Fifteen years have passed since the catastrophic Fukushima nuclear accident on March 12, 2011, resulting from the Great East Japan Earthquake, which caused significant destruction in Fukushima Prefecture alongside the tsunami. The Asahi Shimbun conducted an aerial survey to document the changes over this period, highlighting the unique challenges faced by Fukushima as it attempts to recover from both the tsunami and the nuclear fallout. The region's recovery has been markedly different from other affected areas like Iwate and Miyagi, as restrictions imposed following the nuclear disaster have complicated the rebuilding efforts.

In February, aerial photographs showcasing the current landscape above Fukushima were contrasted with images taken immediately after the disaster, as well as historical photographs from before the events. Particularly notable is the site of the former Ukedo Elementary School in the Namie town area, where 95 children and staff evacuated to safety following the earthquake, narrowly avoiding the towering tsunami that swept through the region, decimating the school. With nearly a tenth of the local population—154 victims—lost to the tsunami, recovery has been slow, especially in areas designated as "disaster risk zones" where habitation is not permitted, further limiting community rebuilding efforts.

Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress. Structures such as the reconstruction of the Kushino Shrine and the development of the "Reconstruction Coastal Green Space" exhibit some degree of revitalization. Additionally, a previously communal graveyard has been transformed into a memorial site dubbed “Hill of Ancestors.” As Fukushima approaches the 15-year mark since the disaster, this comparative analysis of historical and contemporary images serves not only to document the physical changes but also to reflect on the ongoing resilience of the community in the face of adversity.