Inside Fukushima: What Happened After the Nuclear Disaster?
The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster is unimaginable in scale. 8 years later in the midst of a $27bn decontamination effort, we explore inside the disaster zone and meet the locals to uncover the situation in Fukushima; past, present and future.
A special thanks to Fumito Sasaki from Japan Wonder Travel for escorting me through the disaster zone. This documentary wouldn't have been possible without his insights and knowledge of the Fukushima disaster. For details on his tours to the region, you can find the links to his 2 day trip and one day trip below.
Day trip Tour to Fukushima
► www.japanwondertravel.com/pos...
During our tour we were guided by an experienced guide through decontaminated areas just outside of the "difficult-to-return" zone. Don't ever go inside of these zones or private areas without permission if you visit there by yourself.
For the previous Abroad in Japan Documentary on the disaster:
► What Happened After the Tsunami: • What Happened In Japan...
► WEEKLY Podcast: hyperurl.co/nhgr30
► BEHIND the scenes Patreon: goo.gl/NWEoQm
*FOLLOW THE ADVENTURE*
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► Instagram: @abroadinjapan
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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.
It's only 3.6 roentgen. Not great, not terrible.
Thanks for covering this tastefully Chris, I've always wanted to know more about what happened to the area after the disaster.
Nice One ...... well edited as always too...
Fantastic work Chris
You did a great job making this. All of the stories you showed were touching,, but the florist especially. He really sounded like he was lonely and it came through. Hope he gets some friendly neighbours in the close future so he can get back to socialising! Thanks for making a great video displaying a tragic story of hope!
My girlfriend literally said:”is this a Netflix documentary?”
Yes it's so well made!
Jef Loonheers break up with her bro
alex lee why? Have you seen dark tourist? Far worse production levels. Don’t be a prick.
His journalism is fantastic
KZhead is so much better than Netflix
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
Krishna will bless the man.
🙏🏻
BECKY REBEKAH Soviet soldiers: we dont do dat here
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'm here for the same reason ! Great job Chris 👏 👍 👌
Ditto :-)
I was also captivated with the video. The people, interviews and shots tell the story in their own way. It's too bad not everyone is interested in these types of stories but are more interested in what satisfies them as high ether entertainment. But it's their loss to skip over these gems
Here for the same reason! Brilliant video! Well worth a watch! ❤
I'm coming here from the same video! This is fantastic. Massive respect to the work he put in for this.
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
Wish this was an hour long
Yeah, I too wanted to hear more and see more of what happened!
easy enough to change the playback speed settings
Just put it on loop, Bro. Problem solved.
Agreed !
@@truthseeker1934 jesus christ, how didn't I think of that
KZhead, stuff like THIS needs to be on your trending page.
the issue is the fear mongers videos have made it seem like Fukushima is a major cover up with titles like "Fukushima worse than Chernobyl" or "Fukushima polluting the world's oceans". thanks to them and the people who have the same opinions.. they made it worse than it actually seems. that guy running Hope Farm is pragmatic..in my opinion
eisenklad the truth is that at the end of the day these kinds of videos give nuclear fission a bad rep when the world really needs it as global warming becomes a major concerning issue
@@eisenklad exactly. People don't seem to realize how much faster Japan started clean than the USSR did. They just wanted to hide it at first and that is how the radiation spread. What's worse is people don't really understand how safe the plants are for the most part. The only issue we currently have is long term disposal of fuel rods.
@@hayleyscomet3447 that is such an fatal flaw that it kills hundreds of thousands on record just in windfall from plants today just from the blowoff. Please reconsider the obvious. No safe threshold.
@@Somite Yep, from the energy efficiency standpoint, and cost-effectiveness it's clear that nuclear power plants are really effective. How you handle them is the important matter.
Who else is here after the recent revisit to Fukushima and the pharmacy in Tomioka? ✋️🥺
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。
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.
Those cows have a vital role. They can prevent desertification.
