THE DAYS

E1 · 48m

The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Is Submerged

March 11, 2011; 225 kilometers from Tokyo, a 15 meter high tsunami hits the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, damaging one of the cooling systems.

E2 · 53m

No Need to Evacuate

While still unable to get an assessment of the situation from Fukushima Daiichi, the government tells the public to stay calm and remain in their homes.

E3 · 57m

Radioactive Emissions Will Be Minimal

Pressure in the containment vessel starts to rapidly rise. With a catastrophic explosion imminent, TOEPCO suggests releasing the gas into the atmosphere.

E4 · 56m

It Would Mean Turning Our Backs on Fukushima

With the power still down, the valves will have to be opened manually. With heavy hearts, some workers ask if they can evacuate to a safer location.

E5 · 47m

Our Company Has Lost Its Mind

Station Manager Yoshida decides to use seawater as a cooling source, but TOEPCO headquarters tells him to wait for authorization from the administration.

E6 · 53m

I Can No Longer Leave Here Alive

When pressure in the containment vessel finally starts to decrease, TOEPCO headquarters want on-site workers to get back to work, but Yoshida is wary.

E7 · 55m

Decide the Conditions for Evacuation

As the administration and TOEPCO headquarters grow increasingly impatient, Station Manager Yoshida asks for permission to evacuate some on-site workers.

E8 · 66m

A Scenario of Japan's Collapse

The Prime Minister is informed that in a worst case scenario, a third of the country — including the Tokyo area — will become uninhabitable for decades.