Some have stated that the radiation could last another 20 years, which would keep these people from their homes for many years to come (Yoshida Testimony). .
As one might imagine, this disaster had massive effects on Japanese society, particularly in the Tohoku region both in the short term following the disasters, as well as in the long with regard to community and consciousness. In the wake of the disaster, the people of Tohoku were "repeatedly (and by all accounts deservedly) applauded for their selflessness and resolve" (Samuels, 39). Instead of looting and stealing, these people worked together and supported one another, doing whatever they could to help others in their communities. .
People's lives were put on hold to help search for survivors, provide aid to those in need, and to share in the suffering together. Samuels mentions in his book that the editors of Nihon Keizai Shimbun stated that these actions would result in "an entire national regeneration" (39). Indeed, the solidarity that the people of Tohoku showed serves as a model by which all communities would want to function. Japan rallied behind slogans like "Ganbaro Nippon!" and "Kizuna" to encourage notions of working hard and sticking together as a nation. .
However, it is clear that the government in the media were using this disaster to support these themes of solidarity and community. It is not to say that individuals in this area weren't supporting one another in many cases, but government initiatives like the Reconstruction Design Council and Basic Law of Recovery from the Great Eastern Japan Disaster focused on themes of social solidarity and community. Finance Commissioner Jun Azumi was quoted as telling his associates, "I understand very well what has happened in the disaster areas. It would be best for me to ask people to contribute with a sense of solidarity in the rebuilding process" (Asahi Shimbun).
