Inside Fukushima: What Happened After the Nuclear Disaster? 

Not a day's gone by in 8 years that I've not heard the word Fukushima. It's difficult to grasp the scale of the disaster, but I gave it my best shot in this documentary. It’s crazy to think before 2011, Fukushima was one of Japan’s least known places, and all of a sudden overnight it became synonymous with the second worst nuclear disaster in history. I've often considered making a video on the subject - it's been amongst the most commonly requested by viewers - but only now that vast areas have been decontaminated did I feel comfortable with the idea of going in. Like most people here, you become desensitised to hearing about it. You forget the scale of what happened and what’s at stake. Having travelled through Fukushima almost every month for the last few years now, I’d still never gone within 70km of the disaster zone and never come close to witnessing the reality of the massive clean up operation. With that in mind, it was quite the shock to arrive in the region and see hundreds of trucks and diggers at work terraforming the landscape, and thousands of black bags of contaminated soil piled high and blanketing the luscious countryside. During my two day trip, I tried to capture as much as I could to tell the story of the past, present and future of the Fukushima disaster zone and I hope in this video you can learn something from my journey and the stories of the people we met along the way. It certainly tested my skills as a vlogger! Overall, I’m glad I finally saw it all with my own eyes, after reading about it in hundreds of newspaper articles over the years. I feel like I appreciate the situation far better having witnessed it in person, and I’m certainly not ruling out re-visiting in the future. And finally a special thanks to my guide Fumito Sasaki, who’s knowledge of the disaster zone was invaluable in producing this documentary. His tours to the area are incredibly insightful to understanding the scale of the disaster. For those of you interested, he runs a highly educational 2 Day Overnight trip (bit.ly/31YBQe0) and a shorter One Day Trip (bit.ly/2Mumo2T) into the disaster zone from Tokyo.

My girlfriend literally said:”is this a Netflix documentary?”

Seriously Chris, your production and editing skills have evolved so much the past years, now it's like watching a TV documentary! Amazing video, keep up the good work! :)

The look in Katsumi Arakawa's face through his entire interview, its the subtle things. The clenched eyes for a moment when he mentioned "He often goes a week without talking to anyone." His recalling of those friends he lost. Broke my heart

I actually came to this video after watching your reaction to native Japanese reacting your “12 things not to do in Japan video”, after hearing you say you were disappointed in less than desired interest, and I have to agree with you, this is one of the best videos I’ve seen to date on your channel- not to take anything away from many great videos I’ve watched to date. This is documentary level videography and journalism! I’m so pleased to have watched it! Kudos! :) awesome work here! 👏

I admire the man who refused to kill his cows and even took in abandoned cows. I hope people continue to support him somehow since feeding and keeping them must be very costly.

RU-vid, stuff like THIS needs to be on your trending page.

へたなドキュメント番組よりよっぽど良いです。 良いも悪いもきちんと現実を伝えてくれている。 もっと世界の人に知ってほしい。 勿論、日本人にも。

Thank you for uploading this video. I’m Japanese form Fukushima Prefecture. Yes, I was in The disaster in 2011. 10 years has passed since the earthquake occurred , people in Fukushima are still 元気です。

Wish this was an hour long

the gentleman who refused to kill his cows and then went on to take care of them ensuring they live as long as possible... my favourite human being

Who else is here after the recent revisit to Fukushima and the pharmacy in Tomioka? ✋️🥺

I'm tearing up and I can't figure out if its because I'm sad for those that were lost or cant bring themselves to come back, or overwhelmed by the love and courage of those who have returned and why they chose to return. I only ever heard snippets of this in Australia, and while I remember seeing the videos and news footage, it doesn't tell the whole story of actually immersing yourself in a place like this and conversing with the locals. Thank you so much for helping share their story. I would love to visit this place one day, hopefully bring some economy with me.

