What was the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011?

The earthquake caused catastrophic damage, including a massive tsunami with waves up to 40.5 meters high, destroying coastal infrastructure and sweeping away buildings and vehicles. The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant was also severely damaged, leading to radiation leaks.

How did the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident affect Japan?

The plant suffered a meltdown, releasing significant amounts of radioactive material that spread over a wide area, contaminating soil and water. This incident highlighted the risks of nuclear power in natural disaster-prone areas and led to ongoing safety measures.

Why is radiation inspection required for exported vehicles in Japan?

Following the nuclear accident, concerns about radiation contamination led to mandatory inspections for vehicles destined for export. The inspection ensures vehicles are safe and free from radioactive contamination, with certificates issued for approved cars.

Are radiation inspections still conducted on Japanese used cars for export?

Yes, radiation inspections are still performed, particularly in places like Kawasaki City. Since 2014, there have been no cases of vehicles meeting the radiation reporting criteria, ensuring the safety of exported Japanese cars.

How are the costs for radiation inspections covered?

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) compensates exporters for radiation inspection fees, provided they submit necessary documentation, such as the inspection invoice and export permit. This support helps maintain Japan's strong reputation for safe, reliable used cars.

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The Great East Japan Earthquake and Its Impact

Approximately 130 kilometers southeast of Oshika Peninsula in Miyagi Prefecture, with a depth of about 24 kilometers. This earthquake resulted in an unprecedented catastrophe across Japan.

Massive Tsunami and Devastation

The maximum tsunami recorded was 40.5 meters, the largest ever observed in Japan, with waves over 10 meters repeatedly striking other regions. Buildings, vehicles, and people were swept away by the waves, and infrastructure was completely destroyed, leaving the people of the Tohoku region isolated in an instant.

Tsunami wave engulfing houses during the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 — A devastating tsunami inundating coastal homes during the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011

Human Progress and the Importance of Electricity

Even after 13 years, the scars of this massive earthquake have not entirely vanished. Over the past few centuries, humanity has made rapid progess, enabling us to talk to distant people via mobile phones, shop online, construct large buildings, and create fast vehicles. What do you think is the major factor supporting this rapid progress?

While natural resources like oil and gas, as well as electronic devices such as computers and smartphones, may come to mind, the most crucial underlying element is "electricity."

Electricity Generation and the Impact of Nuclear Power

Electricity is primarily generated by rotating turbines, regardless of whether it is hydroelectric, thermal, or nuclear power generation. The earthquake severely damaged nuclear power plants, which are considered highly efficient for power generation, leading to the leakage of radioactive substances.

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Accident and the Effects of Radiation

Radiation is extremely harmful to the human body, capable of destroying cells, causing cancer, and even being fatal if exposure is significant. The meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant led to the release of large amounts of radioactive materials, which affected a wide area. Radioactive substances were carried by wind, impacting various regions and being released into the atmosphere. These substances then descended to the ground as rain, contaminating soil and water over a wide area.

Explosion at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 — Explosion at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, March 2011, caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake

Introduction of Radiation Inspection

Following the disaster, concerns were raised about the potential radiation impact on vehicles entering ports, leading to the introduction of the "radiation inspection." This concern originated from an incident where a used car intended for export at the Kawasaki Port Higashi-Ogijima Foreign Trade Terminal measured a radiation dose rate of 62.20 microsieverts per hour. To protect the health of all port workers, radiation inspection is still carried out today, with fees ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 yen per vehicle. Certified vehicles receive a certificate, ensuring safe export procedures.

Radiation inspection being conducted on a vehicle after the Fukushima nuclear accident — Workers conducting radiation inspections on vehicles following the Fukushima nuclear disaster

Radiation measurement sticker issued by ANCC Nagoya Branch, dated February 25, 2011 — Radiation measurement inspection sticker from ANCC Nagoya Branch

Current Status of Radiation Inspections in Kawasaki City
As of 2023, 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles are inspected weekly in Kawasaki City, and there have been no cases meeting the reporting criteria since July 2014. (Reference link: https://www.city.kawasaki.jp/580/page/0000031715.html)

Compensation for Inspection Costs and the Safety of Japanese Used Cars

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has promised to fully compensate for these inspection costs, accepting compensation claims from exporters every year. The required documents for compensation claims include an application form, an invoice for the radiation inspection fee, and documentation verifying the export (such as an export permit notice or bill of lading). Our company also files these claims annually.

No radiation-related issues have ever been reported concerning vehicles imported through our company, and we have received many comments from customers stating, "Japanese used cars are highly reliable and in excellent condition."

Artistic representation of a red sun with koi fish and plum blossoms

Gratitude for Support and Hope for the Future

In that year, people from various countries around the world expressed sympathy for Japan, offering warm thoughts as well as monetary and material support. We sincerely appreciate these many forms of support.

We hope that everyone can live in peace, safety, and comfort.

Osaka Castle surrounded by colorful autumn foliage under a bright blue sky

Traditional gassho-style houses covered in snow in Shirakawa-go during winter — Osaka Castle surrounded by colorful autumn foliage under a bright blue sky

Q＆A

What was the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011?: The earthquake caused catastrophic damage, including a massive tsunami with waves up to 40.5 meters high, destroying coastal infrastructure and sweeping away buildings and vehicles. The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant was also severely damaged, leading to radiation leaks.

How did the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident affect Japan?: The plant suffered a meltdown, releasing significant amounts of radioactive material that spread over a wide area, contaminating soil and water. This incident highlighted the risks of nuclear power in natural disaster-prone areas and led to ongoing safety measures.

Why is radiation inspection required for exported vehicles in Japan?: Following the nuclear accident, concerns about radiation contamination led to mandatory inspections for vehicles destined for export. The inspection ensures vehicles are safe and free from radioactive contamination, with certificates issued for approved cars.

Are radiation inspections still conducted on Japanese used cars for export?: Yes, radiation inspections are still performed, particularly in places like Kawasaki City. Since 2014, there have been no cases of vehicles meeting the radiation reporting criteria, ensuring the safety of exported Japanese cars.

How are the costs for radiation inspections covered?: Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) compensates exporters for radiation inspection fees, provided they submit necessary documentation, such as the inspection invoice and export permit. This support helps maintain Japan's strong reputation for safe, reliable used cars.

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