Home > TV Programs > Documenting the Japan 3/11 Disaster
Surviving the Tsunami
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| New York | Dec. 22, Thu. 20:10 / Dec. 23, Fri. 0:10 / 4:10 / 8:10 / 13:10 / 17:10 |
| London/UTC | Dec. 23, Fri. 1:10 / 5:10 / 9:10 / 13:10 / 18:10 / 22:10 |
| Hong Kong | Dec. 23, Fri. 9:10 / 13:10 / 17:10 / 21:10 / Dec. 24, Sat. 2:10 / 6:10 |
The huge tsunami triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake reached heights of 39 meters in some areas and struck villages and towns 6 kilometers inland. Vast amounts of footage shot by NHK and local people captured the destructive force of this catastrophic wave. Using the footage shot on March 11 and the analysis of experts, this program sheds light on the menace of a giant tsunami. Survivors who appeared in the footage on that day were also found. They talk about what they thought and did from the time the earthquake struck until the tsunami swept through their towns. This program offers lessons on what needs to be done to protect people from a devastating tsunami.
Mega Tsunami - Hidden Perils
| New York | Dec. 23, Fri. 20:10 / Dec. 24, Sat. 0:10 / 4:10 / 8:10 / 13:10 / 17:10 |
| London/UTC | Dec. 24, Sat. 1:10 / 5:10 / 9:10 / 13:10 / 18:10 / 22:10 |
| Hong Kong | Dec. 24, Sat. 9:10 / 13:10 / 17:10 / 21:10 / Dec. 25, Sun. 2:10 / 6:10 |
On the night of 3/11, Kesennuma city was turned into a sea of fire. What sort of danger did the disaster-stricken areas face from tsunami fires? How did embankments come to be destroyed? The countermeasures and strategies that we previously believed to be perfect have been questioned. This program provides an overall picture of the giant tsunami using real-time images, witness reports and expert analysis. By focusing on what those involved were thinking and did during the disaster, the program investigates what is needed for us to protect our lives from future tsunamis.
70 Minutes to Tsunami: How Did People Act?
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| New York | Dec. 24, Sat. 20:10 / Dec. 25, Sun. 0:10 / 4:10 / 8:10 / 13:10 / 17:10 |
| London/UTC | Dec. 25, Sun. 1:10 / 5:10 / 9:10 / 13:10 / 18:10 / 22:10 |
| Hong Kong | Dec. 25, Sun. 9:10 / 13:10 / 17:10 / 21:10 / Dec. 26, Mon. 2:10 / 6:10 |
The town of Yuriage, Miyagi Prefecture, was hit by a devastating tsunami on March 11, and of the 5,600 residents, nearly 700 lost their lives. NHK researchers visited the survivors, conducted dozens of interviews, and handed out hundreds of questionnaires. In the survey, 600 people gave details about what they did before the tsunami, and a dynamic action map was created. This program analyzes that data with the help of disaster management experts and demonstrates that many of the victims perished as a result of "mental traps" that people often fall into in times of disaster.
Fallout: The Last Days of Iitate Village
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| New York | Dec. 28, Wed. 21:10 / Dec. 29, Thu. 0:10 / 4:10 / 8:10 / 13:10 / 17:10 |
| London/UTC | Dec. 29, Thu. 2:10 / 5:10 / 9:10 / 13:10 / 18:10 / 22:10 |
| Hong Kong | Dec. 29, Thu. 10:10 / 13:10 / 17:10 / 21:10 / Dec. 30, Fri. 2:10 / 6:10 |
With a population of around 6,000, the village of Iitate was in harmony with nature. The villagers were engaged mainly in the farming and livestock industries. However, the accidents at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant changed everything. The soil has been contaminated by radiation, and residents themselves have also been exposed. This program provides a close look at Iitate village over the four months following the disaster, recording the thoughts, emotions, and actions of the villagers, who have been forced to fight the "invisible enemy" of radiation.
Doctors Facing the Tsunami
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| New York | Dec. 29, Thu. 21:10 / Dec. 30, Fri. 0:10 / 4:10 / 8:10 / 13:10 / 17:10 |
| London/UTC | Dec. 30, Fri. 2:10 / 5:10 / 9:10 / 13:10 / 18:10 / 22:10 |
| Hong Kong | Dec. 30, Fri. 10:10 / 13:10 / 17:10 / 21:10 / Dec. 31, Sat. 2:10 / 6:10 |
Ishinomaki City was devastated by the monstrous tsunami. Almost all medical services there ground to a halt, except for Ishinomaki Red Cross Hospital. As the only remaining healthcare facility, it has continued operating to save the lives of 200,000 residents. However, the doctors were forced to cope with one unimaginable situation after another. Following two doctors from the hospital and shooting over 200 hours of their activities, this program is an historic record of "disaster medical care" over a three-month period starting in the days immediately after the disaster.
Can You See Our Lights?: First Festival after the Tsunami
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| New York | Dec. 30, Fri. 21:10 / Dec. 31, Sat. 0:10 / 4:10 / 8:10 / 13:10 / 17:10 |
| London/UTC | Dec. 31, Sat. 2:10 / 5:10 / 9:10 / 13:10 / 18:10 / 22:10 |
| Hong Kong | Dec. 31, Sat. 10:10 / 13:10 / 17:10 / 21:10 / Jan. 1, Sun. 2:10 / 6:10 |
Summer festivals in the Tohoku region have a special significance. Each community holds a festival to give thanks for the blessings of land and sea, and to commemorate the dead. Many places were devastated by the disaster of March 2011, but the people of some communities pressed ahead. As we follow their preparations, we learn of their desire to honor loved ones and rebuild community bonds. This program tells the story of forging ahead regardless, driven by hope and a shared determination to guide the spirits of the departed back to the lights of home.
