The Days follows the efforts of Masao Yoshida and his team as they fight for survival in the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
Created by Jun Masumoto, The Days is an 8-episode-long limited series featuring Koji Yakusho, Fumiyo Kohinata, Kaoru Kobayashi, and Takuma Otoo, among others. The series follows a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Fukushima, Japan in 2011. The accident was caused by the strongest earthquake ever recorded in Japan.
The Days Recap and Story Summary
On March 11, 2011, a powerful earthquake struck Japan, causing severe damage to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. In response to the earthquake, the power plant staff members followed safety protocols and sought shelter in the seismic safe structure.
Tragically, two operators who went to the basement to check the water levels in the reactor building were killed by the subsequent tsunami that struck the power plant shortly after the earthquake. The tsunami caused a complete station blackout, disabling the cooling systems of the reactors.
Due to the loss of power, the operators in the control room were unable to monitor the status of the reactors, leading to an unprecedented situation. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Prime Minister Azuma (Fumiyo Kohinata) declared a nuclear state of emergency, marking the first time such a declaration was made in Japan.
In an effort to ensure the reactors’ safety, the operators opened the water pipe valves as a precautionary measure since they were unsure if the cooling system was functioning. Masao Yoshida (Kôji Yakusho), the station manager, informed the staff that fire trucks were also spraying cold water into the reactors to provide additional cooling while the power was unavailable.
Unfortunately, the arrival of the fire engines was significantly delayed due to the extensive damage caused by the earthquake and tsunami, including impassable highways. The truck carrying the power supply was unable to reach the power station due to the rubble and ongoing tremors. As a result, the control room remained without power for an extended period.
In response to the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, a decision is made to vent the reactor by releasing gas into the atmosphere. TEPCO, the firm in charge, agrees with this plan. Despite the risks involved, some operators volunteer to manually carry out this task, and they successfully complete it.
However, the threat is not yet eliminated. A hydrogen explosion occurs in one of the reactor buildings, damaging the water hoses used for cooling the reactors. Radiation exposure continues to increase, and there is an additional concern as Tokyo is facing an electricity shortage.
Against the advice of TEPCO, Yoshida decides to use salt water to cool the reactors when the air pressure within the containment tank rises again. Recognizing the unique nature of the situation, Yoshida understands that the workers on-site must make their own judgments.
Initially, the use of saltwater proves effective, but eventually, the flow of water to the reactor stops, and the pressure begins to rise once more. In a desperate attempt to prevent the fuel rods in Unit 2 from being exposed, the operators risk their lives. When their efforts fail, they resort to using car batteries to activate the SR valve, which results in the water eventually returning to the reactor.
However, new challenges arise with a third explosion occurring in Unit 3 and the heating of the spent fuel in Unit 4. Additionally, the SR valve closes again, causing the pressure in Unit 2 to rise as before, leading to the complete exposure of fuel rods.
Recognizing the potential for a major contamination incident, Yoshida is given permission to evacuate the majority of the staff, leaving only a minimal workforce to continue cooling the reactors at the station.
Meanwhile, the US government in Japan urges its citizens to leave, which raises concerns for the Japanese government about other nations following suit. The prime minister is particularly worried about this development.
In order to mitigate the situation, the prime minister requests assistance from the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to use helicopters to inject water into the reactors. This is necessary as the explosions continue to harm ground workers attempting to carry out this task.
In the worst-case scenario, one-third of Japan could become uninhabitable for decades. Despite the risks involved, the power plant’s staff remains determined to work until the end, even at the expense of their own lives, in order to prevent such a catastrophe from occurring.
The Days Ending Explained
Yoshida seeks guidance from Araki, a member of the Nuclear Security Service, on how to fill the fire vehicles’ water tanks to address the ongoing issue of injecting water into the reactors. These efforts prove successful, leading to an increase in water levels and improved reactor cooling. Finally, the reactors stabilize, providing some relief.
Despite the stabilization of the reactors, the US government continues to provide significant assistance to Japan. This includes sending the USS Ronald Reagan, over 200 nuclear power experts, and relief supplies. However, the evacuation order remains in place as a precautionary measure.
To address the ongoing situation, four project teams are established at the consolidated headquarters. Eventually, the power in the control room is restored, allowing for more effective management of the situation. Funerals for the two operators who lost their lives are conducted to honor their memory.
Even a month after the initial incident, efforts toward achieving a cold shutdown are still ongoing. The workers at the site, physically and mentally exhausted, suffer from health issues such as frequent urination with blood.
Years after its construction with the goal of producing future energy, the power station is slated for demolition. However, this process is expected to take another thirty to forty years to complete.
The hydrogen explosion debris emitted high levels of radiation, posing challenges for ground-based workers. The reactors still contain unused nuclear fuel, and the molten nuclear fuel disintegrated when the cooling system failed.
What Happened After Fukushima Nuclear Disaster?
Due to the extreme radiation levels, humans are currently unable to access the massive amount of nuclear debris. In 2019, there was a discovery that this debris could potentially be moved, but the extraction and storage of the debris remain a complex issue.
Following the tragedy, approximately 117,000 residents in the Hamadori region were forced to evacuate their homes. As farm animals perished, wild creatures began to thrive in the area. Efforts are still ongoing to eliminate and manage sources of contamination.
Writer Ryusho Kadota conducted interviews with over 90 accident responders, which formed the basis of a book. The decommissioning efforts of the Fukushima power plant continue as the accident remains unresolved.
Yoshida, who survived the accident, received a stage-three cancer diagnosis. In order to preserve the memory of the incident for future generations, he left behind a record of his experiences.
Masao Yoshida passed away on July 9, 2013, at the age of 58. His post-accident statement, known as the Yoshida Testimony, along with TEPCO’s Fukushima Nuclear Accident Analysis Report, were made public and are considered invaluable records of the incident.
The Days is available to stream on Netflix.
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