Naoto Matsumura: The Man Who Stayed Behind to Save Fukushima’s Abandoned Animals

More than 150,000 people fled their homes after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in March 2011, leaving thousands of pets and farm animals to fend for themselves in the exclusion zone. Among those who returned was Naoto Matsumura, a resident of Tomioka, who dedicated years to caring for the abandoned animals, despite the risks of radiation exposure, according to the Japan Times.

What Happened During the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster?

The disaster began on 11 March 2011, when a magnitude 9.0 earthquake off Japan’s northeastern coast triggered a 14-meter tsunami that overwhelmed the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The flooding disabled cooling systems, leading to meltdowns in three reactors and hydrogen explosions that released radioactive material into the environment. The Japanese government ordered the evacuation of over 150,000 residents, establishing a 20-kilometer exclusion zone around the plant.

Emergency evacuations prioritized human safety, leaving little time to rescue pets or transport livestock. Dogs and cats were trapped in homes, while cattle, pigs, and chickens remained on farms without food or water, as reported by Reuters.

How Did Naoto Matsumura Become the Guardian of Fukushima’s Animals?

Matsumura, a former farmer, initially evacuated with other Tomioka residents but returned to the exclusion zone within weeks, according to NHK. He found his own pets and thousands of other animals abandoned, many starving or dehydrated. His mission to care for them evolved into a lifelong commitment, as documented in a 2015 BBC documentary.

Every day, Matsumura traveled through deserted streets, carrying animal feed, water, and supplies. He cared for dogs, cats, cattle, horses, pigs, and even ostriches from a nearby farm, according to a 2018 report by The Guardian. Some animals gradually grew accustomed to him, while others remained close after receiving food and care.

Was It Safe to Live in the Exclusion Zone?

Radiation levels in parts of the exclusion zone remained significantly higher than normal after the disaster. Matsumura underwent regular health monitoring, with his accumulated radiation dose higher than the general public’s but lower than many assumed, according to a 2019 study in the journal Health Physics. His time outdoors, rather than in contaminated buildings, reduced his exposure risk.

Matsumura acknowledged the dangers but stated he accepted them, believing the animals had no one else to help them, as cited in a 2016 article by The New York Times.

How Did Support for Matsumura’s Efforts Grow?

In the early years, Matsumura relied on his own resources and determination. His story gained international attention through media coverage, leading to volunteer support, donations of animal feed and medicine, and partnerships with veterinary organizations, according to a 2020 report by AFP.

By 2018, he was caring for hundreds of animals, with his efforts earning him the nickname “The Guardian of Fukushima’s Animals,” as noted in a 2021 article by BBC News.

What Is the Legacy of Matsumura’s Work?

While many evacuation orders have been lifted, Fukushima’s recovery remains ongoing. Matsumura’s actions have become a symbol of compassion amid one of the world’s worst nuclear accidents, according to the IAEA. His story has also sparked discussions about including pets and livestock in disaster evacuation plans, as highlighted in a 2022 article by The Japan Times.

Matsumura’s dedication underscores the enduring impact of individual acts of kindness in the face of large-scale crises, offering a rare glimpse of hope in a region still grappling with the aftermath of the 2011 disaster.