"I often go a week without talking to anyone" All I want is to give that guy a hug. Incredible video Chris. Maybe you couldn't tell the full story of the region but you did tell one full of tragedy but also hope. You really are a great representation of what RU-vid can be in my eyes. If I ever have the opportunity I will try and visit the region to experience it for myself.

"Just" a RU-vidr? Yeah, right. This is exemplary filmmaking, Chris.

How is the editing of this video better than a BBC's or any other docu channel!!? Not to mention the content is very objective, not overly dramatic but still sensible, and so is the language. This is authentic journalism.

2 years later and this is still one of the more favorite videos of yours chris. i can feel the level of effort you put into this. the video is compelling, empathic, and a good look back at the tragedy

As a nuclear operator in Canada, this was an incredible short documentary

I'm Japanese. This video should be seen by Japanese. There are many people in us who do not understand this situation.

As a Japanese who used to live in Iwaki after the 3.11, I really appreciate it for Chris's effort to make this well-made video and would like everyone to visit Fukushima. Kaniarai Onsen is one of my best hot springs I've ever been!

I often find that people like Masami Yoshizawa and Katsumi Arakawa teach the world how to appreciate life even in the darkest of hours. While all the stories presented here (and the ones we don't know) deserve respect and appreciation, the Hope Farm story impressed me the most. Great documentary!

Yo! I wanna donate to that guy who didn't give up on his herd of cattle. He's a real one.

This is hands-down the best documentary covering a national tragedy I've ever seen. It's so professional, respectful, and just the right amount of objective. I absolutely love how you let the residents speak for themselves (even if it costs you more time to subtitle it in), and only hop in with your voice if clarification is needed. I haven't cried at much, but damn if this didn't just shatter me. Thank you so much.

I've actually watched this when it was first posted and after 3 years now I got back into watching RU-vid and watching Chris' channel, his videos can go up and down on a spectrum of fun, poignancy and just straigh up astonishment. I'm thankful that i came across your videos once again, you're an inspirational character for me, I really love your personality and aspire to be like you one day, especially after realizing that I went with the same career path as you without even noticing. Thank you for the amazing videos, much love from Turkey ❤

I'm absolutely in awe about the man with the cattle. What strong morals and just the humanity of it. He must make a financial loss that's difficult to bear especially in this situation and yet he has the heart to look after these creatures. I have immense respect for him

Those teachers single handily saved those children. Legends

Rewatching this before the new episode of Journey Across Japan focused on Fukushima is released.

Its crazy how this video got more popular after his reaction video!! I too dodged it because its a matter that more or likely most people know and its quite depressing so its logical that not many would want to watch it?? The production is legendary and I hope it gets more views!!!!!!

There is such a saying in Japan. “Fall seven times, stand up eight.”(七転び八起き nanakorobi yaoki) Thank you for your coverage.

My mom, my dad, my brother and my sisters are the only survivors out of my family from this disaster because we were in Tokyo. I just feel a huge guilt run through me whenever this event is talked about but this video made me understand that I was not the only who feels this. Thank you

This was incredibly, respectfully done. I'm glad I caught this one on my recommended. Thanks for your time and effort filming and editing this. If there's one takeaway from Fukushima, it's the indomitable, unbreakable, human spirit. We see it time and time again and we don't give it enough credit.

Here after the latest JAJ ep… excellent documentary and fascinating to see the changes - as well as what’s still left to do at Fukushima.

This documentary and "What Happened In Japan After The Tsunami?" are hands down the best work of your already impressive portfolio. Telling the stories of people and places unknown has always been the job of talented film makers, and it's videos like this that show just how amazing a film maker you are. To tell the tale of such an enormous event, while still capturing the powerful smaller stories of the people who endured it is just a pleasure to watch. Well done Chris, and thank you for letting us enjoy your passion and talent on this channel.

When he says he goes a week sometimes not seeing anyone else, the pain and loneliness that flinched through his eyes. My heart dropped.

