On March 11, 2011, a devastating earthquake generated a tsunami that struck the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan, resulting in approximately 18,500 deaths or disappearances, and the evacuation of about 150,000 to 170,000 residents. Despite significant progress in the aftermath, certain areas remain uninhabited, and the cleanup efforts are projected to continue until the 2050s. The massive tsunami, measuring 15 meters, overwhelmed the Dai-ichi nuclear facility, which ultimately led to the meltdown of three of its six reactors and the release of radioactive materials into the environment and sea.

The Fukushima disaster is regarded as the second most catastrophic nuclear accident in history, surpassed only by the Chernobyl incident in 1986. Although the situation was dire, it's noteworthy that there have been no direct fatalities linked to radiation exposure from the Fukushima disaster itself. In the wake of the catastrophe, Japan halted all its nuclear reactors for over four years as the country reassessed its reliance on nuclear energy, which had played a significant role in its energy strategy prior to the disaster.

Recently, there have been discussions about Japan's path towards reintegrating nuclear power within its energy framework. The historical context of the Fukushima disaster underlines the ongoing challenges and concerns surrounding nuclear safety, environmental recovery, and public sentiment towards nuclear energy in Japan, as the country navigates its future energy landscape amid lessons learned from its past tragedies.