It’s been three years since the March 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami disaster swallowed up whole cities and caused one of the worst nuclear power disasters in history. For much of the world the devastating event is a distant memory – except for people in California who, for some reason, to this day think swimming in the ocean is going to give them three eyes or four boobs or something.
But for many living near the crippled Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Plant, like the inmates at a Kagoshima City prison located within the nuclear evacuation zone, the Tohoku earthquake and the persistent effects of the subsequent nuclear disaster altered their lives forever; so says a former inmate who is formally suing TEPCO for emotional distress.
The unnamed complainant says the disaster profoundly affected her life and the lingering radiation in the evacuation zone caused her prolonged emotional grief and worry, especially after her request for a prison transfer to a location outside of the evacuation zone was denied.
The woman says TEPCO owes her 3 million yen (or US$30,000) in damages to make up for the nuclear meltdown deeply affecting her life – even forcing her to cancel plans to have a baby for fear the child would suffer birth defects.
We’re certainly rooting for the woman, who was only imprisoned for three years and is now free, but we’re not holding our breath; seeing as TEPCO was voted the second “Most Evil Corporation” of 2012, they’re probably just as likely to send one of their Yakuza contractors to murder the poor woman.
Source: MSN Sankei News

TEPCO in hot water for use of tasteless hashtag in recent tweet about Fukushima Nuclear Plant
New study shows wildlife thriving in areas evacuated after Fukushima nuclear meltdown【Video】
First worker to die from Fukushima radiation exposure officially recognized by Japan’s government
Foreign workers being hired for Fukushima nuclear power plant decommissioning project
U.S. lifts all agricultural import bans for Fukushima, Tohoku region of Japan
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Self-proclaimed Americans arrested for breaking into Punch the monkey’s Japanese zoo habitat
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Six towering historical warrior floats will grace Fukui’s Mikuni Festival for three days
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Great East Japan Earthquake: Commemorate eight years and donate with a search on Yahoo! Japan
15 years after Tohoku tsunami, Japan’s free disaster phone message number is important to remember
Moving video commemorates anniversary of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan
Driving up the Miyagi coastline, four years after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami
One man’s mission to record the stories of Tohoku survivors “revisited” by lost loved ones
Women speak out about sexual violence after Great East Japan Earthquake
Tohoku Region Drug Dealers Slow to Anticipate Local Demand
Japanese Americans tell STORIES FROM TOHOKU
Tohoku tsunami survivor’s $12K camera: heart-felt gift or PR stunt?
Return to Fukushima: Decontaminated town reopens to residents, but is anybody living there?