I totally agree with you about the farmer & keeping his cows & taking in others. He’s a remarkable human being, Roiya Bun.
the reason that cows become an issue is because the grass they eat if radioactive basically becomes becomes radioactive calcium if their milk is drank. it will rot ur teeth and cause cancer as ur bones absorb it usually they just kill the cows. as a sidenote 99% if the radioactivity is gone within a week or so. the only reason that cows are a danger is because we evolved calcium bones. even slight radioactivity is lethal if you literally absord it into ur bones.
It's sad that so many dogs and pets died
@@thryce82 And what govt. propaganda did you eat up? Radioactivity lasts 25,000 years. And now Japan is going to dupm the waste into the ocean, leaving us all with some kind of sickness if we consume seafood.
I'm Japanese. This video should be seen by Japanese. There are many people in us who do not understand this situation.
We can try to change what people is thinking about Fukushima, but the decision is make by that person itself, but it's a good idea to let other people to understand what's happening after the disaster 👍🏻
what is the japanese view on it? Is it not talked about? Or are there any misconceptions?
@@OggerFN I was once contracted by an elderly man who wanted help with his autobiography. He had lived in Fukushima and was shopping with his wife when the earthquake hit. He said that during the aftermath, the Japanese national government tried to tell everyone that everything was fine within 50km of the reactor site, but that foreign governments were advising their expatriated citizens that 80km was the safer distance. He'd lived long enough to not entirely trust politicians, so he and his wife moved what could be recovered down to Aichi, a prefecture well south of Tokyo. He shared a funny tidbit regarding his wife's honesty and pragmatism, in that she paid for their groceries even as the entire shop evacuated.
i dont care coz alot of people in japan does not know what malaysia is lol ps im not from malaysia but from US
@@detectivepatchouli8266 That's where you're wrong.
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
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.
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! :)
No man sorry, his videos are atleast 10 times better than any TV documentary. Have a great day
@@perrychills you are absolutely right, way more interesting too
The good thing about KZhead is you really do learn a lot through simply doing and after almost 200 videos, I've picked up a few things since the early days of sitting alone on a sofa filming myself complaining. Still a long way to go though! Many thanks for the kind words!
@@AbroadinJapan No problem man, I have been watching you for years and it's been a pleasure seeing you grow, much love from Spain/Germany
I want CGI plane crash
"Just" a KZheadr? Yeah, right. This is exemplary filmmaking, Chris.
Can't agree more, this was great, the music in the background really carried it for me
Not just filmmaking, but journalism. This easily compares to Vice.
With this video, I do not think that Chris is contaminated by commercialism as a "KZheadr", simply because he did not mention whether Nuke is right or wrong. He just left us to think twice about it. It is self-explanatory to me though. To be clear, I am against Nuke. It is like eternal diarrhea with broken pumpers to carry on Nuke power plant which will waste not only lamps of money but also bunch of lives of human beings (and cows!). Many thanks from Tokyo.
@@tsuke2570 That's an interesting point of view! Although from an energy-efficiency standpoint, nuclear generator is highly efficient both on cost and amount of energy generated. But i do understand your point though 😆
Honestly, I forgot I was on KZhead and drifted away. Great editing!
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。
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.
I don't think the BBC style is one to emulate because they've been doing it for years already. There must be a way of doing docu about a serious subject which is not all heavy and preachy without being frivolous.
"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 KZhead can be in my eyes. If I ever have the opportunity I will try and visit the region to experience it for myself.
But I can totally understand why he feels that way. I think it is really nice that he is connecting the tragic of his life with his dreams of agriculture and farming. A truly inspiring person.
@@xFabi99 Yeah agree. It would take one heck of a cocky person to believe you could tell the completely story
He was such a nice guy, I really hope he's able to take his business forward despite the situation. And many thanks for your kind words! I'm seriously grateful man
I totally agree. This was really well done. I had two moments where I was just taken aback by the side stories told; I also wanted to give that man a hug, but the one that was helping the cows, OMG I wanted to just pack a bag and move to Japan and help him take care of the cows. So pure of heart to go out of his way for all those cows.
