The Radioactive Man Who Returned To Fukushima To Feed The Animals That Everyone Else Left Behind
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The untold human suffering and property damage left in the wake of the Fukushima disaster in Japan has been well-documented. Still, there’s another population that suffered greatly that few have discussed – the animals left behind in the radioactive exclusion zone. One man, however, hasn’t forgotten – 55-year-old Naoto Matsumura, a former construction worker who lives in the zone and free willingly works as a caretaker for the abandoned animals.
He is known as the ‘guardian of Fukushima’s animals’ because of the work he does to feed the animals left behind by people in their rush to evacuate the government’s 12.5-mile exclusion zone. He is aware of the radiation he is subject to daily, but says that he “refuses to worry about it.” His living in the area is also against the law. He does take steps, however, by only eating food imported into the Fukushima exclusion zone.
See more about his work and what he has seen in the exclusion zone below!
More info: Facebook (h/t: vice, bbc, aplus)
Naoto Matsumura is the only human brave enough to live in Fukushima’s 12.5-mile exclusion zone
He fled at first but returned to take care of the animals that were left behind
He returned for his own animals at first, but realized that so many more needed his help, too
Matsumura, who is 55 years old, knows that the radiation is harmful, but he “refuses to worry about it”
“They also told me that I wouldn’t get sick for 30 or 40 years. I’ll most likely be dead by then anyway, so I couldn’t care less”
Matsumura discovered that thousands of cows had died locked in barns
He also freed many animals that had been left chained up by their owners
Many of them now rely on him for food
The government has forbidden him from staying, but that doesn’t stop him either
He started in 2011 and is still going strong 4 years later
He relies solely on donations from supporters to work with and feed the animals
His supporters are calling him the ‘guardian of Fukushima’s animals’
The man clearly has a sense of humor as well
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A brave man indeed, risking his life for the animals. Such passion and care. :)
How do you donate to him?
His blog has the info for donations. http://ganbarufukushima.blog.fc2.com/
THANK YOU! :)
Need English, I know we should learn French and Japanese but no time. Please can someone make a site in English for this gentleman.
I can't read Japanese. Is there an English translation?
So, I don't get it, do you mail a check there or something?
No Visible means of contributing, I assume it's because I done understand the language.. possible for an alternate method of contact.
the translation is poorly done, I cannot get much of what is intended and I see no place to donate.
THANKU!!!!!
Nevermind that, how do you BE him? :) this guy is awesome
Yes--but feeding those animals costs money.
Yes same question here.
① The Toho Bank, Azumi branch, 644994 (Futsu), Ganbaru Fukushima ② Japan Post Bank Company, Kigo-10270, Bango-10419771, Ganbaru Fukushima
How does he receive it!
Each of us chooses our path in life. Some of us are remarkable - this gentle man is one of those.
God bless this wonderful man. His love and compassion for the animals is astounding
God Bless Him!! So emotional & heart broken this pics. Wishing he keeps strong, and that people joins him,
How can we donate him?
He needs a GoFundMe or something akin to be a bit more accessible.
【Donations】 ① The Toho Bank, Azumi branch, 644994 (Futsu), Ganbaru Fukushima ② Japan Post Bank Company, Kigo-10270, Bango-10419771, Ganbaru
thank you !!! i will be sending money and all my best wishes for this true hero
The Toho Bank, Azumi branch, 644994 (Futsu), Ganbaru Fukushima
Here is his organisation page. Middle-left hand corner there is the donation information: http://ganbarufukushima.blog.fc2.com/
Information about donations: http://naotomatsumura.weebly.com/
① The Toho Bank, Azumi branch, 644994 (Futsu), Ganbaru Fukushima ② Japan Post Bank Company, Kigo-10270, Bango-10419771, Ganbaru Fukushima
This homepage is from 2012 and the link for donations isn´t working anymore.
well, someone needs to feed Godzilla.....
So, nuclear accidents CAN create superheroes.
He really is a superhero!
What an amazing man!
Fukushima is so big as well! God bless this man, and all the animals, too!
If I were 30 years younger I would marry him! A real hero in my book. :)
Respect !!!!!
