TUESDAY February 17, 2026: '3.11 Fifteen Years Later' Photography by award winning ZUMA Press photographer Rodrigo Reyes Marin: Ahead of the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Accident, Fukushima Prefecture reflects on a decade and a half of challenges, resilience, and ongoing recovery after the devastating events of March 11, 2011. The area has gradually restored streets, homes, and community spaces while developing innovative industries focused on alternative energy and technology. Former and new residents are returning as towns reopen, agriculture gains renewed trust, and local traditions regain strength. However, the long-term decommissioning of the Daiichi nuclear plant remains a complex task that will continue for decades. Fukushima now stands as a symbol of both remembrance and forward-looking renewal as it approaches this memorial date. Welcome to '3.11 Fifteen Years Later'
© zReportage.com Issue #1028 Story of the Week Published: TUESDAY February 17, 2026: '3.11 Fifteen Years Later' Photography by award winning ZUMA Press photographer Rodrigo Reyes Marin: Ahead of the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Accident, Fukushima Prefecture reflects on a decade and a half of challenges, resilience, and ongoing recovery after the devastating events of March 11, 2011. The area has gradually restored streets, homes, and community spaces while developing innovative industries focused on alternative energy and technology. Former and new residents are returning as towns reopen, agriculture gains renewed trust, and local traditions regain strength. However, the long-term decommissioning of the Daiichi nuclear plant remains a complex task that will continue for decades. Fukushima now stands as a symbol of both remembrance and forward-looking renewal as it approaches this memorial date. Welcome to '3.11 Fifteen Years Later'
A woman wearing a face mask prays during the ninth anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami at the Peace on Earth memorial ceremony at Hibiya Park in Tokyo. Japan continues to honor the more than 22,000 people who died or went missing in the March 11, 2011, disaster. Even 15 years later, the event remains a deeply emotional moment of national remembrance.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
Japanese dancers perform during the 11th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami at the Peace On Earth memorial ceremony at Hibiya Park in Tokyo.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
A drummer plays the taiko drum during the 11th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami at the Peace On Earth memorial ceremony at Hibiya Park in Tokyo.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
Women wearing face masks pray during the ninth anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami at the Peace on Earth memorial ceremony at Hibiya Park in Tokyo. Japan continues to honor the more than 22,000 people who died or went missing in the March 11, 2011, disaster. Even 15 years later, the event remains a deeply emotional moment of national remembrance.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Wire
A member of staff collects small pieces of fish meat ((cut in 5mm pieces)) to analyze as part of the ''Analysis Procedure of the Emergency Environmental Radiation Monitoring on the marinade re-container'' at the headquarters of the Fukushima Agricultural Technology Centre. As of early 2026, concerns persist regarding radioactive contamination in fish near Fukushima due to ongoing treated water releases by TEPCO, though most market-bound fish are deemed safe.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Wire
A staff member points out the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and its reactors to visiting media at the Interim Storage Facility in Futaba Town. The plant faces a 30 to 40 year decommissioning process for removal of 880 tons of melted fuel from Units 1-3. While 2051 is the target for completion, high radiation levels and delays indicate a much longer and costly cleanup.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
A staff member monitors radiation levels with an SV-2000 radiation monitor (radiation meter) at the Interim Storage Facility in Futaba Town in Fukushima. The facility stores soil and waste removed during decontamination across Fukushima Prefecture, with around 14 million cubic meters transported as of early 2025.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
A worker selects fish for the Voluntary Inspection System for Radioactivity in Test Operations at the fish market of Onahama Port in Fukushima prefecture. As of early 2026, concerns persist regarding radioactive contamination in fish near Fukushima due to ongoing treated water releases by TEPCO, though most market-bound fish are deemed safe.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Wire
Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water storage tanks (total capacity: approx. 30,000 m3) at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Personnel of TEPCO explained the treated radioactive wastewater dilution and monitoring process before the release to the sea from the power station, managed by Tokyo Electric Power Company.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
TEPCO official MATSUO KEISUKE guides foreign media through the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water dilution/discharge facilities at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. A press tour by personnel of TEPCO explained the treated radioactive wastewater dilution and monitoring process before the release to the sea from the power station.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
Black bags with contaminated soil are seen outside the Toukichirougama workshop in the Obori District of Namie Town in Fukushima. Recent tests in 2025 show that roughly 75% of the stored soil has radioactivity levels low enough (equivalent to less than one X-ray per year) that the government considers it safe for recycling under specific conditions.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
Weeds cover an abandoned house in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture. Despite decontamination efforts and the lifting of evacuation orders in certain zones, many structures remain abandoned, creating a ''ghost town'' atmosphere in parts of the city.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
Weeds cover an abandoned house in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture. Despite decontamination efforts and the lifting of evacuation orders in certain zones, many structures remain abandoned, creating a ''ghost town'' atmosphere in parts of the city.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
Huge concrete coastal defense structures designed to stop future tsunami waves are a stark reminder of natures potential power near Ukedo Elementary School, which was hit by the tsunami in 2011.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
School students visit the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, which houses about 270,000 items from the area (before and after) relating to the disaster.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
Dust covered laptops inside the ruins of Ukedo Elementary School which remains a memorial to the 2011 disaster. The tsunami claimed 127 lives and left 27 missing in the local area. The building has been open to the public since 2021, as a preserved reminder of the 2011 triple disaster.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
