True Hero

Meet Masao Yoshida, the former Fukushima supervisor of damage control works at the tsunami-devastated nuclear power plant, whose decision not to follow a corporate order prevented Chernobyl-like explosions of overheated Fukushima reactors. It was Yoshida’s own decision to disobey corporate orders to stop using seawater to cool the reactors. Instead he continued to do so and saved the active zones from overheating and exploding. Had he obeyed the order, the whole of north eastern Japan would possibly have been uninhabitable for decades, if not centuries. Masao Yoshida, 58, died at a Tokyo hospital of esophageal cancer on July 9, 2013.

The whole world owes this man gratitude! The world's largest floating wind farm is now being installed off the coast of Fukushima. It should be named in honor of Mr. Yoshida when it comes on line in October 2013. He deserves gratitude from everyone, not just those in Japan. Thank you for putting the lives of others ahead of yourself and risking your job (which, believe me, most people don't do even when they know things are unethical!) to prevent something more disastrous from happening to us all. Think of what the damage would've been like if he hadn't continued with the cooldown?

That's really noble of him. I'm sorry to hear he has passed. And people like to act like peeps in Japan all blindly follow orders... Nope, he did something more courageous than most Americans could ever do: disobey a company policy or law. The truest heroes are often those uncelebrated. If only 'higher authorities' would listen/give ear to 'lower authorities', there would be fewer fatal 'accidents'.

Morality is doing what is right, no matter what your told. Obedience is doing what your told, no matter what is right. This restores faith in humanity a true legend! His family should be proud of his determination, courage and expertise. I recall reading of his actions and I hope his family know that many people around the world have a lot of respect for Masao Yoshida and his brave decison. 56 is really young to die, especially in Japan. It's probably related to the environment he had to work in. If I remember this story correctly..their were quite a few guys that went in knowing and willingly that they were signing their death warrant to safe the region from it's ill effects. He went against orders, which is a very difficult thing to do in the Japanese culture, and did the thing that he knew was right. Of course, now the radiation is spreading throughout the pacific, but he did delay a horrific event. That is a perfect example of why policy and horrendously outdated procedure could endanger millions if not for those with the will and knowledge to help stop it. Sad, and i'm sure he did what he thought was best and whatever the consequences, at that point he had no choice. The potential horror unleashed on the sea life of the entire pacific ocean and the people who live off her bountiful harvest, has yet to be seen!