On 11 March 2011, a 16-metre high tsunami (tidal wave) swamped Eastern Japan, causing major damage to several nuclear reactors operated by TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Co.), in particular the Fukushima Dai-ichi reactor.  This caused a nuclear meltdown and massive radiation leaks in the atmosphere and surrounding oceans.  Private lawsuits and government prosecution have sought to impose damages, criminal penalties and other sanctions on TEPCO following numerous reports alleging the company was unprepared, giving rise to questions of whether and how the company and its managers can be held accountable.