. >> this dekantor is the first object takahashi brought back. finding it helped him understand his team's mission. >> the idea came to me that this could be the only physical evidence that shows people did indeed live here. >> we followed takahashi on his team when they visited the restricted area in december. they went to a community hole that was used as an evacuation shelter shortly after the disaster. >> you really see the whole picture here how quickly people had to leave without having time to clean up. >> the residents were fleeing the radiation, the invisible threat is still a concern. >> takahashi and his team need to check the level of radiation for each item. only the one that meets safety standards can be taken back through the museum. these newspapers are okay. they carried details of the disaster. and were supposed to go out to readers march 12th. but they were abandoned before they gave him to takahashi. >> even our memories of the disaster are fading away gradually. i was only thinking that records of what happened must be passed

last month takahashi's team took 40 of the items on display.n though the items are inanimate visitors can feel their stories. >> i used to walk and jog in this neighborhood. it might sound like an exaggeration but a dream about this place. so in that sense i'm thankful mementos such as these have been preserved. >> reporter: even visitors from outside fukushima are impressed by the collection. >> translator: i feel these items directly convey how these people's lives were suddenly disconnected and how cruel their situation was. >> translator: some people may say these objects are part of a negative legacy. but it won't stay negative if we learn lessons and start working to build a better world. i'll be happy if the objects help lead to us a positive future. >> reporter: takahashi and his team want that too. so they'll continue to collect the objects, hoping to tell stories of an unprecedented disaster and its painful aftermath. jun yotsumoto, nhk world, fukushima. >>> people around the world offered tributes and prayers for japan as it marked t

takahashi showed them how sea weed is processed.e says face-to-face communication and firsthand experience is the best way to promote the area's marine product. >> reporter: takahashi says he's come to realize the things he's taken for granted are precious. >> translator: the disaster has brought all kinds of people to this area. and their views have opened my eyes to the reality that this place is truly beautiful. >> reporter: people are trying to rebuild their lives, despite the sorrow of having lost their loved ones. and still, for some others it's been harder to move forward. now all of this is leading to a discussion about what to do of things that were left after the tsunami, including this disaster prevention center. structures are gradually being torn down as reconstruction progresses. some people want to preserve such landmarks, while others want them removed. people here in minamisanriku are divided over this building. the divisions came to the surface in 2013 when town officials announced plans to tear the building down.