Watch Witness: Disaster In Japan

Witness: Disaster In Japan is a National Geographic documentary series that examines the catastrophic events that occurred in Japan in March 2011, including the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that devastated the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

The series follows the personal stories of survivors, emergency responders, and family members, who recount their experiences and share their recollections of the disaster. Witnessing each individual's journey, the series provides a heart-wrenching view of the tragedy, and the resilient spirit of the people who are still grappling with the aftermath.

The first episode of the five-part series begins with the story of Yasuo Takamatsu, a 57-year-old dive shop owner in the town of Ishinomaki in the Miyagi Prefecture, who lost his wife in the tsunami. He returns to the water where his wife is presumed lost, to search for her remains. The episode is a poignant reminder of the long-lasting effects of natural disasters on individuals and families.

The second episode focuses on the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, where a meltdown occurred after it was struck by the tsunami. The filmmakers detail the series of events that led to the disaster, from the failure of the plant's backup generator system to the release of radioactive materials into the environment. They also interview a former employee of the Fukushima plant and an expert in nuclear power to gain a comprehensive understanding of the catastrophe.

The third episode examines the impact of the disaster on children in the affected areas, who were traumatized by the earthquake, the tsunami, and the aftermath at the Fukushima nuclear plant. The series interviews a teacher who tries to find a sense of normalcy amidst the devastation, as well as a child psychologist who specializes in trauma and disaster.

The fourth episode of the series traces the story of Michiko Kodama, who was living in Tokyo when the earthquake occurred, and felt the tremors of the disaster. She subsequently became an anti-nuclear activist, campaigning against the use of nuclear energy in Japan, in the wake of the Fukushima disaster.

The series concludes with the fifth episode, which follows the story of Yuchiro Hasuo, a 61-year-old resident in the town of Namie, one of the communities that was evacuated after the radioactive fallout following the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Yuchiro's parents were also in the town at the time of the disaster, and he reflects on his circumstances, grappling with the difficult decision of whether to return to his home after the evacuation order has been lifted.

Overall, Witness: Disaster In Japan provides a moving and insightful view of the tragedy that struck Japan in 2011. The series adds an important perspective to the ongoing conversation about natural disasters, and the aftermath of nuclear accidents. Through the personal stories of individuals affected by the 2011 disaster, the series reminds us of the importance of resilience, as well as the consequences of safety failures and failures of leadership.

Witness: Disaster In Japan is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (1 episodes). The series first aired on April 13, 2011.