Akira Suemori Photographer

After the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami hit Northern Japan in 2011, the area affected by the Fukushima nuclear disaster is evacuated due to concerns of rising levels of radiation. However, residents of Iitate, Fukushima, nestled in mountains about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant, were initially told that it was safe for them to stay. Then, they were advised to stay indoors. A while after that, finally, they were told to leave, but unlike people who lived closer to the plant, they couldn't be forced to go.

2011.