Observations of educational tourism utilizing dark tourism-emphasizing human interactions within recovering communities.

Abstract

As Fukushima grapples with ongoing challenges related to reputational damage, it is becoming increasingly imperative to establish an effective means for global audiences to access, comprehend, and support the region's recovery efforts. To achieve this, Fukushima Prefecture has been strategically organizing educational tours tailored for international visitors, operating under the umbrella of ``Hope Tourism.'' These tours aim to bring about positive change by dispelling negative perceptions, offering a nuanced understanding of Fukushima's ongoing revitalization, and fostering connections between visitors and local residents. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of such tourism by providing an overview of Hope Tourism and addressing the reputational challenges faced by the prefecture. It will illustrate how experiences in Dark Tourism can effectively reshape a region's place identity, and serve as a proactive measure to alter perceptions of visitors to disaster-affected communities. Additionally, the study will analyze the learning outcomes of Hope Tourism experiences through the Fukushima Ambassadors Program, a short-term study abroad initiative provided by Fukushima University since 2012, which incorporates elements of Dark Tourism. Through these analyses, this study seeks to offer insights into the potential of educational tourism as a tool for fostering global support and understanding in the face of reputational challenges.