15th Anniversary: Ongoing Challenges in Decommissioning, Return, and Health Monitoring

On March 11, 2026, Japan marked the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Tsunami, and Fukushima nuclear disaster with memorial ceremonies. As of March 2026, approximately 28,000 Fukushima-related evacuees remain displaced. Fuel debris retrieval at Units 1–3 remains in early stages. ALPS water release continues with approximately 8–10 discharge rounds completed. The Fukushima Health Management Survey continues with growing debate over thyroid cancer findings. Decontamination of remaining difficult-to-return zones continues. The anniversary underscored both the remarkable recovery achieved and the multi-generational challenges that remain.