Recovery in numbers
Tohoku's recovery, in numbers
Figures published by public bodies, each with a date and a source. Numbers are updated, so please check the source for the latest value.
Some people are still living away from home
In the 20,000s across Japan
The Reconstruction Agency publishes the number of evacuees several times a year. More than 20,000 people are still living away from home across Japan, and many evacuees from Fukushima are still outside the prefecture. For the latest figure and the breakdown by prefecture, please see the source.
Source: Reconstruction Agency: Number of evacuees nationwide (updated several times a year; checked October 2026)
Relocation to higher ground is complete
27 municipalities, 324 districts, 8,389 planned homes
Land preparation for moving homes to higher ground against tsunamis was completed by March 2020. The towns look very different from before the disaster.
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, press release (6 March 2020)
Public housing was completed as planned
29,654 homes
Disaster public housing for people who lost their homes — 5,833 homes in Iwate, 15,823 in Miyagi and others — was completed as planned by December 2020. Part of the housing for Fukushima evacuees is still being coordinated.
Source: Reconstruction Agency: Supply of disaster public housing (7 December 2020)
Sanriku Coastal Road fully open
Sendai to Hachinohe, about 359 km
The last section between Fudai and Kuji opened in December 2021, so Sendai and Hachinohe are now linked by one road. Trips along the coast have become much easier.
Source: Iwate Prefecture public information (December 2021)
Fukushima: recovery continues
Difficult-to-return zone: about 2.2% of the prefecture
In Fukushima, only the difficult-to-return zone remains under evacuation orders. All Specified Reconstruction and Revitalization Base Areas have been lifted (the last in Tomioka in November 2023). Now the "Specified Zones for Returning Residents" are being prepared so that residents can return.
Source: Fukushima Prefecture: Base areas and zones for returning residents (from Fukushima Prefecture)
In remembrance of those who were lost
15,901 dead, 2,519 missing
Announced by the National Police Agency (as of March 2026). There are still people whose whereabouts are unknown. We want to remember that there were individual lives behind the recovery figures.
Source: National Police Agency: About the Great East Japan Earthquake (as of March 2026)
These figures were compiled by our editors from published materials. We review them as new data comes out. If you notice an error or a newer figure, please let us know via Contact. The Reconstruction Agency is scheduled to exist until 31 March 2031.