On a winter day in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, people were picking apples in an orchard that had recovered from the deadly March 2011 tsunami.

For the participants, too, the harvesting was a step toward recovery. It was part of a training camp to bring people who have failed to gain a foothold in the labor market even though they are in the prime of life.

"I have discovered the joy of moving my body," said participant Wataru Isomoto, 30. Since finishing graduate school, Isomoto has been looking for work for 1½ years. He said he was more optimistic after meeting others in his situation.