Guardian of Fukushima

by Fabien Grolleau, Ewen Blain

It was March 11, 2011 when a massive earthquake triggered a devastating tsunami, which, in turn, destroyed the core three reactors of the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. This tragedy cost almost 20,000 lives and devastated countless more, including Naoto Matsumura, a farmer evacuated from the deadly radiation zone.

Unwilling to abandon his beloved animals, Naoto chooses to return home to his farm — and to fight for the beauty of life. This important graphic novel from France alludes to Japanese legends as an ode to Mother Nature, and human resilience.

This emotional title features a foreword by Tokyo-based writer, journalist, scholar and authority on Japanese and Western cultures Roland Kelts, photos from renowned photographer Ko Sasaki, a retrospective from Pray for Japan director Stu Levy, and educational bonus material about the tsunami and its aftermath.

"Blain's evocative illustrations, rendered using flat, vibrant colors and delivered via easy-to-follow panels, and paired with Grolleau's quietly profound dialogue, elegantly portrays wrenching events in Japan's history." — Publishers Weekly

"[Guardian of Fukushima] is as powerful a read as it is a harrowing one when taking into account what transpired. Yet, presenting the story with sincerity under gorgeous art direction, and with additional content that lets the reader see beyond the story of Matsumura, the book is an unforgettable story that readers should seek out." — Adam Symchuk, Asian Movie Pulse

"Contemplative and heartbreaking, Guardian of Fukushima is a portrait of European and Japanese humanism." — Bleeding Cool

"Bravo to Grolleau and Blain for skillfully elevating an already profound story. I would recommend Guardian of Fukushima to anyone." — Comics Beat

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Nonfiction, Japan, Bande Dessinée, History, Manga

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 18, 2021

Reviews

[s.penkevich [hiatus-will return-miss you all] · Rating 4 out of 5]

On March 11, 2011, Japan was struck by The Great East Japan Earthquake, the strongest to ever hit Japan and the 4th largest in recorded history. The earthquake triggered a massive tsunami causing mass destruction and death, yet this tragic incident was later followed by a nuclear disaster when a meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant led to mass evacuations during an already chaotic time. Amongst those living in the area was Naoto Matsumura who managed to get him family to safety but would return home despite the radiated region being off limits in order to protect the animals there. Setting his story to art and narrative, Guardian of Fukushima from Fabien Grolleau and illustrator Ewen Blain tells Naoto’s heroic tale. Using myths and legends to frame the disaster in order to keep his young son at ease and braving the No Mans Land, the story of his brave rescue mission is brought to mythical proportions with Ewen Blain blurring the line between legend and reality in the artwork for a rather engaging story of hope and courage during a dark moment in history. A quick read and winner of a Junior Library Guild award (it is aimed for a middle grade audience but could be enjoyed by any age) with plenty to enjoy and learn about this animal rescuer turned public figure calling for accountability for the disaster and a move away from nuclear power.

Born in 1959, Naoto Matsumura lives in Tomioka, a small town in Fukushima and 6 miles from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. He is the sole resident of the area, a No Mans Land, where he is exposed to radiation every day but, at 55, he says he’ll ‘probably be dead anyways’ and remains at his Ranch of Hope–a care center for animals.

Naoto Matsumura

I really enjoyed the way this graphic novel blends history with Japanese folklore, both in the telling with Naoto explaining events as results of gods like Namazu the giant catfish who causes earthquakes when he shakes his tail, as well as visual depictions that bring the legends to life amidst the disaster.

His story is framed around his telling of Urashima Tarō, a legend about a man rescuing a sea turtle who turns out to be the daughter of the King of the sea and the smoke and various destructions from the power plant are depicted as Aka shita, a dangerous spirit who takes the form of a storm cloud. It really brings this story to life is a fun way.

I really enjoyed the bright colored artwork here that tends to be framed as long shots in order to emphasize the land with the people small within it to remind us that we are all part of the land and our suffering is shared. But also our beauty when people such as this rise to the occasion.

One can certainly see the heroism here as he defies authorities in order to protect the animals left behind on his farm, and while there is a lot of tragedy (and depictions of animals who have died or are harmed by the radiation) there is also a lot of hope. And even in the tragedy, such as the animals suffering from the blast, it is depicted with Naoto seeing the animals not for the death and decay but as mythical beasts in need of his protection and it is rather uplifting in that way.

It is a quick story that covers a lot of ground in just over 100 pages and is just as engaging and accessible for children, teens and adults. Naoto continues to live in the region and protect the animals while also speaking out against authorities for what he say was a mishandling of the situation (he once worked in that very power plant) as well as calling for an end of nuclear power, saying that ‘nuclear power is the most risky and dangerous energy source.’ I quite enjoyed Guardian of Fukushima and hope you will too.