This man is a SAINT !
what a fantastic person! He doesn't have to worry about being sick. He will live forever fot these animals.
He is a truely hero! god bless him!
God bless you Naoto Matsumura <3
I love him <3
He is amazing. Maybe a vet should neuter the animals to prevent him from being overwhelmed and to let this population fade away in time.
If I were a vet I think that would be my favorite work to do, helping a whole population of animals.
There is a special place in heaven for this man.
can someone plese put up wais for us to donate to him on my facebook page -in english? me and my friends would like to donate.. i would apresiate it very much
Why is he smoking in a radioactive exclusion zone?
Deep compassion and empathy. This man is doing God's work.
God bless him - a true saint ❤️
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Update please: is this beautiful man still taking care of animals left behind in Fukushima
He is hero and I wish everyone had his attitude. Do what is right and ignore the laws that make no sense . I hope he doesn't get sick. He deserves gold stars and admiration for his bravery and compassion. I love him!!
May God bless this man, he has a giant heart, and yes he´s right, until he might get sick from the radioactivity 30-40 years might pass, he´s really the "last man standing", the last one in Fukushima who cares for the animals there!!! 😲😲😲💖💖💖
Where is the donation link for him?
Amazing story... And a very inspiring documentary. Shows a totally different perspective of reality.
http://www.plumfund.com/community-crowdfunding/savefukushimaanimals looks like a donation page
More should follow.
Many people got two fingers or noses after fallout. Radiation gave this man another heart!
Excuse me but two of these pictures are my works. Would you please ask me before using them?
A true animal lover. Can't say the same about the previous owners. True love doesn't have boundaries, has no fear nor agenda.
This man and his actions gives me hope for us all. His actions are those of a real man of honor. Bless him.
a good man. wonder if the number of animal deaths from radiation is low
I worry about what happens when he does die :( I wish there was a way to get those animals out of Fukushima.
I wish he could see this he need to take Iodine Lugol Solution and give 1 to 2 drop to the animal everyday or every other day it will stop most of the radiation and it damage. He can take at least 5 drops per day.
LOVE IS ALL WE NEED,
See below for a Bank address to contribute to this man. I am speechless at his generosity of spirit. I do not want to imagine a world without people like him...may God bless him and take care of him.
Now this man deserves our Medal of Courage or Honor or something... I would push to get him donations, truly a man with a good heart
God Bless You
http://www.plumfund.com/community-crowdfunding/savefukushimaanimals. This is the link for donation, verified by Huffingtonpost.
A living St Francis : )
May God give him long and healty live
How does one get in touch with this person and contribute!
Truth is he won't suffer any ill effects. The WHO and UNSCEAR reports clearly state there will be no increase in cancer. People have died from the hasty and prolonged evacuation and the relentless fear stirred up by the media and anti nuke groups.
man that has a heart in my books awesome!!
What a noble human being.
When he died, he might have a statue for being the guardians of the animals .. just like Hachiko, the loyal dog. I'm imagining now his statue's appearance. :D
When he died, he might get a statue for being the guardians of the animals .. just like Hachiko, the loyal dog. I've been imagining his statue's appearance. :D
What an amazing and kind person, the world would be better off with more people like this man.
Amazing and wonderful. I wish there were more kind people in the world like this man.
This man is a real man of God, he feed his sheep.
Dear Unique Gentle Man, nobody will take from you the happiness you have! And God will add to your happiness even more...don't doubt that God will not pay you back what you did for His sanctified creatures, since He created them, we know they are sanctified. So are you Gentle Man!!! my admiration and love.
What an inspiration and role model. Helps me keep my faith in Humanity!
Hermoso
He's like Saint Francis.
He is another Saint Francis.
Well he would have to be one in a billion, a gentle man who loves animals, if he is thinking of leaving he may find himself inundated with female suitors.
Well he would have to be one in a billion, a gentle man who loves animals, if he is ever thinking of leaving I'm sure he would find many female suitors.
Bless you sir!
A hero.
Thank you for this post. What an amazing thing to do. Restores my faith in humanity to read stories like this.
What an angel xxxx
Great man!!!!!
What a wonderful brave compassionate human being. Such people are rare. Those poor animals are lucky.
