Fukushima has been frozen in time for more than a decade since a powerful earthquake triggered a tsunami, causing one of the worst nuclear disasters in history.
When the 9.0-magnitude quake struck on March 11, 2011, waves of more than 33ft (10 metres) overcame insufficient sea defences, destroying backup generators and triggering meltdowns in three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.
It released hydrogen and radioactive materials and some 160,000 residents were evacuated from the surrounding area, many of whom have never been able to return home, abandoning their homes, businesses and belongings.
Entry to some of the zones, which continue to have relatively high radiation levels, remains strictly limited, with ‘difficult-to-return’ areas only accessible with permission.
Now, a British urban explorer has lifted the lid on the untouched world of the Japanese prefecture’s ‘red zone’ – sneaking into abandoned buildings including the nuclear control room itself, and sharing eerie pictures …