Fabian Kaiser wonder if he brought any flowers from the guy I would
Those teachers single handily saved those children. Legends
I guess
Yup they did. They did turns to carry all the children on their cars and bring tjem on the nearby hill
I don’t think some of their parents were so lucky sadly
Rewatching this before the new episode of Journey Across Japan focused on Fukushima is released.
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 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
The way he talked about how we treat life really moved me to tears
@@mfcker that's interesting given that I'm from Europe and living in Japan.... In any case I don't really get what's wrong with the phrase. In my opinion morals means that there is nobody else to justify your action to than yourself. Which means he only does this because he thinks it's the right thing to do. Not because it makes him look good or because it makes him rich. And I'm not sure everyone would take this kind of action without benefit anymore. Heck I'm not even sure I would have done it. So I respect this man for it So not sure why "strong morals" is a bad thing for you...?
@@mfcker You're thinking far too deep into what he said.
@@mfcker You really are up your own ass dont you? They guy respect a person that treats animals with dignity and not like unfeeling objects so he is an american propagan tool or something like that? Really? Just because the person is praising a japanese man not the japanese people as a collective he is praising an individual moral fiber and willingness to be kind to animals.
He needs a go fund me page, so people can donate money to help feed the cattle! What an amazing human being to care for all living creatures
Yo! I wanna donate to that guy who didn't give up on his herd of cattle. He's a real one.
Me Too!!!
Me too! Failed to find a way to do so though... I think he would especially deserve it, of course it must have been hard to everyone. But not letting these animals starve to death... he is truly a real hero! I wonder if Chris might know a way to donate him?
I couldn't find how to support him, but I did find his Twitter account is @YoshizawaMasami and below article www.nytimes.com/2014/01/12/world/asia/defying-japan-rancher-saves-fukushimas-radioactive-cows.html
Yeah... I think lots of people will want to support them
I wanna donate =(
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!
I've actually watched this when it was first posted and after 3 years now I got back into watching KZhead 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 ❤
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.
totally agree also, Natsuki the movie is something come oooon, he made me watch a one hour film about a random Japanese guy and not only enjoy it but feel kinda sad when it ends?
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
But no one died from Fukushima radiation.
That must not be a good feeling. I am sorry and pray that you can walk out this feeling soon.
How did they die?
@@markomclane475 (if they don't answer, these are the basic numbers) About 15,900 died of the earthquake and tsunami, and another 2,500 were declared missing. Then about 1,500 more people died of the hurried evacuation out of fear of radiation, but no one actually died from radiation.
@@danadurnfordkevinblanchdebunk First: whats wrong with you replying to MomoDaDevils first hand account of horrible loss of family members with a statement like that? Second: just wait a few more years and then take a look at the highly elevated cancer rates in people from that region. Not that the official sources will count that towards Fukushima Daiichi, after all Chernobyl has a official death count of 43 - too much reputation and money in play to give the people the truth. Third: that 'hurried evacuation out of fear of radiation' was not because the people responsible thought the people would die of accute radiation effects but it was to prevent more cancer cases in the future by people ingesting radionuclides. And as just a few particles can mean cancer it was the right thing to do despite the cost of human life through the circumstances of the evacuation.
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!
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.
As a nuclear operator in Canada, this was an incredible short documentary
Excellent mini documentary, I had no idea of the scale on the cleanup! Love the hopeful tone about recovering from tragedies like this, too often folks throw in the towel.
It wasn't meant to be a motion picture.
@@shaneobrien9471 lol you talking to me?
shane obrien bruh moment
@@shaneobrien9471 lol Bullshit you have.
Man, when you told me all those children evacuated, i literally sighed in relief. So glad they made it out.
I know right - it really is a miracle given they were 200m from the shoreline and reached safety with just 2 minutes to spare.
Oh my word same-I was so relieved 😅
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.
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.
When he says he goes a week sometimes not seeing anyone else, the pain and loneliness that flinched through his eyes. My heart dropped.