What a wonderful human being---brave and strong for all the various animals left behind.
A wonderful story ... the goodness of this man is clearly in his face and in the reactions of the animals
A wonderful heart-warming story ... the goodness of this man shines in his face and in the reaction of the animals who clearly trust him.
GOD bless him.I would like to make a donation to help with feeding the animals. So If anyone knows how to get in touch with him leave messag
love love this man's heart. thank you Mr. Matsumura!!!
Humans are so selfish, generally, only caring about their own welfare. This man is an angel. Finally a worthwhile cause to give my money to.
he is a hero of the first magnitude
he's a true hero, if ever there was one!
My hero.
I want to know how I can help him and donate! Wonderful gentleman!
Awesome!!!
This guys got it made hes got he place all to himself away from all the idiot humans . Just himself and lots of cats dogs etc. Sounds great!
If you like this, I suggest watching Pandora"s Promise on Netflix.
Suggest watching this feature - Alone in the Zone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llM9MIM_9U4
I applaud this wonderful man to take care of other peoples animals. He cares more than their owners do. Makes you wonder about the owners.
Saints appear among us in many forms ........................
I want to go there and help him. If somebody could help me finance the trip. I would go
What a wonderful man, take care.
Thank you, Naoto Matsumura.
We have a video on this man, he's amazing!! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKMDZXwHOVc
I don't undertand isn't any organization that can help this man get tha animals out if there?
I don't undertand. So there is no organizations that can help him get this animals out of there?
j aie un tres grand respect pour cet homme,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
I would give him $100 bitcoin if he had a bitcoin wallet
What an inspiration amazing person. Will donate
A wonderful and kind man, may God bless him
I pray God will care for this man and protect him..like he has protected those animals..
The Power Of Love LOVE IS THE ANSWER TO ALL QUESTIONS…….This is just science http://www.frankbuijs.com/?p=2945&cpage=1#comment-6475
The Power Of Love LOVE IS THE ANSWER TO ALL QUESTIONS…….This is just science http://www.frankbuijs.com/?p=2945&preview=true&preview_id=2945&
I will look for his blog....thank you for doing this, kind sir!
How do I help him?
Aww! ❤ God Bless him! He's an angel taking care of all those beautiful animals
His kindness to the animal is amazing. He treat them like a human.
What a wonderful man. We need many more of him in this world of ours.
I think he's a wonderful man. That's a lot of animals! He's got a very big heart and a lot of work!
I think what he is doing is incredible What happens when he is no longer able to do this ? These animals should be spayed and neutered
He's an incredibly kind man who spreads that kindness freely.
This is a great, brave man!
I think there will be a special place in Heaven for him.....I hope I am there with him & the animals.....
Really a guardian angel. Respect!
this guy is so awesome, i love how he takes care of the animals with a smile on his face, he really enjoys wat he does <3
A true hero.
Bless this man.
I thoroughly enjoy the idea of visiting him, sure its on his schedule; but that's an awful lot to do on your own
a wonderful human being. his blog is in Japanese - anyone here know where the online donation link is? I wish his blog was also in English
I THINK HE IS THE KINDEST MAN ON THIS EARTH AND GOD WILL BE WAITING FOR HIM AS HE IS AN ANGEL. I HOPE PEOPLE SUPPORT HIM FOR THE ANIMALS
Time Magazine...Man of the Year!
Wonderful to come back and look after the animals. X
I am already crying watching this. Reminds of the radioactive area, some place of former USSR (forgot). Bless him. I hope donations come in.
A heroe
Real character from I Am Legend.
Love him to death - wish there were more of this kind of man.
Radioactive man. Wow the impact of dirty energy.
Awesome soul...! Much respect
He is truly wonderful and that ostrich is a messy eater! :0)
Beautiful to see someone bypass their own suffering for the welfare of animals. Very heart-warming...what an amazing man!
I'm worried about what would happen to the animals once he's gone. They certainly depend on him and I doubt that he could have a successor.
a truly wonderful human being
I'm crying lol. This is so sweet I can't bear it.
Such a brave and caring man. <3 <3
God gave this man a challenge if he is going to earn a seat in Heaven !
