Koriyama

Koriyama officials contacted nuclear experts and were told that removing a layer of topsoil from school grounds could reduce radiation levels, because cesium tends to collect in the top layers.

Radiation Cleanup Confounds Japan Yumiko Ono 2011

Thirty miles away from Japan's crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, the residents of Koriyama are on a mission to help rid their town of harmful radioactive materials.

Radiation Cleanup Confounds Japan Yumiko Ono 2011

"I want the people who have left to come back, and to make Koriyama's economy vibrant again," he said.

Radiation Cleanup Confounds Japan Yumiko Ono 2011

Of the four areas in Koriyama tracked by the education ministry, the highest radiation level currently detected is 9.8 millisieverts per year.

Radiation Cleanup Confounds Japan Yumiko Ono 2011

Koriyama initially planned to bury the soil in a city landfill, but local residents objected.

Radiation Cleanup Confounds Japan Yumiko Ono 2011

Some Koriyama residents feel more action is needed.

Radiation Cleanup Confounds Japan Yumiko Ono 2011

Mr. Kan traveled to Tamura and Koriyama, cities about 50 kilometers and 60 kilometers from the plant, for a low-key visit without speeches or news conferences.

Anger Greets Kan in Fukushima Trip Toko Sekiguchi 2011

Getty Images Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, left, shakes hands with an evacuee at a shelter at Koriyama city in Fukushima prefecture on April 21.

Anger Greets Kan in Fukushima Trip Toko Sekiguchi 2011

Last month, Miyary visited the city of Koriyama in Fukushima to meet with the Koriyama city's mascot.

City in Japan Tries New Tack on Old Problem Mariko Sanchanta 2011

Local officials In Koriyama say that, in April, one school detected radiation that would amount to more than 20 millisieverts over the course of a year.

Radiation Cleanup Confounds Japan Yumiko Ono 2011