Inspiring
Radioactive Man Returns to Fukushima to Take Care of Animals
Naoto Matsumura chose to stay in the Fukushima exclusion zone, despite its dangers, to take care of the animals left behind.
When earthquake and tsunami struck Japan on March 11, 2011, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant became one of the hardest hit areas in the country. In fact, the Japanese government had to evacuate people living in the 12.5 mi exclusion area because of radioactive material leakage brought about by tsunami waves.
The Fukushima disaster has left massive damage in terms of human life and property. Much has been shared about the extent of human suffering that the event has caused but not much has been discussed about the effect of the disaster on animals. There were lots of animals left in there when thousands fled from their homes. It’s so heartbreaking to think that the animals were left to fend for themselves in the deserted place but there’s one man who dared to go back to the radioactive exclusion zone for a heartwarming reason.
Meet, Naoto Matsumura, the only man brave enough to live in Fukushima’s 12.5-mile exclusion zone.
Naoto Matsumura is a 55-year-old former construction worker who decided to risk his life and live in the zone after the nuclear disaster to take care of the animals left in the area.
He returned to take care of the animals that were left behind during evacuation.
He returned for his pets, but later on realized that so many more needed his help, too.
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He’s aware of the dangers of radiation but the 55-year old refuses to worry about it.
Dubbed as “guardian of Fukushima’s animals”, Matsumura chose to return to his Tomioka home to take care of abandoned animals like dogs, cats, cattles, pigs, and ostriches.
“They told me that I wouldn’t get sick for 30 or 40 years. I’m an old man anyway.”
Matsumura discovered that thousands of cows had died locked in barns.
A lot of animals were left chained during the evacuation. He freed them loose.
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Now a lot of those animals rely on Naoto for food.
The government didn’t approve of him staying there, but it didn’t stop him from continuing his work.
He started this heroic act in 2011. It’s been four years now and still going strong.
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Matsumura feeds the animals through donations given by supporters.
Matsumura is aware of the dangers of living in the exclusion zone since chronic exposure to radiation may eventually lead to cancer. However, he told BBC that he “refuses to worry about it.”
He’s now known as “The Guardian of Fukushima’s Animals.”
A brave man indeed, risking his life for the animals.
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The man still retains his sense of humor despite the dangers.
Currently, Matsumura is the only man living and thriving in the exclusion zone. To protect himself, he only eats food and drinks water imported from the zone.
Such passion and care.
Each of us chooses our path in life. Some of us are remarkable – this gentle man is one of those.
The “radioactive man” solely depends on donations to raise the abandoned animals in Fukushima. Learn more about Matsumura’s story through his Facebook page.
The kindness of the human heart truly knows no bounds. We hope there are more like Naoto who will brave anything just to help those in need. Share this story and be inspired!
Source: BoredPanda