For some of us.... that's a blessing.
Yeah for me it was more like "oh you lucky bastard"
@@foxvulpes8245 Yeah, but that's because I'm assuming you can talk to your family and loved ones in person on a regular basis. Try to understand where he's coming from.
A great many men like him exist even in areas without natural disasters. A lot of them have no one to talk to, not all of them have something as glamorous and unique as a disaster to explain it. No one will make documentaries of them though.
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.
HAHAAH me too
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!
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.
the guy who saves cows is my hero, much love and support from me!
I love cows💖💖💖
how can we donate?
@@cuy50 and some idiotic vegans want to keep them alive
@@cuy50 They are bad for the environment as they balance the food chain. Right!!! 😒😒😒
I cried watching that part. I was in Tokyo during the disaster. The resilience of humans, to go beyond what most accept, is overwhelming and inspiring. He is my hero too. 🙏🏿
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.
That's a Nicky Minaj quote
This is also in a Lemon Demon song "A New Way Out"
I get knocked down, but I get up again. You're never gonna keep me down. I get knocked down, but I get up again. You're never gonna keep me down
Everyone says that 🤦🏻♂️
@@pizrux6592 Yeah, stop facepalming. Not like you're a genius either.
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.
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!!!!!!
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.
That's so true! I feel like that's the dream in life, just to being able to do what you love, farming, and helping out people in small but significant ways. I respect and admire Katsumi-san, even if we only saw a couple minutes of his life.
Thankyou. From a survivor of 3/11/2011
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.
Chris always manages to find some sort of hot spring wherever he goes
He can probably find a hot spring even in Nevada lolz.
@@Kopie0830 hey, there are actually lots of (somewhat famous) hot springs east of the sierra nevada mountains
haha true
sooner or later he'll end up finding one with tons of girls, they'll beat him up and then later he finds himself with a harem of 19 as he protects the planet by posing at a guy with a peep peep biggeer than the death star
Your Everyday Protagonist Wut da fook
A perfect way to start my work day at 9:05am coffee and CB.
perfect way to end my work day :D
Same here
Have a good day at work
My girlfriend and I started our day with this and a cup of tea :)
Don't forget your green tea ;-)
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.
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.
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 :)
Haha, yes I left the usual sarcastic, snarky rhetoric at home for this one. Thanks for the kind words man!
Hello Adumb
I wish this was an hour longer, totally engrossed in it and didn't want it to end
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.
The clock stopped at the time the tsunami hit is such a haunting image...
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！
Spot on, my thoughts exactly.
I agree!
He is making a name for himself, great stuff
I imagined he would never touch this subject being a tourist channel. Figured why he biked down the other side of japan. Great work.
If only the bbc could document japan without cultural stereotypes. Glad to have people like Chris to show a better perspective.
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!
Many thanks for the kind words! As someone who doesn't comment on videos often either, the compliment means a great deal haha.
3 years later and this is still one of my favorite videos of your channel! great documentary chris!
That was amazing Chris. Well done, a very professional, well informed and educative documentary.
I don't comment on videos often, but this is one of the best mini-documentaries I've seen on KZhead. Continue the amazing work, Chris!
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.
Thank you! It means a lot - it was a tough documentary to shoot and I often think back to the things I saw and the people I spoke to while making it. So many incredible folks in the area who’ve had their stories overlooked sadly.
I've done the same thing, this was so serious that I kept putting off watching it- but I'm really glad that I did. Chris went beyond the devastation and conveyed emotions in a way I haven't seen before. Really great work.
@@AbroadinJapan I'm also really glad i watched this video finally, i got so emotional and you surprised me once again at how amazing you are at making these kinds of videos!
Same here.
This is actually journalism.
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.
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.
Anyone here after reactions to reactions of reactions? Don't worry Chris, we appreciate the effort you put in to your videos!
Oh yes!
I dont even realised he made this video. A great one indeed.
Yea
Yes hahaha. I felt so guilty lol
Exactly
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.