4/5


‘I'm full of rage. That's why I'm still here. I refuse to leave and let go of this anger and grief. I weep when I see my hometown. The government and the people in Tokyo don't know what's really happening here. We must decontaminate this area or this city will die. I'll stay here to make sure that this is done and because I want to die in my hometown.’
-Naoto Matsumura in an interview with CNN

[Diz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic novel tells the story Naoto Matsumura, a man defied authorities to save abandoned animals after the Fukushima nuclear disaster. His story is told with a lot of heart, and his compassion for all living things clearly comes through. The story is based on a true story, but also weaves in elements of Japanese folklore such as the tale of Urashima Taro, Japanese gods, and yokai. Overall, it shows how important it is to sometimes act with your heart. I checked out Mr. Matsumura's profile online and it seems that he is still alive despite living not too far away from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. I hope that he has many more years to come.

Regarding the cultural aspect of the story, the creators depicted a realistic and believable Japan, both in how people act and in how the countryside is depicted. There are just a few very minor errors. For example, there is a cow that is being milked that has a name that is typically a male in Japan. However, there is a possibility that it is not an error and that Mr. Matsumura really named a cow with a male name as a joke. Who knows?

[Jeannot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Je ne connaissais pas du tout Naoto Matsumura, et j'ai été très touchée par son histoire. Cette BD est extrêmement belle, et les légendes japonaises ajoute quelque chose de très poétique au récit.

[Shu Wei Chin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is so beautiful, and not just the absolutely stunning art. I also love the storytelling of this biography memoir.

This is already a poignant, powerful story about Naoto Matsumura who would not abandon his hometown's displaced animals, even at the cost of getting aggressively irradiated at the peak of the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster. To then also weave Japanese mythologies and the beauty of Japanese landscapes via art highly inspired by local artists such as Katsushika Hokusai into the story completely elevates it.

~A Potential Hot Take~
The story also explores the anti-nuclear activism that increased after the disaster, some of which Naoto Matsumura was directly involved in. Through the storytelling, the book presents itself as quite anti-nuclear. While I have more complicated opinions and feelings about the future of nuclear, and I appreciate books more when there is more nuance to discussions around this topic, this is a graphic novel, not a thesis and they are rightfully exploring Mr Matsumura's POV.

Additionally, I cannot stress enough how stories like this are incredibly important because learning from history is always top priority, whatever your personal opinion might currently be, especially when it's made so easy via beautiful and engaging media such as this.

[Yuyine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naoto: le gardien de Fukushima est une excellente BD qui retrace l’histoire touchante et vraie d’un homme près à risquer sa vie pour sauver des animaux. Entre légendes japonaises et catastrophe historique, l’oeuvre nous fais osciller entre émotions et onirisme et nous propose une belle ballade grâce à ses illustrations superbes et douces.

Critique complète sur yuyine.be!

[Murphy C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I'll ever really appreciate the style of Manga artwork, but that's okay. It's a matter of taste. This is a touching and heartfelt comic. I remember hearing about this actual event on the radio in my car, in 2011, on the day it happened. My heart sank at the sheer tragedy of the event. I am glad that there is a comic commemorating that sad day.

[Richard Tremblay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Une biographie bd d'un homme exceptionnel, Naoto Matsumura qui a décidé contre vents et marées de ne pas abandonner les animaux laissés sur place suite au désastre de Fukujima en 2011.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guardian of Fukushima is a beautifully crafted masterpiece that intertwines the emotional weight of a real-life disaster with the timeless allure of Japanese mythology. The story follows the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, exploring the resilience and sacrifice of a man determined to help the wildlife of his hometown after it was devastated by the 2011 Tohoku tsumani. This story blends Japanese mythology into modern tragedy, adding heartbreaking layers of depth to a story I was already familiar with.

What truly sets The Guardian of Fukushima apart is its accessibility. The storytelling is clear and digestible, making it easy for readers of all ages and backgrounds to engage with its themes. The artwork is stunning, complementing the narrative with visuals that evoke both the devastation of the disaster and the beauty of Japan’s cultural heritage.

This graphic novel doesn’t just tell a story—it evokes a visceral emotional response. It invites readers to reflect on the fragility of our world, the strength of community, and the enduring power of hope. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and utterly captivated.

[Manu · Rating 5 out of 5]

une grosse claque encore, même si on croit savoir
J'ai beaucoup aimé le dessin également.

[Vertdeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Formidable, beau, fort et direct.
Une lecture puissante sur le sort des habitants de la région de Fukushima au moment du drame nucléaire.
Naoto est un personnage extraordinaire, dont la force transparait au fil des pages de cette bd. J'adore les œuvres de Fabien Grolleau, et celle-ci ne déroge pas à la règle !

