EXPLORING FUKUSHIMA: This editorial collection contains news recorded from locations across the Tōhoku region of Japan, with a focus on Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures, from February to March of 2024. The purpose of the journalism project was to document the ongoing recovery and conditions in the region hit by the 3.11 triple disaster.

Milwaukee Independent has reported on the “Great East Japan Earthquake” over the years with particular interest, since a staff member’s home was lost on that day. After the Noto Earthquake struck on January 1, 2024, the editorial team decided that after 13 years it was time to directly cover the anniversary of the March 11, 2011 tragedy. The result of the assignment was a 33-part series, featuring a total of almost 1,700 original images and historic photos.

Journey to Japan: A photojournalist’s diary from the ruins of Tōhoku 13 years later

Timeline of Tragedy: A look back at the long struggle since Fukushima’s 2011 triple disaster

New Year’s Aftershock: Memories of Fukushima fuels concern for recovery in Noto Peninsula

Lessons for future generations: Memorial Museum in Futaba marks 13 years since 3.11 Disaster

In Silence and Solidarity: Japan Remembers the thousands lost to earthquake and tsunami in 2011

Fukushima’s Legacy: Condition of melted nuclear reactors still unclear 13 years after disaster

Technical Hurdles for TEPCO: Critics question 2051 deadline for decommissioning Fukushima

Radioactive Waste: IAEA confirms water discharge from ruined nuclear plant meets safety standards

Seafood Safety: Profits surge as Japanese consumers rally behind Fukushima’s fishing industry

In the shadow of silence: Exploring Fukushima’s abandoned lands that remain frozen in time

Spiral Staircase of Life: Tōhoku museums preserve echoes of March 11 for future generations

Retracing Our Steps: A review of the project that documented nuclear refugees returning home

Noriko Abe: Continuing a family legacy of hospitality to guide Minamisanriku’s recovery

Voices of Kataribe: Storytellers share personal accounts of earthquake and tsunami in Tōhoku

Moai of Minamisanriku: How a bond with Chile forged a learning hub for disaster preparedness

Focus on the Future: Futaba Project aims to rebuild dreams and repopulate its community

Junko Yagi: Pioneering a grassroots revival of local businesses in rural Onagawa

Diving into darkness: The story of Yasuo Takamatsu’s search for his missing wife

Solace and Sake: Chūson-ji Temple and Sekinoichi Shuzo share centuries of tradition in Iwate

Heartbeat of Miyagi: Community center offers space to engage with Sendai’s unyielding spirit

Unseen Scars: Survivors in Tōhoku reflect on more than a decade of trauma, recovery, and hope

Running into history: The day Milwaukee Independent stumbled upon a marathon in Tokyo

Roman Kashpur: Ukrainian war hero conquers Tokyo Marathon 2024 with prosthetic leg

From Rails to Roads: BRT offers flexible transit solutions for disaster-struck communities

From Snow to Sakura: Japan’s cherry blossom season feels economic impact of climate change

Potholes on the Manga Road: Ishinomaki and Kamakura navigate the challenges of anime tourism

The Ako Incident: Honoring the 47 Ronin’s legendary samurai loyalty at Sengakuji Temple

“Shōgun” Reimagined: Ambitious TV series updates epic historical drama about feudal Japan

Enchanting Hollywood: Japanese cinema celebrates Oscar wins by Hayao Miyazaki and Godzilla

Toxic Tourists: Geisha District in Kyoto cracks down on over-zealous visitors with new rules

Medieval Healing: “The Tale of Genji” offers insight into mysteries of Japanese medicine

Aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi: Finding beauty and harmony in the unfinished and imperfect

Riken Yamamoto: Japanese architect wins Pritzker Prize for community-centric designs

Blue Eye Samurai: What the Netflix anime series gets right and wrong about Japan’s Edo-period

Nishimura Mako: A unique journey of identity for the only woman invited to join the notorious yakuza

Machizukuri: How decorating Japanese manhole covers created a marketplace for nostalgia

Cities in Japan where Milwaukee Independent reported from include – MIYAGI PREFECTURE: ⁨Ishinomaki, Kesennuma, Kurihara, Minamisanriku, Onagawa, Osaki, Sendai, Tome, Watari, IWATE PREFECTURE: ⁨Hiraizumi, Ichinoseki⁩, FUKUSHIMA PREFECTURE: Arahama, Arai, Futaba, Haranomachi, Minamisoma, Namie, Okuma, Ōno Shimonogami, Soma, Tomioka, Yonomori, TOKYO METROPOLIS: Chiyoda, Chuo, Minato, Ota, Shinagawa, KANAGAWA PREFECTURE: Fujisawa, Kamakura