What a good soul this man is!!!
Volunteer veterinarians in protective gear to spay/neuter animals continually would be good. This beautiful man & the animals need help!
What's also needed, to help both this beautiful man & the animals, is veterinarians to volunteer to spay/neuter as many animals as possible.
God Bless Him. What a pure and selfless soul :)
Hero to the core Godspeed to you Sir! I'll do what I can to rally support for your mission :-)
Everyone should donate to help this kind man's efforts.
The time to be reminded thae where there is love there is greatness!
The time to be reminded that where there is love, there is true greatness!
Hero!
God bless his soul! What a wonderful person! Wish more people were like that what a wonderful world place this would be!
He is just amazing‼️‼️‼️
He is a true Gods saviour.....!!! Thousand salutes to such merciful and kind people !!!!!!!!!! May God Bless him always !!!!
This man is one in a million. Talk about unconditional love.
If it wasn't so far I would have joined him and besides taking care of the animals I would clean up the place. What a challenge.
He has incredible compassion! Such a bittersweet & beautiful story to come out of such human recklessness!
Faith in humanity is restored... Thankful for this man.. he has a good heart everyone should learn from... God bless him!!
An example to us all.
I heart for all living beings.. Applause..
How do you donate money to help out?
People like him make the world a better place!
Every animal foundation in the world needs to be supporting this man financially. If not, then they need to be boycotted.
I think he is an angel and I wish there were many more of him. Those poor forgotten animals must be taken care of.
My heart sends out love and blessings for his selfless kindness and I pray that he continues to receive support for all he does!
My heart extends so much love and blessings to him for his kindness and selflessness. I pray that he never looses support!
I was thinking about him last week as I recalled an article about him after the Fukushima disaster. A beautiful human being!!!
WHAT A CONSIDERATE GUY!!! If I could, I would send him $$$ but . . .
He is wonderful
Well this made me smile and cry! I love animals so much and this man is amazing! Going to donate now!
I think I'm inspired to so more, I pray for him and animals, I pray he us not forgotten .
He is 55 and he may be more fulfilled doing this than anything else he might do in the world. I say Bravo to him and give him the tools.
Sweet man.
'Untold human suffering'? It's been told and retold and a lot of it made up! Anti-nuclear propaganda dressed up in a good news story.
I think he is an Amazing Human beign.Love and Light is his Name ♡☆
'Property damage'? The Fukushima Daiichi meltdowns only damaged the plant! Way to turn a good-news story into anti-nuclear lies, Dovas!
Untold human suffering? Gimme a break! It's been told over and over and a lot of it made up! It's the tsunami suffering that's gone untold!
God bless him and shame on those who left their animals chained and trapped to die
What a wonderful man-angel! God Bless his beautiful soul.
He is a great man,in a world that is so mixed up.The best to him with a very long life,peace
I love this guy , thank God for people like him !
I believe this man is truly a hero for saving these poor forgotten souls!!! May God bless him many times over !!!
I believe this man is a true hero!! Thank you so much sir for all the good you are doing for those poor forgotten animals!!!
a hero, someone who deserves to get a nobel price
GOD LESS HIM KEEP HIM SAFE
He is blessed by God. The Japonese gorvenment should help him and motivates others who what to help him by waring propper clothing,etc.
Absolutely amazing human being ! Kudos
He is inspirational he speaks for those who have no voice ! My heart goes out to this man !! And those animals are blessed he is there. Love
Thank you for giving your life to these animals !! You are a hero !! Bravo !
Thanks God for people like this gentle
Kindness and Goodness in a man is an immortal legacy Such a Man Finds Favor With his Creator and is Blessed Forever
Goodness In a Man Is an Immortal Legacy-Such a Man finds Favor with his CREATOR and Is Blessed Forever
I think this man is a very special individual with a heart of gold. So selfless. Amazing man.
Amazing guy
Truly a hero. But what will happen when he is gone? What a horrific ongoing situation. One that should surely still be in the news.
Brought a tear to my eyes. What an a amazing man.
God bless him! This world needs many, MANY more like him!
Good on you mate.
Good on you mate
What a lovely man
My heart goes to this wonderful man!!! God bless you forever!!!
