On January 21st, Consul Justin Tull of the United States Consulate General in Sapporo has an opinion exchange session with local residents of Oshu City about efforts to invite the International Linear Collider. As realizing the project requires international cooperation between Japan and other countries including the United States, local people from the construction candidate site showcased their enthusiasm for the project and efforts to accommodate new international residents.
The discussion was held at Hada Regional Center in Mizusawa ward, close to the Kitakami Mountains (Kitakami Highlands) candidate site, with about 20 people including the head of Hada Regional Development Association Kenju Sato and members from Oshu International Relations Association, Iwate Prefecture and Oshu City.
Mr. Sato explained what was special about the area, saying “Researchers can work in a rich natural environment, and there is a large expanse of land around the shinkansen station. We are studying what we local people can do to receive international residents.” The Oshu International Relations Association explained their activities including medical interpretation for international residents.