4 disaster-hit prefectures urge continued gov't aid

4 disaster-hit prefectures urge continued gov't aid

TOKYO, Japan - Leaders of four prefectures in northeastern Japan ravaged by the 2011 disaster present a joint request to Reconstruction Minister Takumi Nemoto (extreme R) for continuation of intensive government support for reconstruction work in Tokyo on July 10, 2014. (From L) Vice Governor Yuji Aoyama of Aomori, Vice Governor Fumio Murata of Fukushima, Governor Takuya Tasso of Iwate and Governor Yoshihiro Murai of Miyagi.

U.N. panel on radiation chief Larsson visits Fukushima

U.N. panel on radiation chief Larsson visits Fukushima

FUKUSHIMA, Japan - Carl-Magnus Larsson (R), chair of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, talks with Fukushima Vice Governor Fumio Murata at the Fukushima prefectural government offices in Fukushima on May 28, 2014. Larsson handed over to Murata the Japanese version of the committee's report on the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. The report has concluded that radiation from the disaster is unlikely to cause any increase in cancer or health problems.

U.N. panel on radiation chief Larsson visits Fukushima

U.N. panel on radiation chief Larsson visits Fukushima

FUKUSHIMA, Japan - Carl-Magnus Larsson (R), chair of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, speaks to reporters at the Fukushima prefectural government offices in Fukushima on May 28, 2014, after handing over to Fukushima Vice Governor Fumio Murata the Japanese version of the committee's report on the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. The report has concluded that radiation from the disaster is unlikely to cause any increase in cancer or health problems.

Fukushima inks renewable energy pact with German state

Fukushima inks renewable energy pact with German state

DUSSELDORF, Germany - Vice Gov. Fumio Murata (2nd from R) of Fukushima Prefecture shakes hands with North Rhine-Westphalia Environment Minister Johannes Remmel on Feb. 10, 2014, in Dusseldorf, Germany, after signing a cooperation agreement to introduce German technology for renewable energy in the Japanese prefecture that hosts the Fukushima nuclear power plant crippled by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Seven & i to forge capital, business alliance with Francfranc operator

Seven & i to forge capital, business alliance with Francfranc operator

TOKYO, Japan - Noritoshi Murata (R), president and chief operating officer of Seven & I Holdings Co., and Fumio Takashima, president of BALS Corp., operator of the Francfranc store chain, shake hands during a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 25, 2013, at which they announced that the two companies will conclude a capital and business alliance.

Chinese tourists in Fukushima

Chinese tourists in Fukushima

IWAKI, Japan - Fukushima Vice Gov. Fumio Murata (C) and Chinese tourists make a toast at Spa Resort Hawaiians, a leisure complex in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, on May 20, 2012. The tourists were part of the first tour group from the Chinese mainland to visit the prefecture since the March 2011 disaster.