What a wonderful man! Pity there aren't more like him in the world
Que homem maravilhoso ! Que Deus o proteja!
I think he is a perfectly wonderful human
He simply proves that there is more to life than collecting years. Surviving is not allways the best way of living. I see love...
A true human being! God bless him for his efforts!!!
Oh so brave! I wish you all good in life for helping these animals<3 Lots of love!<3
Just tell him thank you for helping the REAL victims
I admire his courage and compassion very much indeed!
An amazing man. Good job!
It's a good personn! I like!
He's amazeballs & what a life choice, can I go join him please XWX
God will bless him
He is so awesome. May other will join him in his work and support him. Hope he will live forever☺
Angel on earth. We must donate and help him
What an amazing person! May the lord guide him in all ways! God bless U
God does put ANGELS on earth sometimes to take care of the innocent. I don't know if you will see this, but Thank You Mr. Naoto Matsumura.
What a honorable person... I am speechless.
Wow, What a brave men !
Beautiful story. . Can't even imagine what he encountered first entering the area..
What an AMAZING human being. The world needs more like him. Thank you, Sir.
God bless you, and keep you, and all those little angels of His, in your care. You received a calling and were given a mission, thanks!
I am just wondering who accompanied him to take these photographs
This man is a saint! Thank you!! I want to donate! How do we help him!?
I hope he receives many needed donations. God bless him. The guardian of Fukushima's animals.
Wonderful
He epitomizes the word hero. Thank you sir, for your compassion. I will keep you in my thoughts. :)
incroyable! C'est homme est fantastique! Bravo et merci pour les animaux.
I think he is one hell-super hero. How many other people do you hear about doing something like this?
What a kind and loving man..such a beautiful soul who has such an awesome positive attitude...and the ‘guardian of Fukushima’s animals’
I love and applaud this man.
What an unselfish thing to do. How wonderful to think of them in the midst of such a disaster.
God bless this man's kind heart. He is such a wonderful human being. I hope his COUNTRY will honor him for his. compassion a caring.
O think this man is a glorious human being. I hope animal organizations will give him the support he needs to help these precious creatures
Wonderful man. Think of those animals that died locked or chained up. Well, if he has 40 years, yes could be dead by then.
Thank you for taking care of the animals that were left behind!! God bless you!!
Amazing,hats off to you.
He is one of the most sensitive men living on the earth.
What an amazing man!
What a kind, compassionate and beautiful man. Everyone needs to see this as it's absolutely heartwarming. He's a hero in my eyes.
WHERE can I donate funds to help this awesome human?
a hero respect!
What a wonderful man.!
Oh wonderful man.
Modern day St Francis
There aren't enough words to describe the greatness of this man.
It doesnt matter how we are in service of others. We can only have ehat we give away and he is a brave and clear example. We will all die an
What a great human being this man is for taking care of these forgotten animals Good for him!
Every blessing and all due respect to this wonderful man
May he live another healthy 50 years.
An Angel, clearly People like him make me proud human.
A true hero. To care for those thT can't help themselves is a saintly job.
Humanity saved! We need more people like you in the world. Im truely touched. Your a hero for many little innocent lives. Bless you xxx
He is a brave man! I love animals! I'm glad somebody else love them so strong then them life! Cool!
My hero for sure.
A brave man. I would have done the same if they told me it would 40 years before I felt the affects.
Man of the Century. .....
Beautiful man is getting much love ans appreciation back. Like his logic that it would take 30-40 years to be affected strongly by radiation
What a wonderful human being.
Bless him✨
Truly amazing. The "POWERS to BE" should supply the necessary food for the Animals, and forget about banning this person from the area,
I think it's amazing what he's doing!! So selfless!!
We need an email address to be able to paypal? One can't leave a comment on his page because the security point is in japanese.
I feel great compassion for his kindness and bravery to be a type of "Noah"... Sandra Grace
I think he is a blessing. Thank you, thank you.
This man should be a National Treasure. A special soul and carer of life other than his own. A voice for those we cannot converse with.
This man is a special soul. A true carer in touch with his spirit and having respect for life other than his own. A National Treasure.