Nearly a decade after the catastrophic events of March 11th, 2011, the scars of the disaster will still remain, serving as a reminder of the power of nature and the potential hazards of nuclear energy. Visiting the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant was a very profound experience.

Upon arriving at the exclusion zone, the atmosphere noticeably changed. The ones bustling small towns now stood yearly silent, and there were many abandoned buildings and overgrown vegetation, showcasing how sudden the event was. The sense of isolation was perceivable, and I felt a deep sense of regret for all the lives affected by the disaster.

Our group first viewed the museum dedicated to this disaster. Then we took a tour of the power plant itself. Our group was briefed on the safety protocols as well as equipped with protective gear before heading closer to the plant. The route took us through areas that were gradually being decomposed and reopened.

At the site, we were guided through a controlled tour by Tepco (the Tokyo Electrical Power Company). The plant was a maze of machinery and structures, and many of them were heavily damaged by the initial earthquake and tsunami. Other parts of the plant were rebuilt or reinforced as part of ongoing decomissioning work. Sitting near the reactor, we could see the ongoing decommissioning work occurring as well as just how grave the disaster really was.

The decommissioning process is a huge, huge task. We learned all about Tepco’s work to decommission these reactors. They’re using various new technologies and international cooperation, and the work is expected to take decades to complete.

The work involves removing highly radioactive fuel rods from reactor buildings, treating contaminated water, and dismantling damaged reactors. Each step takes meticulous planning and commitment to safety.

One of the most challenging aspects this corporation has to deal with is the amount of contaminated water. TEPCO has been working on advanced water filtration devices to remove the radioactive isotopes from the water, and storage tanks have been constructed to hold treated water.

Another thing they needed was help with their decommissioning efforts. Robots are deployed into areas with high radiation levels to remove debris and perform tasks that are too dangerous for humans. The robots are equipped with advanced sensors and cameras to provide valuable data and aid in the safe decommissioning process.

Reflecting on my visit, I was reminded of the fragile nature of the environment and the need for responsible energy practices. The Fukushima Daiichi disaster highlighted the importance of safe energy practices. It also showcased the potential dangers of nuclear power.

Visiting the Fukushima Daishee nuclear power plant was an eye-opening experience and also deepened my understanding of the complexities and challenges of nuclear energy.

Going to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was a very emotional experience for me and has left an undeniable mark on my peers and myself. The museum is located in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and is dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. As I walked through the gates, I was struck by the somber atmosphere but also by a sense of respect that surrounded the area.

The museum exhibits were designed to showcase the devastating impact of the atomic bomb but also to promote the message of peace. The first exhibit was multiple pictures of the city before and after the bombing. The difference between these two images was haunting. At first, it depicted a vibrant city, but then it transformed into a landscape of utter destruction in an instant.

One of the most sad moments was viewing the personal belongings of the victims. There are items such as a child’s tricycle, a uniform, and a watch, all of which were burned or melted, showing the grave human cost of this tragedy. Each item had a story, and as I read the descriptions, I could not help but feel the weight of this loss.

The museum also features testimonials from survivors. These accounts were also heart-wrenching and powerful. Listening to these stories, I felt a profound respect for their resilience and their commitment to advocating for peace. Their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving peace and preventing such a disaster from happening again.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum does not shy away from the brutal realities of war. The museum showcases the grim consequences of the atomic bombing. with such examples as images depicting the effects on humans after the bombing as well as art that depicts how many victims affected by the bomb were. The museum’s message is clear: we must learn from our past mistakes to ensure a better future. As I left the museum on the second day, I took a moment to reflect on the a-bomb dome. the skeletal remains of the building that would still stand after the blast. serves as a reminder of resilience and hope. My visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was a deeply moving experience, one that I will carry with me always. It reinforced the importance of peace and opened my eyes to the need for a continued effort for the world to be free of nuclear weapons.

Visiting Tokyo Skytree at night was a mesmerizing experience and left me up in all of Tokyo’s dazzling skyline. Skytree Tower, at 634 m, is a marvel of modern engineering and provides a breathtaking view of the city illuminated by many lights.

When we arrived at Skytree that evening, we saw that the structure itself was glowing in a soft and colorful manner. The base of the sky tree is bustling with activity. There are shops, restaurants, and even an aquarium to explore. However, we all focused our excitement on getting to the top.

The elevator ride up to the tempo deck, located at 350 m above ground, was an experience in itself. Each elevator is themed for spring, summer, fall, and winter. We rode the winter elevator up, and it lit up in a calming blue light. When the elevator door was opened, I was surrounded by a panoramic view of the skyline, and it was spectacular.

Tokyo at night is a sea of lights. The city stretches out in every direction, and we could see some of the most famous landmarks, such as Tokyo Tower. The countless lights were mesmerizing and created a magical atmosphere that felt surreal.

One of the highlights of my visit was enjoying delicious ice cream while taking in the view. There’s nothing as special as indulging in a sweet treat when you’re gazing out over a city that seems to extend indefinitely in all directions. The cafe also offered a variety of other treats as well as drinks that you could enjoy.

The Sky Tree also featured a glass floor section that was standing on a transparent panel, looking straight down. This experience was both thrilling and very nerve-wracking. It gave us a unique experience of how high up we were and again showcased the engineering prowess that made Sky Tree possible.

As I wandered around the observation deck, I found myself captivated by the ever-changing lights below. The city’s energy and vibrancy were amazing. The experience was both peaceful and exhilarating, and it was a perfect blend of serenity and excitement.

The visit to Tokyo Skytree at night was undoubtedly a highlight of my trip to Japan. The combination of stunning views, ice cream, and the ambience of the night sky made it an unforgettable experience. Whether you visit it day or night, Tokyo Skytree will offer you a unique and awe-inspiring perspective on one of the world’s most beautiful cities.