World

Fukushima Fifty on ‘Suicide Mission’ Send Haunting Messages to Family Members

No one doubts the bravery of the Fukushima Fifty — those workers who have chosen to ignore radiation warnings and continue trying to restore stability at Japan’s damaged nuclear reactors. The 180 rotating workers are anonymous and hailed as heroes. But new details of their heartbreaking ordeal are coming to light as family members receive haunting messages detailing their mission.

One woman says her father expects that he will die, the Daily Mail reports. “My father is still working at the plant,” she emailed to news reporters.  “They are running out of food… we think conditions are really tough.  He says he has accepted his fate much like a death sentence.”

Fukushima Fifty on Suicide Mission Send Haunting Messages to Family Members

Another woman detailed the selflessness of her husband who continued to work while fully aware he was being bombarded with radiation. She received an email message from him saying, “Please continue to live well, I cannot be home for a while.”

Fukushima Fifty on Suicide Mission Send Haunting Messages to Family Members

“My dad went to the nuclear plant, I’ve never seen my mother cry so hard,” one girl tweeted in a message translated by ABC News.  “People at the plant are struggling, sacrificing themselves to protect you.  Please dad come back alive.”

Fukushima Fifty on Suicide Mission Send Haunting Messages to Family Members

Michiko Otsuki is the group’s lone woman worker.  Earlier this week, she took to a Japanese social networking to speak up for her “silent” colleagues, insisting they were “not running away” as things intensified. (Translated by The Straits Times)

‘People have been flaming [plant operators] Tepco, But the staff of Tepco have refused to flee, and continue to work even at the peril of their own lives. Please stop attacking us.’

‘As a worker at Tepco and a member of the Fukushima No. 2 reactor team, I was dealing with the crisis at the scene until yesterday (Monday).’

‘In the midst of the tsunami alarm (last Friday), at 3am in the night when we couldn’t even see where we going, we carried on working to restore the reactors from where we were, right by the sea, with the realisation that this could be certain death,’ she said.

‘The machine that cools the reactor is just by the ocean, and it was wrecked by the tsunami. Everyone worked desperately to try and restore it.

‘Fighting fatigue and empty stomachs, we dragged ourselves back to work.’

‘There are many who haven’t gotten in touch with their family members, but are facing the present situation and working hard.’

Comments (82)

1 2
  • mossbrain
    Posted on March 19, 2011 at 12:52am

    I may be wrong but I doubt there is a single rich investor who has made millions off that nuclear company in there helping. They are flown far away to safety where they can calculate the best way to make more profits off this bad situation.

    Report Post » mossbrain  
  • tomx1138
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 11:54pm

    Notice the usual progressive agitators are no where to be see on this subject, they can’t join in on the comments of hope, love and praise of the Japanese that are trying there damnedest to save their neighbors and nation. To me Its more proof of there lack of a moral soul.

    Report Post » Tom  
  • jungle J
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 11:28pm

    jefferson..just give them your cast offs…great.

    Report Post »  
  • Ssenkrad
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 11:15pm

    God, I only pray that I could be half as brave as these people if I’m ever in a situation like this.

    Report Post » Ssenkrad  
    • aug282010
      Posted on March 19, 2011 at 8:46am

      Exactly what I’ve been thinking. God bless them.
      By the way, has anyone heard how much money Michael Moore has given to the Japanese people, or is he on the ground, helping with the clean up? I must have missed it…

      Report Post » aug282010  
  • barrycooper
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:56pm

    That’s a good death, as was said in “The Last Samurai”. I hope I get an opportunity like that. We all die, but not all of us get to do it with awareness, and to good effect for those around us. In my opinion, they are lucky.

    And of course, they may not die in the short or medium term. This may yet have a happy ending. I gave up hope a long time ago, but never the capacity to understand that worst case scenarios rarely happen, and that we all have to do what must be done.

    Report Post »  
  • NOTYERHUCKLEBERRY
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:43pm

    These are the true heroes of this nightmare. God bless them all.

    Report Post »  
  • BarbWire
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:39pm

    Where are the robots when you need them?

    Report Post »  
  • Nocoincidence
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:35pm

    Some gave all…
    God bless the people who are selfless for the benefit of their fellow man.

    Report Post »  
  • uncleskull
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:44pm

    May God give the workers and their families the strength to persevere.

