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
Japanese rice cooker recipe gives us a tasty new way to enjoy vegetables and wieners
Colour Hunting: The hot new street photography trend changing how we see Japan
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Body of missing American college student found in Kyoto mountains
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain Matsuya opens gourmet Premium Matsuya with Kobe beef…inside Matsuya
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
A Japanese toast sandwich remix: The toasted rice rice ball[SoraKitchen]
Japan Railways partners with Overwatch, heroes hit the Shinkansen for bullet train collaboration
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
What’s it like to join Tokyo’s walking-and-talking-with-strangers club for a day?
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
Tourists brave Typhoon Jangmi to queue at two famous sites in Tokyo
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
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】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
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?