Memorial events were held across Japan on March 11 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attended a ceremony in Fukushima Prefecture, pledging commitment to reconstruction. The government aims to lead recovery from the nuclear disaster and strengthen disaster preparedness.
On March 11, 2026, memorial events took place nationwide in Japan to mark the 15th anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, which devastated the Tohoku region and triggered the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear accident.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi joined a ceremony organized by Fukushima Prefecture at a community facility in Fukushima City. Attendees observed a moment of silence at 2:46 p.m., the exact time the earthquake struck on March 11, 2011.
In her address, Takaichi stated that the national government will lead recovery efforts from the nuclear disaster, including the safe and steady decommissioning of reactors at the Fukushima No. 1 plant and improving living conditions to allow residents who wish to return to do so. Referring to the government-designated Third Reconstruction and Revitalization Period starting in April, she said, “With a strong determination to resolve various challenges over the next five years, we will devote our full efforts to the reconstruction of the disaster-affected areas.”
Takaichi also announced plans to accelerate the establishment of a disaster management agency this year, which will prepare for large-scale natural disasters and serve as a command center for consistent responses, making Japan more resilient.
According to The Japan Times, Prime Minister Takaichi pledged to pass down the invaluable lessons from the disaster to future generations. These commemorations underscore the ongoing commitment to supporting victims and enhancing disaster awareness.