    Report Post » uncleskull  
  • CANDLEMAKER
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:37pm

    Absolutely heartwrenching!!! It is so hard to watch the suffering and the difficulty that this country’s people is having to go through. God Bless these folks who are so bravely trying to get the nuclear plants under control. To go into these plants KNOWING they may not survive is true bravery. God be with their families and bring these Fukushima 50 home safely!!

    Report Post »  
  • FEDUPPAWPAW
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:35pm

    Can’t our military get food and water to them,God bless these heroes.
    Please get these people food and water in their time of sacrifice.

    Report Post »  
  • wethepeoplepress
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:33pm

    If it is true that they indeed are running out of food, that leaves one to assume things are much worse than we are being told. It sounds like it is to dangerous to have anyone re supply the Fukushimo 50.

    Report Post » wethepeoplepress  
    • moreteaplease
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:46pm

      Yeah, something’s not adding up here in my mind. As has been said, if they can chopper in water to try to cool the rods then why can’t they make food drops?

      Have conditions become more grave than we are being told?

      Report Post » moreteaplease  
  • Bellonatus
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:25pm

    Chushingura of the modern age, forced to sacrifice themselves to recapture some honor for the higher-ups. I only hope that fate smiles upon them and they come home to their families healthy.

    Report Post »  
  • flagbearer
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:15pm

    I believe in miracles.

    Report Post »  
  • USAFRetired
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:10pm

    I pray for them all.
    However, I would be willing to bet that they will die of old age before they succumb to radiation sickness. I base this on the actual facts and radiation levels absorbed by workers at 3 mile island.

    Report Post » USAFRetired  
    • moreteaplease
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:21pm

      You are probably right but it still takes brass to go into a ‘hot’ environment like that. Respectfully stating my opinion of course.

      Report Post » moreteaplease  
    • Bob1943
      Posted on March 20, 2011 at 12:03am

      Am I wrong? I don’t believe the workers at TMI received any significant radiation dose during the accident there. I doubt that is the case in Japan.

      Report Post »  
  • Sinista MACE
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:08pm

    Nothing is impossible with the power of Yahweh.

    Even Death has been conquered.

    Therefor, in the Name of Yahweh, I present your CURE.

    http://markorodin.com/1.5/torus-applications/medical-applications

    V-MAN MACE  
  • crackerone
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:04pm

    Godspeed!

    Report Post »  
  • vtech61
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:02pm

    Heroes indeed.

    Wonder why they can’t get food though?
    Don’t they have helicopters over there that can drop food and supplies?

    God speed to these true Heroes, with a capitol H.

    Report Post »  
    • Titania
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:07pm

      Yes, it seems that at least they could find a way to get them food? Or maybe there IS no food; I really have no comprehension of the damage there. I pray for them – for success at containment, and that when death comes, it be swift; and that their families be taken care of in honor of their ultimate sacrifice. Somehow I feel these will all happen.

      Report Post »  
  • CanteenBoy
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 7:57pm

    Sometimes the good of the many outweighs the needs of the few, or… The 50!!

    Heroes all of them. Ease their suffering and grant them VIP staus up there!

    Report Post » CanteenBoy  
  • moreteaplease
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 7:54pm

    The Japanese are a very self disciplined people even in the face of insurmountable odds. I have never seen a society of people so dedicated to ones own family honor or the life of someone they don’t even know.

    My prayers go out to these heros and their families.

    Report Post » moreteaplease  
  • LockeStep
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 7:53pm

    In the dictionary under hero there will be an entry that says “see Fukushima 50.” There is not respect too great and honor too high for these heroes. God bless them and their families.

    Report Post »  
  • leahasevedo
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 7:52pm

    what a wonderful group of people. god bless them all for their efforts to save their people. true hero’s go unmentioned all the time. i hope all of man will learn from their sacrifice and we all become better human beings. god bless and carry these couragous people in their journey, and may they win the fight to save their people. amen

    Report Post »  
  • M-O-O-N Spells Moon
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 7:50pm

    Sacrifice is the highest devotion to that which you believe in. May they escape death and return safely to their loved ones. But I fear it is too late for that. May they always be remembered as dedicated heroes and cherished for their gift.

    Report Post » M-O-O-N Spells Moon  
  • Tom in Tn
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 7:43pm

    I would call them Heros

    Report Post » Tom in Tn  
    • Hungry_i
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 7:59pm

      They‘re like Japan’s 9-11 responders.

      Report Post » Hungry_i  
    • USAMama
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 7:59pm

      Yes, they certainly are heros!! May the Good Lord be by their side!

