to scuttle the negotiations. The party was abandoned, and no further serious attempts were made to continue with the merger. 2011 tsunami The village was spared from the devastation brought to other coastal communities following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami thanks to a floodgate that protected the town. The floodgate was built between 1972 and 1984 at a cost of ¥3.56 billion (approximately US$30 million in 2011) under the administration of Kotoku Wamura, the village mayor from 1947 to 1987. Initially derided as a waste of public funds, the floodgate protected the village and the inner cove from the worst of the tsunami waves. After the 2011 tsunami, the villagers gave thanks at Wamura's grave. The village's only casualty was one missing person who went to inspect his boat in the fishing port, located outside of the wall's protection, immediately after the earthquake. Government Fudai has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral village council of 14 members. Fudai, together with the city of Miyako, town of Iwaizumi and the villages of Tanohata and Yamada, collectively contributes three seats to the Iwate Prefectural legislature. In terms of national politics, the village is part of Iwate 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan. Economy The local economy is based on commercial fishing and agriculture. Education Fudai has one public elementary school and one public junior high school operated by the village government. The village does not have a high school. Transportation Railway Sanriku Railway – Rias Line - - Highway Local attractions Rikuchū-Kurosaki Light – one of the "50 Noteworthy Lighthouses of Japan" References External links Official Website Villages in Iwate Prefecture Populated coastal places in Japan