Watching the BBC coverage on the day was horrific. I had to pop out early and heard the news on the radio and watched it live when I got back to the house. To see something like that was heart breaking.
Chris this was a beautiful short documentary. You really did a phenomenal job, wow.
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 :)
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 send you many kudos as well, for working hard with your students and fellow teachers in helping continue their daily lives :) I’m working on my JET application currently, and it has crossed my mind a few times what I would do if I were placed in Fukushima. I would probably continue forth anyhow, but I do know for a fact that my family would put up a fuss over it despite all the facts. Nonetheless, thank you for doing what you do, and I wish you the best 😊
Watching this during coronavirus, and this gives me optimism that regardless of what happens, everything will figure itself out
Same
Bruh covid aint shit compared to that.
@@infinity-im3nx The degree of impact is less, but the scale is around a million times larger unfortunately. It's like the difference between an apartment building burning and a big city suffering a 5.0 earthquake. The people in the apartment building probably lost a lot more, but the earthquake has the potential to damage a whole lot more people.
I agree. Hearing the number of people lost, business going bankrupt does get negative but there is also the positive innovation people have come up with to combat distancing as well as new job opportunities people took it in their hands to create. Humans will surely pull through, the only question is whether we'll learn anything from this experience or if it'll be forgotten whenever history may repeat itself.
We, as the Human race, are stubborn bastards.
This has got to be one of the best uploads I've seen on KZhead. Thank you for sharing..
This is a goddamn fkin god tier cinematograpt
日本人だけど、初めて見た この動画は凄くありがたい
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.
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!
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.
This is much more better done than Netflix’s “Dark Tourist” episode on the same subject
Dark Tourist was awful and distasteful. Just tried it's best to make Japan look bad and focused on the geiger counter readings (which weren't even very high) rather than focusing on what the local people went through.
Well it's Netflix.
It's Netflix. Most things are shit on there. lol
@Drew Hong What? Fukushima is a popular tourist spot, the only problem is too many wild boars in there.
i was commenting the same thing and ikr, can we get chris to replace that guy??
My boy Chris went from an ordinary, talented KZheadr, to a documentary producer of an award-winning quality. Not just a KZheadr; This is serious, high-quality material.
Thanks for the great video Chris!
As others have said, I came to watch this after your reacting to reaction videos video. My reaction was “I have to see that”! Great vid! Thanks for sharing with the world! 👍🏼
That imagine of the frozen elementary school clock is incredibly chilling
Yeah, with deadly radiation.
I live in Christchurch, New Zealand. I stayed despite our devestating earthquakes. A lot of this video really hit home.
Wholesale Ted Hello! What is the state of Christchurch. I wish to know more about your residence. Thank you in advance .
@@spreadlove7656 the same place saint tarant removed 51 souls
Funny, I live about 3 hours north of Auckland, New Zealand. Nice!
Oh, Sara, it's you!
@@SS-ts4ht based
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.
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!
The guy who plants flowers is so kind, you can ser the pain in his eyes but he id holding strong for his hometown 🥺♥️
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.
Same. For some reason, i love seeing abandoned cities/towns, its just such an interesting yet saddening sight.
It's nice to know that the cockroaches and the rats will replace us.
This is what it looks like when humans stop messing with nature. The same thing happened with Chernobyl: its wildlife is striving simply because very few humans live there.
You’ve just plagiarised Jurassic Park. But I know exactly how you feel
@@Aeternum_Gaming No they haven't. The radiation is just not that high for it to be a complete deathzone (and it's not like the animals go the most high concentration areas). There is probably increased cancer rates, if anyone could even measure it, but the animals don't care or complain.
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! 😌👏🏻👏🏻
Such a great video, thank you Chris
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.
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!
Yeah, it's true. It is like a real documentary. He even uses football fields instead of some normal units of measures at 5:57
@@pticu1 huh? I thought everybody used football fields as a normal unit of measurement :-) It must be an iso standard by now.
