Malaysian photographer Keow Wee Loong and four of his friends explored and photographed four abandoned towns in Fukushima. Japan.
The abandonment of these towns came as a result of the nuclear power plant explosion caused by natural disasters that required the immediate evacuation of surrounding areas. Five years later, radiation still permeates these cordoned off areas and neither former residents nor looters make attempts to go back. The photos of these abandoned towns are quite unsettling, appearing to be post-apocalyptic and putting the viewer face-to-face with the consequences of nuclear weaponry and human's environmental impact.
These photos are simultaneously powerful and poignant, leading to questions about political instability and the severe repercussions of humankind's methods of energy consumption.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Exploring Abandoned Towns
- Opportunity for urban exploration and tourism by offering guided tours and experiences in abandoned towns.
- Nuclear Energy Fallout
- Opportunity for the development of safer and more sustainable sources of energy to avoid situations like the Fukushima disaster.
- Environmental Impact Awareness
- Opportunity for businesses to develop and promote eco-friendly practices and products to mitigate the severe repercussions of human's environmental impact.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Tourism
- Developing guided tours and experiences in abandoned towns to cater to the growing interest in urban exploration.
- Energy
- Investing in research and development for safer and sustainable sources of energy to minimize the risks and consequences of nuclear disasters.
- Green Industry
- Creating and promoting eco-friendly practices and products to raise awareness and combat the environmental impacts caused by human activities.
