The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency has conducted tests on Mr Matsumura and found he had the highest radiation levels of anyone they have tested.
Matsumura said, “They 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.”
He added, “I was born and raised in this town. When I die, it’s going to be in Tomioka.”
Is he brave or stupid? At least he is making his own choice and is fully aware of the potential consequences.
“For the Good of Mankind and to End All World Wars”
That wasn’t the case with the 167 residents of the Bikini Atoll where the US government conducted 23 atomic tests between 1946 and 1958. They were originally told they would only be leaving for a short time “for the good of mankind and to end all world wars.” Little thought was given to the potential health and ecological impact beyond the immediate test site. The fallout contaminated a wider area than expected, resulting in the upheaval of the residents’ lives in ways that they never anticipated.
Itchy Skin, Burning Eyes, Swelling, Vomiting, Diarrhea and Fatigue
Soon after the original detonations, virtually all the islanders in the vicinity experienced severe radiation sickness, including itchy skin, burning eyes, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue. They were evacuated but not taken care of, left to starve in exile under appalling unsustainable conditions. They were moved several times, each time to an island inadequate to their needs. Promises were broken again and again, proving that these people were considered a low priority.
Some say they were used as unwitting guinea pigs to test the medical effects of nuclear exposure.