A few years ago I went to Fukushima City, and even that far out from the disaster, I noticed several geiger counters in the hills (around Karasugasaki observation deck) just north of the city centre. I also went to Kammata (to visit Abukuma-do) which is of course a lot closer to the exclusion zone, and the geiger counter signs were a lot more visible there.
I'm glad that I could see those in a video in the area for a change. It really puts things into perspective.
Wow, this is amazing work Chris. This is high end broadcast level stuff. Great watch.
crazy to hear him say three mile island as someone who lives in only 50 minutes away from the area, the TMI doc was a real eye opener. really enjoy this doc as well, gives a great insight into the sheer scale and impact.
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.
I'm here watching this again because Chris would yell at me if I didn't.
Well, you are not alone.
Same lmaoo xD
Haha! Same here :)
Yeah, 😂😂😂
Who is 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 🤜🏻🤛🏻.
This is one of the best videos I have seen about Fukushima. Thank you. Your channel is excellent.
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!
Same same.
I mean this is pretty good quality stuff but I wouldnt compare it to netflix stuff, that's just an insult
@@goranpersson7726 you couldve just left it at netflix stuff...why call this video a insult?
@@xxDxxism netflix is an insult to this video, i have yet to see anything worth watching on there
The way Japanese recover from disaster is just on the other level.
Unfortunately the us dont .. they are more organizing than most
Yes, U.S is best at creating disasters for other countries (nuclear bombing, trade barring, high import rates) and pushing their white man superiority propaganda and self-righteous campaign.
They had trains running 1 day after the nuclear bomb hit, I can't even begin to comprehend that
The Invincible Killer kinda right but somewhat kinda wrong
@Celestial Vestibule It's very nice of them, yes. But those types of kind gestures are undermined by their rampant militarism and toxic foreign policies. If they could just stay away from the rest of the world and stop sowing chaos in Latin America and Middle East for their profit (and to please their Israeli overlords), that would have been pretty courteous of them. Strangely, it's not only U.S. politicians. Just the citizens, too, love to come at other nations and bash them, out of their false sense of moral and cultural superiority. Look at what far-left Americans do on social media. They go after foreign journalists, tv networks and humble artists to try to "cancel" them, because they might not personally like something they said or done. Really disgusting display of not only political, but also cultural imperialism.
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 was fantastic Chris I really enjoyed it and you did an amazing job with the interviews I loved hearing the locals stories something never to be forgotten 💜
It is a shame this video got buried by the KZhead algorithm...
Just wait five years, it’ll suddenly pop up in peoples feeds
Lol it's just a year old video
Well it’s a year old video so of course it’s not going to get recommend as much
UltimateCosmic I can’t remember my exact context for my comment, but I think I heard something about when it came out it didn’t perform nearly as well as his other videos, and it was disheartening for him because he was so passionate about it, and he put in a lot of work to make it. Or something like that.
@@ashstolley Chris mentioned on the Trash Taste podcast a few months ago that this video wasn't promoted by KZhead at first because it had "sensitive content" so it didn't do as well as he was hoping. Luckily they fixed it after he complained, and now with over a million views it seems to be getting the numbers it deserves.
As a Japanese who lived abroad during and after the disaster, I heard many comments on Fukushima. As a Japanese wishing the fast recovery of the region, some were very hurtful. Thank you so much, Chris, for this video. I really hope this video reaches many many people, inside Japan and out.
ありさ I’m also Japanese living abroad. Because of the hurtful comments you mentioned, I came to feel even bitter just hearing the word Fukushima (not bitter toward Fukushima itself of course). I’d like to thank Chris for documenting this video with empathy and not with criticism. It makes me tear up just by thinking about it.
@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom But I think its deep stored so the radiation doesnt go through?
@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom so true...japanese gov :/
@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom There's a good article on Forbes called "It's Really OK If Japan Dumps Radioactive Fukushima Water Into The Ocean". You should read it.
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 think that this is one of your best video's. Thank you for sharing this. It is a great departure from your regular videos.