Dark Tourist, Netflix: Japanese authorities 'examining' show after Fukushima episode

Kiwi journalist David Farrier appears to have caught the attention of Japanese authorities over a recent tour of Fukushima.

The reporter – who explores grisly and offbeat destinations as part of his Netflix series Dark Tourist - toured areas affected by the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan in March 2011. The subsequent tsunami claimed numerous lives and caused catastrophic meltdowns at Fukushima's Dai-ichi power plant.

The Fukushima Prefectural Government and the Reconstruction Agency is now considering taking action, according to The Japan Times, as they are concerned the episode could fuel fears about the area.

"We're examining the video content," a senior official from the prefecture told the English-language newspaper.

The episode sees Farrier explore the area of Fukushima despite its high levels of nuclear radiation. He is seen taking part in a disaster training course, then joins a group of sightseers for "nuclear tourism".

The Japanese government has said that many of the area's surrounding towns and villages are safe for residents to return to, but Farrier and his fellow tourists find virtually everywhere they visit is completely deserted.

Farrier is seen entering an area that even the authorities believe should be cordoned off. Along with a cameraperson, he takes a five-minute tour around an abandoned arcade before being approached by security guards, with his guide intervening to prevent potential incarceration.

The tour group also visits the site where a 15-metre wall of water washed everything away, before the Geiger radiation monitors begin to trill at an increasingly alarming rate.

Farrier has previously told Stuff going to Fukushima was stressful when he realised radiation levels were far above what's considered safe.