Thank you so much for showing us Masami Yoshizawa and his 'newfound' (at the time) respect for living beings. It's heartening for animal-lovers to see that whilst so, so many animals were abandoned, there is someone, and probably more, who cares for the animals who experienced the same traumas as the humans, whilst facing the added pain of being abandoned and left to die by those they trusted.

I’ve seen this video many times before but I’ll never get tired of rewatching it. The stories of the people that survived the disaster and decided to go back despite their lingering traumatic memories and all of their losses never fail to inspire me. Wonderful work Chris!

the guy who saves cows is my hero, much love and support from me!

Damn you, Chris Broad. I am sitting here at the airport, waiting for my flight back to Japan. And because of your darn video I got all teared up by emotions and now I am being looked at like some weirdo. Well, the video was worth it. Thank you.

This was beautiful, Chris. I got emotional during some parts; you did a fantastic job capturing what these people went through. I really like when you make insightful videos like this.

This is without a doubt one of my all time favorite videos you've ever made Chris. It's a honest shame that a lot of your other subscribers don't feel the same way. I've watched this a few times now every so often.

Anyone here after reactions to reactions of reactions? Don't worry Chris, we appreciate the effort you put in to your videos!

A perfect way to start my work day at 9:05am coffee and CB.

This is quite possibly Chris's best video, setting the tone for something far more deep than just a weekly youtube upload. Great work, great shots, great story.

3 years later and this is still one of my favorite videos of your channel! great documentary chris!

This was like watching a BBC documentary. You’re a great presenter Chris and your work has come so far in the 4 years I’ve been watching you. 頑張るクリス！

Chris always manages to find some sort of hot spring wherever he goes

Re-watching this documentary due to the current releasing of fukushima contaminated water debacle. I'd encourage chris to have his future documentaries voiced over by CDawgVA. He's the real deal when it comes to voice work.

One of the best documentaries about that tragic event l’ve ever seen. Maybe because it clearly shows that you are not a professional reporter working for a TV station, but “just” a person who’s trying to cope with an incommensurable tragedy. Thank you for your work and your commitment.

Man, when you told me all those children evacuated, i literally sighed in relief. So glad they made it out.

I feel like Katsumi-san are one of the people that inspires a Harvest Moon / Story of Seasons game. He literally returned to a desolate town and started farming. More power to him.

Rewatching this after watching the most recent episode of JAJ..its crazy to see how much has changed/ stayed the same. I hope you return to Fukushima again some day to see more growth.

This was your very finest, Chris. Kudos for the incredible effort you put into this documentary. It was both sobering and hopeful. Thank you for a top-notch look into Fukushima.

Don't comment on videos very often but have to let you know this was a brilliantly shot and edited mini-Documentary, really makes me want to visit the area when I move to Japan next year. Glad to see your skills as a filmmaker are going from strength to strength. Keep up the great work!

I wish this was an hour longer, totally engrossed in it and didn't want it to end

It is so sad to see how extensive the damage was but at the same time, it is awesome to see that some people installed solar panels to the fields now unsuitable for agricultural activities. I've read they plan to supply energy in the area solely by renewable energy sources by 2040. It is a very positive change. Not to mention how kindhearted some of the ex-evacuated people were. Both the cow-saver and the horticulturist man mentioned some beautiful sentiments... I hope, people can return and resume life there as much as possible. That will also help with healing for sure. But... I cannot imagine how hard it must be - being able to return or not - when you have to move on over such a big disaster.

I'm blown away. I've just recently started watching your videos and I must admit that this one is my absolute favourite. A documentary on par with any other TV-broadcasted documentary. Magnificent work.

I don't comment on videos often, but this is one of the best mini-documentaries I've seen on RU-vid. Continue the amazing work, Chris!

Watching this during coronavirus, and this gives me optimism that regardless of what happens, everything will figure itself out

That was amazing Chris. Well done, a very professional, well informed and educative documentary.