      Report Post » USAMama  
  • CatB
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 7:40pm

    These workers are most likely sentenced already .. to keep working shows their dedication to their families and country. God Bless them for their and their families sacrifice.

    Report Post »  
    • Restored One
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 7:46pm

      God bless these brave men and the Country of Japan in their time of despair. I can only pray that we handle a situation with as much dignity and bravery.

      Report Post »  
    • Calaite
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 7:49pm

      These families and workers remain in my prayers, hopefuly they are making successess in controlling the reactor cooling.

      Report Post » Calaite  
    • shotzie
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 7:55pm

      I have friends in Toyko, a Japanese couple who were with YWAM. I received this facebook message from them very early this morning asking for prayer for this man involved in trying to hook up power for the plant. Please keep his name in your prayers:
      “Ｕｇｅｎｔ Prayer request In Fukushima, Cool down the nuclear power source, God puts one Christian worker, Naoyoshi Sato. They started to build pipe to connect for cool down the power source. If this process will be success, situation will be 180 degree change for good.Please pray for this project also Mr.Sato. below is Mr.Sato’s message. ‘is everyone OK? this small island is stil protected. I would like to ask this urgent prayer. that’s why i forward it. Please pray for the best !

      Report Post » shotzie  
    • CatB
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 7:57pm

      I would like to remind anyone who can … as Glenn said yesterday and today on the show .. these are our “friends” and they need our help .. you can donate at the Red Cross online .. giving as little as $10. Imagine if everyone who could gave just $10 .. we could do a lot.

      https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?idb=0&5052.donation=form1&df_id=5052

      Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:01pm

      So when are the fabulous 14 of WI coming out to condemn the Fukushima 50 ?

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • MAULEMALL
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:12pm

      Bushido…

      An Amazing Race of people.

      Report Post » MAULEMALL  
    • smartypoop
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:35pm

      I doff my hat to these fine, brave people and their dedication to save their fellows.
      Having said that, I think that the media is engaging in some serious yellow journalism and fear monguring in reporting this incident. The ramifications to our own nucular program to become energy independent, will be severe.

      Report Post »  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:55pm

      Text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to donate $10.

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:58pm

      They knew going in it would be a one way mission and agreed to do it still; such bravery and love they have for others…God speed to them, and may He show a way out for them, or welcome them home with open arms.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • P C BE DAMNED
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:06pm

      Can somebody stop the sponsored link advertising that looks like the news blogs we want to read. I really am annoyed by this and I will eventually move away from it. It will cost the Blaze. It also undermines credibility. STOP IT!

      Report Post » P C BE DAMNED  
    • GONESURFING
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:17pm

      Yes, may God bless these heros to be protected and successful in their mission.

      Report Post » GONESURFING  
    • dealer@678
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:17pm

      CATB is probably right BUT pray for these people anyway. God may have something else in mind

      Report Post »  
    • APatriotFirst
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:20pm

      Remember it is not just 50, but 180 in rotating shifts.

      Report Post »  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:20pm

      There are some news reports saying that there’s a strong chance that those nuclear plants will have to be destroyed by burying them in sand and concrete. Why didn’t they just go ahead and “kill” the nuclear plants in the first place instead of allowing these brave men to walk into a sure death and the radiation to spread? News reports are saying a small amount of Japan’s radiation has been detected in Sacramento, CA.

      It seems to me that when dealing with such a horrible global threat, the best defense would be to destroy those nuclear plants as quickly as possible instead of attempting to save them. Save them for what? They are so damaged, how can they be restored to safe standards?

      If such a thing should happen here in the USA, I hope “they” won’t mess around — just bury those things as quickly and deeply as possible.

      Report Post »  
    • 123gone
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:46pm

      Amen !!

      Report Post »  
    • gracew
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:59pm

      Those brave souls, such dedication under terrible conditions, and now running out of food. We pray for them and their families, and have sent money to help the people of that area.

      Report Post »  
    • colonial10
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:08pm

      They are sacrificing their lives, fortunes and sacred honor. Sounds familiar.

      Report Post » colonial10  
    • Jefferson
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:35pm

      We are getting together clothes, and other essentials to send to the devastated people of Japan. Please consider donating used or new items. More details here..
      http://www.dailypaul.com/159700/a-call-to-arms-for-a-country-in-desperate-need

      Report Post »  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 11:20pm

      There was a story on the blaze that I haven’t seen yet where a commentator was calling Americans “savages” and the Japanese “heros”….I gotta wonder if that isn’t correct?
      I wonder if the employees at an American plant would sacrifice in the same way, and I believe they would not. Japanese people live in a different mindset than we do here, and unless that American plant were filled with former Navy nukes (what the Navy calls nuke techs) then I sincerely have my doubts.
      The people giving their lives there to save everyone else are so far beyond commendable.
      I can’t even express my respect for the honorable humans…..