[Raven Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I am giving it a five, there are a few bumps that make this a 4.5-4.7. The emotional and human aspects of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear devastation is explored. Tastefully done, the culture of Japan is woven into the current events.

[Vinayak Hegde · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Guardian of Fukushima" is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that recounts the Fukushima disaster of March 11, 2011, blending real events with elements of traditional Japanese folklore. Drawn in the Bande Dessinée style, the story centers on Naoto Matsumura, a farmer who remains behind in the high-radiation zone to care for abandoned animals after the nuclear meltdown—the second-worst nuclear disaster in history, triggered by one of the most powerful earthquakes since 1900. The novel weaves in Yokai and other folk tales, adding a layer of mysticism to the harsh reality of the catastrophe. It captures both the devastation of the disaster and the resilience of Naoto who stayed behind despite the dangers of radiation and nuclear contamination.

[Marion Egger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in German. Stunning art and moved me deeply.

[Jennifer Ingle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madison’s Little Free Library find for the win!

[Reece · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really well written and personal account of the 2011 Fukushima Disaster.
The story is handled with the same grace and dignity as Nanao Matsumura handles his anointed role as Guardian of Fulushima's animals.
There are no great thrills or revelations, just a melancholy existence that follows such a cataclysmic event. In spite of this, there is a sense of peace in this story. Peace with the world around you and with your circumstances.

The use of Japanese folklore is excellent; not to dramatise but to contextualise the events against the backdrop of Japanese culture.

[Nadja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork and a moving story. I liked how Fabien Grolleau interwove real events with Japanese mythology.

[Sassenach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naoto, célibataire, vit avec ses parents dans la ferme familiale, où ils reçoivent, en ce jour de mars 2011, Koichi, le fils de la sœur de Naoto, content de profiter de la nature environnante. Mais en début d’après-midi le 11 mars, alors que Koichi joue avec le chien de la famille et que Naoto laboure une parcelle de terre, un énorme tremblement de terre fait beaucoup de dégâts : la maison de ses parents est détruite, l’électricité est coupée et les répliques s’enchainent jusqu’à l’arrivée d’une énorme vague qui va balayer la terre sur plusieurs kilomètres. Ce tsunami va endommager sérieusement la centrale nucléaire de Fukushima, toute proche. L’ordre d’évacuation de la zone est donné mais Naoto refuse de laisser les bêtes mourir seules et décide de rester …
Je ne connaissais pas du tout l’histoire de cet homme courageux qui a agi selon son cœur (et qui ne peut que avoir ma totale approbation et admiration) lors de cette terrible catastrophe. Quand j’ai vu la couverture de l’album, vu qu’il y avait un animal, je n’ai pas hésité alors que je n’avais aucune idée du sujet (hormis le titre qui précise qu’il s’agit de Fukushima). Le dessin crayonné est assez réaliste mais évoque néanmoins le Japon par son style et les couleurs sont très agréables, tout en douceur. Mais c’est surtout l’histoire qui marque ! On voit comment les évènements se sont déroulés : le tremblement de terre, le tsunami, le manque d’information et la sensation d’isolement, les problèmes de la centrale, la peur, l’évacuation et les contrôles pour accès à cette zone désormais interdite, la gestion des animaux que les gens étaient obligés de laisser sur place (bétail comme animaux domestiques) et pour finir l’implication de Naoto dans la sauvegarde de ces êtres vivants dans la limite de son possible (parce que, seul, il ne pouvait évidemment pas tous les sauver) et ensuite dans sa lutte contre le nucléaire. Il y a aussi les explications qu’il donne à son neveu pour expliquer le séisme et le tsunami, explications trouvant leurs racines dans la mythologie japonaise, que j’ai trouvées très intéressantes car je connais peu ce sujet. J’ai énormément apprécié l’attitude humaine de Naoto, qui refuse de voir les animaux souffrir inutilement et je le comprends tout à fait (j'aurais eu la même réaction) et forcément, j’ai versé quelques larmes mais j’ai trouvé l’ensemble très beau et porteur d’espoir malgré ce drame. 

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'M NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING.

...For real tho: This is the story of Naoto Matsumura, the most irradiated man in Japan, who got that way by staying behind after the Fukushima-Daiichi disaster to care for the animals left behind in his evacuated hometown.

The first country I ever visited outside of the US was Japan. Our first day there, giddy with jet lag, we visited a farm near Nasushiobara and wandered around making friends with the cows and goats and cats and dogs that lived there. This was in 2007, well before the 2011 triple-disaster that killed almost 20,000 people (to my knowledge, the farm I visited was not directly affected).

