What Fukushima's Nuclear Exclusion Zone is Like Today

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Revisiting the Fukushima exclusion zone 12 years after the disaster, this video explores the ongoing recovery, the poignant reminders of the past, and the inspiring efforts to rebuild communities and change perceptions.

1 plan · 6 places · 3 experiences

Plan · 5 places · Fukushima, Japan

Fukushima Exclusion Zone: Past and Present

“This journey through the Fukushima exclusion zone takes you from the immediate impact at the seawall and Ido Elementary School, through the educational insights of the memorial museum, to the inspiring recovery efforts in Futaba and Namie, and finally to the still-affected areas of Tomioka. It's a comprehensive look at the region's complex reality.”

Experience · 1 place
Witnessing the Fukushima Daiichi Seawall
I came as close as possible to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor, standing on the seawall. There's a clear notice saying 'Nobody Beyond This Point Nuclear Disaster Zone,' so this is the closest you can get. It's a powerful, humbling experience to be here, seeing the site of so much history and ongoing recovery.
1
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Seawall
Hydroelectric power plant · Fukushima
4.0 (8)Closed
Creator's voice
This seawall marks the closest accessible point to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor. It's a poignant location, serving as a stark reminder of the 2011 disaster and the ongoing $200 billion cleanup effort. Access is restricted beyond this point.
Horai Power Station, Otaki Tatsugoyama, Fukushima, 960-1321, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Exploring the Preserved Ido Elementary School
Walking through Ido Elementary School, which was previously inaccessible, is a haunting reminder of the tsunami's power. You can see the collapsed ceilings, bent metal, and the almost completely destroyed Assembly Hall. The second story, however, remains untouched and is preserved with images of the fateful day, including a chalkboard with messages from well-wishers and self-defense forces. It's a powerful way to understand the immediate impact of the disaster.
2
Ido Elementary School
Creator's voice
Ido Elementary School stands as a permanent, poignant reminder of the 2011 tsunami. The school was almost completely destroyed by the 15-meter wave, which reached its second floor. It's now reopened as a memorial, preserving the damage and the stories of that day, including student messages on blackboards and images from the aftermath. It's the only remaining structure from the town of Ido.
Fukushima, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Learning at the Fukushima Disaster Memorial Museum
I visited the Fukushima Disaster Memorial Museum, which opened in 2020 to collect and store evidence of Fukushima's path to recovery. Here, I met Wakana Yokoyama, a former student of Ido Elementary School who escaped the tsunami and now works as a Storyteller. Her personal experience and the museum's exhibits offer a deep understanding of the disaster and the resilience of the people.
3
Fukushima Disaster Memorial Museum
Technology museum · Futaba
4.3 (3)Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
Creator's voice
Opened in 2020, this museum is dedicated to collecting and storing evidence of Fukushima's recovery journey. It serves as a vital educational center, sharing personal stories and documenting the region's path to revitalization after the 2011 disaster. It's located in Futaba.
The Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, Takada-39 Nakano, Futaba, Futaba District, Fukushima 979-1401, Japan
4
Superzero Towel Factory
Textile mill · Futaba
4.5Closed · opens tomorrow 10 AM
Creator's voice
The Superzero Towel Factory in Futaba is a symbol of the reconstruction effort, demonstrating the creation of new businesses and work opportunities in the area. It represents the crucial economic revitalization needed alongside physical decontamination to bring people back to the region.
Japan, 〒979-1401 Fukushima, Futaba District, Futaba, Nakano, Tatenouchi−1−1 浅野撚糸㈱フタバスーパーゼロミル・エアーかおる双葉丸
5
Namie Town
Namie
Creator's voice
Namie is a town where significant revitalization efforts are underway, led by individuals like Takahashi Dai. It's a place where new opportunities for work and trade are being created, art pieces are installed to liven up central hubs, and novel farming ideas are being explored to boost agriculture. The town showcases the strong will of people to rebuild and thrive within 10 km of the nuclear plant.
Namie, Futaba District, Fukushima, Japan

Also in this video

6
Tomioka Town
Tomioka
Tomioka is a town located in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 June 2023, the town had an estimated population of 1,326 in 5578 households and a population density of 19,4 persons per km², although the current actual resident population is considerably smaller than in 2010.
Tomioka, Futaba District, Fukushima, Japan
- Abandoned Pharmacy in Tomioka — This pharmacy was the opening shot of my documentary four years ago. It's a powerful image: a place meant to help people, now cordoned off with a dangerous radiation warning sign. It really captures the surreal and ongoing impact of the disaster in Tomioka.

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