Bravo, Chris. Your calling to become a film maker has led you to this. I can feel the great love, admiration and compassion you have for the people of Japan through this work. From so many miles away, you have touched my heart. Thank you.

I'm currently living in Fukushima on the JET programme, and although I'm separated by the exclusion zone by kilometres of mountains, my fellow teachers and students all remember that day and it is a very real part of everyday life here. So thank you for making such a wonderful documentary. I feel like I understand my new home a bit more now, and it was inspiring to hear about all those people who carried on in such adversity.

I don't usually comment on videos but this video really struck me, I've watched your videos for a couple of years now but I've dodged this one until today but for me this is the best video you've done. Absolutely amazing work thank you Chris.

I've watched this video a few times now, and I have to say it's wonderfully done. Your unique perspective on the perseverance of those most affected is refreshing. I hope you're proud of the work you've done here! 😌👏🏻👏🏻

I truly did find this documentary to be heartfelt, eye-opening and informative Chris. Thank you for your efforts and hard work put into this production. God speed!

If i'll be honest, I was going into this thinking that with Chris' usual style of sarcasm and whit; that I was not going to be able to take it seriously. I'm pleased to say that I was proven wholly wrong. With Chris' thoughtful commentary and insight, it was a great documentary. Well done Chris :)

Chris, this kind of content is honestly you at your best. You've got a solid eye for presenting these areas, and a great amount of empathy for those you talk to and engage with. All of your documentary style videos are honestly my favourites, and while I still enjoy and appreciate your dry sense of humour, especially in your first videos, this is honestly some top tier content and I hope you continue down this route. Learning about what is going on in Fukushima, through your camera and presentation, has given me a whole new appreciation for not only the level of the disaster, but the fortitude of those in the area to carry on living their lives as best they can.

Seeing all of this made me feel a wave of emotions - shock, sadness but then hope. It's good to see some folks dedicated to trying to reclaim their lives and homes. It shows a strength and resolve that it can be worth it and that it is worth living there again.

All the people you interviewed are amazing. I don't think I would be able to go back to my hometown after seeing how much it has changed if something like that happened. To see them work so hard and make it seem lively again there is truly heartwarming. Great documentary.

This is much more better done than Netflix’s “Dark Tourist” episode on the same subject

That imagine of the frozen elementary school clock is incredibly chilling

Simply from the first couple of seconds I feel like I’m watching national TV, amazing job I just finished it, that was truly touching, I don’t watch much videos from Chris, but this one is definitely one that’s made me a huge fan.

Brother, I have watched this a few times now. Others have pointed out your exceptional editing skill and your notable production values, but I have to throw in that you are an extraordinary presenter. You have a real talent and an unusual accessibility. One of my absolutely longest-running peeves with British television is the dopey, utterly affected, unbelievably overwrought cartoon characters they have a habit of handing shows to. The BBC could do (and often does) far worse than the likes of you. I could see you running around the planet having Attenborough-esque adventures. You have a very real talent, sir.

My boy Chris went from an ordinary, talented RU-vidr, to a documentary producer of an award-winning quality. Not just a RU-vidr; This is serious, high-quality material.

I remember that day. I was in a US military and JMSDF installation closer to Japan's southern coast, between Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I never felt the earthquake, I lost all communication outside of my shop and only found out something had happened as the base's tsunami siren went off for real for the first time since I arrived. The rest of the week I anxiously waited for orders, expecting for sure we'd have been mobilized to assist in any way possible. While many Marines and Sailors did provide direct assistance, my unit only provided indirect support. Years later, when I came back, I helped tear apart, decontaminate, and ship several JSDF MH-53s helicopters to the US for final disposal.

Finally, another chance to watch this. I know this video’s initial response was sad for Chris, but I’m always in awe by just how hard he works and how well done his documentaries are

almost 2 years later and this has to be one of your best works chris !! you really make a good video and i learned a lot. keep it up!

