The earthquake and tsunami that rocked Japan on March 11 left at least 20,000 dead or missing, displaced nearly half a million people, and caused structural damage to the Fukushima Daichii nuclear plant, marking the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl in 1986. Japan’s government has come under fire for its often opaque response to the disaster. Officials announced Dec. 14 that the plant was stable, yet many remain skeptical, and the cleanup could take decades. One bright spot: Officials plan to make the rebuilt area a model for sustainable development.
Peter Ford, our Beijing bureau chief, took two reporting trips to Japan, covering Fukushima with Gavin Blair and Justin McCurry (both in Japan).
Highlights of the Monitor's coverage of Fukushima:
Japanese character shines in the face of disaster – by Gavin Blair in Yamagata, Japan
Their life revolved around Fukushima. Now, they vow patience. – Tamura, Japan
Japan tackles mountains of trash left in tsunami's wake – by Peter Ford in Ishinomaki, Japan
Japan's tsunami recovery stalls – by Peter Ford in Ishinomaki, Japan