      God love, bless and keep them all.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • HUGGINGMYBABIES
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 11:49pm

      This is where the first food drop should occur :(

      Report Post » HUGGINGMYBABIES  
    • sing it out
      Posted on March 19, 2011 at 1:17am

      @ Joseph Fawcett
      You’re thinking of John 15:13. This one is pretty cool too: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 John 3:16).
      The Fukushima Fifty are risking their lives – God bless them and be with them.

      Report Post » sing it out  
    • avenger
      Posted on March 19, 2011 at 8:45am

      this is definately not “diversity” at work…

      Report Post »  
    • PittsburghVince
      Posted on March 19, 2011 at 10:19am

      @THEGRASSROOTS
      Nuclear accident sites can’t simply be buried until after they are stabilized, because a meltdown will melt right through any containment. (Do you know what the “China syndrome” is?) This incident is like TMI x 4 on steroids. Our best minds at Lawrence Livermore Labs struggled with preserving the containment vessel for more than a week. At Chernobyl the radioactive material was burning and spewing directly into the atmosphere. Once the fire was controlled a concrete “sarcophagus” was poured surrounding it, and only then could soil be bulldozed to partly bury it. Unlike either, a water pool containing spent fuel rods has been at least partially boiled away, and the whole thing is OUTSIDE the containment vessel. These rods may burn, melt down, and go critical if they do. The ensuing explosion would not be atomic, but would scatter PLUTONIUM over the land and sea.

      In short, we laymen are not likely to think of a solution that might work which is not already being tried or has been tried or is on the list to be tried. The best we can do is stay far away, educate ourselves and pray.

      In the future we should build only “intrinsically safe reactors,” which cannot melt down, another topic for reading, and avoid jumping to conclusions about nuclear power.

      Report Post »  
    • right-wing-waco
      Posted on March 19, 2011 at 11:50am

      @ thegrassroots
      I am not an engineer and I might be wrong but I think the idea is not to repair the plants but to cool the fuel and then remove it safely. If you just bury it, you still have a very dangerous long term problem.

      God bless these workers and thank you for your dedication. It is amazing the courage it takes to continue working there, well knowing that you will almost certainly die doing it. If I wore a hat, I would surly remove it in honor. We owe a debt of gratitude to these workers.

      Report Post »  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on March 19, 2011 at 1:44pm

      @pittsburghvince & right-wing-waco

      Thank you for clarifying the long term problems that are being addressed in Japan, and absolutely:

      God Bless and Protect The Heroes and May They Return To Their Families Unscathed and Blessed With Long and Healthy Lives, In Jesus Name!

      One thing I disagree with, pittsburghvince, is: “In short, we laymen are not likely to think of a solution that might work …”

      We laymen, Vince, should never be intimidated by those with many letters after their names. Sometimes, it‘s the simple creativity of those of us who are able to think outside of the box that just might break the loop of beating the same ol’ ideas to death and, thus, not coming up with solutions.

      Fear not, Vince, because sometimes “… God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise …” 1 Corinthians 1:27 :) Thank You Jesus!

      Report Post »  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on March 19, 2011 at 2:40pm

      @ pittsburghvince

      Let me illustrate! I haven‘t thought about this for years and it just came to mind and I’m laughing over it now, just as much as I did when it happened.

      I have a good friend who is an engineer. He drew a set of detailed plans to put up a shower curtain in his home. Silly, simple-minded, me had the nerve to walk in and just, very successfully, hang the shower curtain — Sans His Plans! :-)

      Report Post »  
    • tarbush
      Posted on March 19, 2011 at 9:03pm

      John 15:13

      Report Post »  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on March 20, 2011 at 6:14am

      PCBEDAMNED: I totally agree, the “sponsored link” addition is a very sleazy way to trick readers into paying attention to the ad.

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on March 20, 2011 at 10:26am

      God bless.

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
    • Physicist_In_Training
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 12:42am

      What brave, brave men (and woman). I stand in awe of their courage…I am not sure I could do that, knowing what the consequences would be.

      Report Post » Physicist_In_Training  
1 2

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love