I was taught this video. Many japanese like me don't know current situation of Fukushima and nuclear power plant. So I hope this video will tell many people about Fukushima today without misunderstanding. Thanks for creating this video.

For some reason, seeing nature reclaim towns like this makes me feel a little sad, but also a little happy. as if life will always find a way.

The somber tone of Chris's narration, contrasted with the somewhat light and upbeat music really helps to illustrate the state of Fukushima after the disaster, but also the glimmer of hope for recovery and improvement. The production quality is fantastic all around and really makes me feel like I've visited as well. Great job!

This documentation really moved me. Thank you so much for the insights and the touching stories behind the technical news and numbers we heard about Fukushima in all these years. "Abroad in Japan" is not only about trying food, haunted abandoned theme parks or making fun of Japanese/English customs. Chris is truly able to deliver serious content and working on challenging topics. I kind of avoided this video until today... but I'm happy now because I was finally brave enough to watch it.

I live in Christchurch, New Zealand. I stayed despite our devestating earthquakes. A lot of this video really hit home.

Hey Chris, long time listener first time caller. Just wanted to say this was an absolutely fantastic video (as are all your vids, that have actually inspired me to get back into learning Japanese). The Geiger counters everywhere felt particularly eerie. Keep up the great work!

Mesemerising and unfathomable to comprehend the situation and also that the video is scripted and edited by only a single person is really out of this world, really a great video. Thank you Chris.

Hey Chris, just another Australian here. Binged watched so many of your videos lately. Mostly the funny ones. But this is next level stuff. Much appreciated. I visited Hiroshima a few years ago and felt the impact. I can't imagine how such a recent event made these people feel. Respect my man 🤜🏻🤛🏻.

The guy who plants flowers is so kind, you can ser the pain in his eyes but he id holding strong for his hometown 🥺♥️

Chris explained why so many of us dodged this video for so long in his reaction video, but after watching this video, I can only hope he makes more documentary videos. The product level is on par with high budget Netflix documentaries. You can also see how much work Chris put into just research, let alone writing and editing. Thank you, Chris, for letting us know how much we were sleeping on this gem. Please feel free to make more of these types of videos!

Thank you for this. I appreciate your emphasis on people picking up their lives and recovering their now very different lives. I was particularly struck by the cattle rancher who refused to destroy his cattle and now reconsiders our treatment of animals. I love your channel, btw, and will depend on it for (hopefully soon) reference for future travels.

Chris - At this point I have watched many of your episodes. This is the most emotionally moving and best of them all. Thank you so much for sharing. I wish you, your bride to be and all those who touch your life a wonderful day. Thank you!!!!!

The way Japanese recover from disaster is just on the other level.

Chris you've absolutely surpassed yourself with this one. The editing, the atmosphere, everything is top notch.

A gentle, sensitive, thoughtful, and very moving documentary. Thank-you very much for this.

Everytime I rewatch this video, I get extremely emotional. I think Chris has a great talent for making documentaries, keep up the good work!

This.. This Tsunami stopped so many things. Lives, homes, jobs. It stopped me from being transferred to Japan on a job I had lined up. I was scheduled to head out to Japan the following month. Later that year, I found my wife. We plan on visiting Japan soon. Her first time, my second. Thanks for this Chris. You deserve your own PBS special. Just CBS.

日本人だけど、初めて見た この動画は凄くありがたい

Just got round to watching this after putting it off for weeks. Bloody excellent work.

Excellent work Chris, thank you.

If I didn't know any better I would've thought this was a National Geographic documentary or something. Really well done video and very informative!

Everyone, let's support Chris with likes and share this video - hopefully this will encourage Chris to make more documentaries on other Japanese heavy issues.

this video captured every single melancholic aspect about the incident and its so beautiful. thankyou for sharing with us about this undeard-of story, chris.

Still my favourite video. Will try to apply to Fukushima for my JET application this coming fall, a lot of it is thanks to this video!! Thank you Chris :)