What's happened
Tsunehisa Katsumata, former chairman of TEPCO during the Fukushima disaster, passed away on October 21, 2024. His death comes amid ongoing legal battles related to the 2011 nuclear crisis, which continues to impact Japan's energy policies and public sentiment towards nuclear power.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Tsunehisa Katsumata's death at 84 marks a significant moment in the ongoing narrative of the Fukushima disaster, which continues to haunt Japan's energy policies. The Independent highlights that Katsumata was a central figure in the legal battles following the disaster, facing accusations of negligence that resulted in the deaths of over 40 individuals during evacuations. Meanwhile, the New York Times notes that public support for nuclear energy has fluctuated, particularly after recent earthquakes, complicating the government's plans to restart nuclear plants. This juxtaposition of legal and public sentiment illustrates the complex legacy of the Fukushima crisis and its lasting impact on Japan's energy future.
How we got here
The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in March 2011, triggered by a massive earthquake and tsunami, led to significant nuclear meltdowns and widespread evacuations. Katsumata's leadership during the crisis has been scrutinized, resulting in ongoing legal challenges against him and other executives.
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Japan is an island country of East Asia in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It borders the Sea of Japan to the west and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.
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Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Incorporated, also known as Toden or TEPCO, is a Japanese electric utility holding company servicing Japan's KantÅ region, Yamanashi Prefecture, and the eastern portion of Shizuoka Prefecture.