The damaged classrooms at the Ukedo Elementary School are a time capsule and stand as they were immediately after the 2011 tsunami struck. While the students and staff evacuated safely, the surrounding community suffered heavy losses, with 127 confirmed dead and 27 missing. The building is preserved as a reminder for future generations.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
A Geiger counter for detecting and measuring ionizing radiation is seen outside at the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, which houses about 270,000 items from the area. Today radiation rates in the Fukushima region have significantly decreased due to decontamination, reaching levels comparable to other major global cities, according to the Fukushima Prefectural Government.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
A clock with hands stopped at 15:37 when the tsunami hit the Ukedo Elementary School in 2011. According to the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) on its Fukushima Nuclear Accidents Investigation Report 'the tsunami (second wave) that hit the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station site arrived between 15:35 to 15:36.' The building has been open to the public since 2021, as a preserved reminder of the disaster.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
An interior view of Ukedo Elementary School reveals the devastation caused by the 2011 disaster. While the students and staff evacuated safely, the surrounding community suffered heavy losses, with 127 confirmed dead and 27 missing. The building has been open to the public since 2021, as a preserved reminder of the earthquake and tsunami.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
Strawberry plants at the Smile Farm Co., Ltd., in Kawamata Town in Fukushima. The Ministry of Environment has highlighted the efforts of residents attempting to revive their traditional and technological industries. Japan conducts examinations using CODEX-based standards that are far stricter than those used by other countries. All Fukushima foodstuffs that are sold on the market and consumed have cleared these standards.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
GOKI TANIGUCHI, president of Smile Farm Co., Ltd., stands between strawberry plants in Kawamata Town in Fukushima. The Ministry of Environment of Japan (MOEJ) highlighted the efforts of residents attempting to revive their traditional and technological industries.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
A potter makes clay pottery at the Toukichirougama workshop in the Obori District of Namie Town in Fukushima. Japan's Ministry of Environment highlighted the efforts of residents attempting to revive their traditional industries.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
A potter makes clay pottery at the Toukichirougama workshop in the Obori District of Namie Town in Fukushima. The Ministry of Environment of Japan (MOEJ) highlighted the efforts of residents attempting to revive their traditional and technological industries.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
MASAMI ASANO, president of Asanonenshi Co., Ltd. at Futaba Super Zero Mill. A recent press tour by the Ministry of Environment of Japan (MOEJ) highlighted the efforts of residents attempting to revive their traditional and technological industries.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
A car drives past the vineyards at Tomioka Winery, a project launched in 2016 to support recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear accident. Built on volunteer-led grape cultivation and inspired by the Fukushima region's rich natural environment.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
The Futaba Business Incubation Community Center (F-BICC). The center and adjacent museum are pivotal in educating visitors about the disaster's impact. Located a mere 2.5 miles from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, these centers offer a unique perspective on the 2011 disaster, including personal stories from survivors that help emphasize the human aspect of the tragedy.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
Workers prepare food at the FUN EAT MARKERS, a complex designed to showcase local agriculture and produce in Fukushima. The facility connects visitors with the town through involvement in agricultural production and fresh, healthy dining, along with semi-outdoor and outdoor spaces.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
A view of the Fukushima Bioethanol Plant, where researchers produce next-generation bioethanol fuels using sorghum and other plants as raw materials. The facility is operated by the Next Generation Green CO2 Fuel Technology Research Association and funded by automakers and companies including Toyota, Suzuki, Mazda, Subaru, Daihatsu and ENEOS, to advance efforts toward a carbon-neutral society.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
The CREVA Okuma, an industrial exchange facility opened in 2025. Its name, combining ''CREATE'' and ''VALUE'' and echoing the phrase 'Come to Okuma,' with the hope that Fukushima residents will take pride in creating true value while also inviting visitors from outside the town.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
TAKUYA HARAGUCHI, head of ReFruits at his farm in Okuma Town. After agricultural training at a mandarin orange farm and work with the Okuma Kiwi Revival Club, Haraguhi began exploring how agriculture could help support the town's renewal and started ReFruits, with a business partner who recently graduated from a university in Tokyo.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
An employee works at Tomioka Winery's vineyards in Fukushima. The winemaker began grape cultivation in 2016 with the help of volunteers from the town and planted about 10,000 wine grape vines on 3.8 hectares of vineyards in 2023, expanding every year.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
Bottles of wine are on sale at The Tomioka Winery store in Fukushima. The winemaker began grape cultivation in 2016 with the help of volunteers from the town and planted about 10,000 wine grape vines on 3.8 hectares of vineyards in 2023, expanding every year.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
A worker at the vegetable cultivation room in the FUN EAT MARKERS, a complex designed to showcase local agriculture and food. The facility connects visitors with the town through involvement in agricultural production and fresh, healthy dining along with semi-outdoor and outdoor spaces.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
Vine tomatoes grow in the cultivation room at the FUN EAT MARKERS, a complex designed to showcase local agriculture and food. The facility connects visitors with the town through involvement in agricultural production and fresh, healthy dining.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
A view of Fukushima Institute for Research, Education and Innovation (F-REI), a national corporation for the reconstruction of the Tohoku region, including Fukushima. Ahead of the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Accident, Fukushima Prefecture reflects on a decade and a half of challenges.
© Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Press Wire
