fukushima's "ideal" of shifting towards renewable energy after the lessons of the nuclear accident, and the "reality" of the friction caused by the rapidly expanding mega solar power plants. The background to the screening in Tottori was the friction surrounding renewable energy. ■Problems Facing Tottori and Fukushima Chizu Town, located in the southeastern part of Tottori Prefecture, has a population of approximately 6,000. It is one of the nation's leading forestry areas, and the high-quality "Chizu Cedar" has long supported the region's development. In late May, a screening of "Theatrical Version of Kageru Shinro," produced by Fukushima Television, was held in Chizu Town. One of the organizers of the screening, Associate Professor Hideki Inazu of the Faculty of Regional Studies at Tottori University, had a strong sense of concern. "This documentary truly shows how the problems happening in Chizu and those happening in Fukushima are interconnected, so I wanted to share it with as many people as possible and hope it could be an opportunity for them to think not only about the problems in Chizu, but also about Fukushima, Japan, and the world." ■ Conflict between the Solar Power Plant and Residents Construction of a solar power plant began in April 2026 in the Haji district of Chizu Town. The plan is to lay approximately 1,800 solar panels on land that has not been utilized since the factory closed about 20 years ago. This solar power plant has caused anxiety and distrust among residents. There are houses just a few meters from the construction site, and the noise is casting a shadow over their lives. Jun Imakura said, "I've been against it from the beginning, but this construction is going ahead. The installation work is so noisy, it's really bothering me." Izumi Imakura said, "The scenery is just awful. It looks terrible. It used to be such a peaceful and nice place, and I'm really angry that they've done this." ■So Close to Home… Residents’ Concerns Solar panels were “very close” to the field in front of the home of Yasushi Hirao, who cultivates vegetables as a hobby. Mr. Hirao said, “They’re only about 5-6 meters away. The company says there’s no need to worry about glare from the solar panels, but I think there is. I’m also worried about the glare and heat from the glare.” He has requested soundproofing and other measures from the company, but it hasn’t led to any improvement. "It’s just stressing me out. I wonder every day if it’s safe to wake up in the morning, if it’s safe to go and check on it," says Mr. Hirao. ■Right in Front of His Newly Opened Restaurant… Addressing these concerns is the “Chizu Life and Landscape Connection Association,” which also includes Associate Professor Inazu of Tottori University. Hajime Ishida, a local resident, heads the “Connection Association,” which was established in October 2025. After gaining experience in France and other places, he opened a restaurant in his hometown in 2018. The solar power plant is located across the river from his restaurant. Ms. Ishida said, "I never imagined they would actually build it right in front of my shop. When I told my customers, they were very disappointed. They said, 'It's a mega solar power plant. We enjoyed eating here surrounded by nature, and now we have to look at a mega solar power plant?'" ■We must speak up The "Tsunagu-kai" (Connecting Association) has been raising concerns about the deterioration of the landscape and disaster risks at resident briefings held by the developer. They have submitted a petition with signatures from approximately 2,400 people both inside and outside the town to the town government and have sent letters of inquiry to the developer. According to the developer, they aim to complete the construction by the end of September 2026. Representative Ms. Ishida said, "We have no choice but to do something. If we don't speak up, it will just continue, and it takes courage to speak up. We have the desire to 'connect the landscape and life of Chizu,' so we will continue to speak up and think about these issues whenever something comes up." ■ Business Operator: "Generally Accepted and Recognized" The business operator commented to Fukushima Television, "We are promoting the introduction of renewable energy to contribute to the sustainable development of the local community. We are aware that there are some concerns, but we believe that the surrounding residents are generally accepting." Meanwhile, Chizu Town plans to consider revising its landscape ordinance. ■ Learning Through Film Approximately 90 people attended the screening of "Kageru Shinro: The Movie," held amid...