How will Japan release its Fukushima wastewater? by Nikkei Asia

The Japanese government is planning to release treated wastewater currently stored at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean later this summer. The plant was damaged by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011, and the wastewater has accumulated since then.
This visual story examined to explain the controversial plan to discharge water by using 3D models. China opposes the water release and restricts imports of Japanese food.
To illustrate the mechanism of the water discharge, we used the photogrammetry techniques which generate 3D model from multiple photos. Our photo journalist chartered a helicopter and took approximately 4,000 aerial photos around the plant. By processing these photos as data, we reproduced the plant accurately.
The water discharge is only the first step to the decommissioning of the plant which will take about 30 years from now. We also explained the next step on how to remove fuel debris from the reactor by using 3D model. The process is about to begin. We sourced 3D model from the third party and modified it. Specialsts who are familiar with the structure of the reactor gave us advise.
We published the content in Japanese and English simultaneously. Japanese version has collected more than 51,500 views as of mid-August. We got a good reputaion from industry experts and other media outlets.