On March 11, 2026, Japan observed the 15th anniversary of the devastating earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster that struck its northeastern coast. A magnitude 9.0 earthquake hit at 2:46 p.m., resulting in over 22,000 deaths and displacing nearly half a million people, primarily due to tsunami destruction. The disaster caused widespread damage, with more than 1 million homes, schools, and offices impacted in Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, and other coastal areas.
In the aftermath, approximately 160,000 people evacuated their homes in Fukushima due to radiation released from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which was severely damaged by the tsunami. To date, around 26,000 individuals have yet to return to their homes, either because they relocated elsewhere, are still prohibited from returning to their towns, or harbor ongoing fears related to radiation exposure.
During the anniversary observance, a moment of silence was held at 2:46 p.m., marking the exact time of the quake. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attended a ceremony in Fukushima, promising to accelerate recovery efforts in the region over the next five years while emphasizing the importance of learning from the catastrophe's significant lessons. Takaichi is advocating for the restart of nuclear reactors and seeking to enhance nuclear power as a consistent energy source, in line with a policy reversal enacted in 2022 that ended a decade-long phase-out of nuclear energy.
In mourning, some residents from the most affected areas ventured to the coast to pray for their deceased loved ones and for those whose remains remain unidentified. Despite the restoration of key infrastructure, communities and local economies in the disaster-stricken regions have struggled to recover fully, with many feeling the long-term effects of the disaster.
The Fukushima Daiichi plant suffered catastrophic failures, losing its power and cooling functions, leading to meltdowns in three of its six reactors. These reactors are estimated to contain at least 880 tons of melted fuel debris; however, details of their condition remain elusive due to the extensive and hazardous radiation present. Plans for comprehensive removal of the melted fuel debris have been postponed until 2037 or later. Recent activities at Unit 1, which received a new roof, will see workers begin removing debris from the top floor, with plans for spent fuel removal from its cooling pool set to commence around 2027-2028.
Additionally, ongoing decontamination efforts have generated a significant quantity of slightly radioactive soil, enough to fill 11 baseball stadiums. The government has pledged to manage this soil, exploring its use in public works projects such as road construction; however, these endeavors have encountered significant public opposition.
