Beach hit by major 2011 eastern Japan earthquake reopens after strong calls from residents

SENDAI — The Fukanuma swimming beach in Wakabayashi Ward, Sendai, reopened on Monday after being closed following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Families with children splashed in the water and shouted happily all day long.

According to the city’s tourism department, Fukanuma is the only beach in the city and about 47,000 people visited it in 2010. The beach was opened to swimmers after requests from residents, who urged its reopening.

The beach has a maximum capacity of 800 visitors as part of safety measures. If a tsunami or other warning is issued, beachgoers are directed to locations including the former Arahama Elementary School, about 600 meters away. The building has been preserved to pass on the memory of the disaster to future generations.

“Riding the waves is fun,” said a 7-year-old visiting from Miyagino Ward, Sendai. His mother, 35, said: “We can go to the evacuation area if there is an emergency.”

The beach is open from 9am to 4pm until August 18.