The whole time I read this graphic novel, all I could think about was that farm -- the oddly homey smell of mud and manure, a calf's sticky-soft nose, the warm, dark fur of a cat I stroked in the sun. And while that farm was probably fine, so many others were not; as such, stories like Naoto Matsumura's remind me that humans can be so, so incredibly wonderful.

[Lizanne Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Publishers Weekly Grab-a-Galley for the DRC! The story and the art are a perfect fit to tell the story of an inspiring man. Naoto Matsumura refuses to leave his village after the tsunami that destroyed the nuclear power plant at Fukushima. He rescues the animals from starvation and becomes a powerful voice in the fight against nuclear power. The back matter is definitely worth reading. I just bought a copy for my HS library.

[Electra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un joli roman graphique sur la catastrophe de Fukushima et un pied de nez à la mort à travers l’histoire de Naoto. Ce dernier refuse de quitter la zone contaminée et va s’occuper de tous les animaux laissés derrière. J’ai eu un peu de mal avec le dessin car les cheveux blancs étaient presque blonds mais c’est tout moi de buter sur un détail.

[Hamonet Bénédicte · Rating 3 out of 5]

J ai bien aimé le dessin .

[Lewerentz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pas très fan des dessins mais j'ai apprécié cet album qui mêle l'histoire de Fukushima et la mythologie japonaise.

[Marilyn Benoît · Rating 5 out of 5]

Une superbe BD qui relate une version tout à fait inusitée des événements survenus au Japon en 2011. J'ai adoré!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad I found this book, and coincidentally right after watching “Suzume” which is also inspired by the same events.
Such a great story about a man I didn’t even know about before. Tragic events.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated, loved the folk tales mixed in with this true life story.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, informative, succinct, and engaging. I loved the flow of the story, integration with traditional folklore, and ties to the modern true story.

[Clint · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Nice art done in a style that occasionally alludes to traditional Japanese styles. The narrative gives a moving personal account of what it was like to live in the small towns near Fukushima on the day of the 2011 disaster, covering the immediate confusion and trauma of the disaster but also the unfolding confusion around the nuclear plant and eventually loss of the area as a home to nearly 250,000 people.

I found Naoto’s specific story a bit less well-handled. Him staying behind to care for animals (companion, livestock, and exotic) left in the irradiated zone is extremely compassionate and heroic in a sense, but also hard to make sense of. It could be as simple as he saw something that needed to be done that no one else was willing to do so he did it despite the personal sacrifice it required, but the story hints at more complex motives without exploring them. Beyond his motive, it also barely covers what his daily life in the zone with the animals actually looks like once it becomes his new normal, instead mentioning it in a passing montage alongside his apparent anti-nuclear activism. Surely the daily realities and logistical hurdles of his life are one of the more interesting details of his story?

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I remember the earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent destruction of the nuclear power plant in Japan in Fukushima, I haven't thought much about it. Imagine my shock to learn that one man has stayed in the area to care for the abandoned farm animals. So much death...people and animals...and one man committed to rescuing the animals that survived. Including 2 ostriches! He is completely against nuclear power plants. Both the company and the Japanese government lied about how dangerous the radiation was, and as Naoto Matsumura states, there is no safe place to build a nuclear power plant.

In our class discussion, Joyce says she doesn't see how we can avoid using nuclear energy, but even she agreed that location was important. The ocean is needed for the vast amounts of water to cool the reactors, but considering the Pacific rim is earthquake central, where is a safe location?

I particularly loved the juxtaposition of Japanese myths and the disasters that hit the region. The art is splendid.

Lots to think about. And Mr. Matumura is an inspiration in courage and empathy, to decide to devote his life to these animals. Incredibly, though he is irradiated, he is still in good health! And has married and has a young son.

[Mike Nemeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book arrived in my monthly subscription box from the Junior Library Guild. I work at a high school library. "Guardian of Fukushima" caught my eye because I'd heard of this farmer who stayed behind to save the animals left after the evacuation of the Japanese village after a tsunami wrecked the cooling system of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Written by Fabien Grolleau and illustrated by Ewen Blain, the graphic novel stood out for its art and subject matter. It tells the story of Naoto Matsumura simply and with beautiful art. He, like everyone else, was sickened by the disaster and the fact that the Japanese government required the evacuation of all citizens. However, what got him to stay were the animals. Some were spirited away by their owners. But the rest were left to starve. Matsumura didn't like that and adopted all he could save. This is his story with a little mythology thrown in. It's a cautionary tale, because Matsumura sacrificed his health for the animals. In the book, he's said to be the most irradiated man alive.

[Émilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5☆ Le récit poignant d'un fermier qui a bravé les radiations et ignoré la zone interdite pour sauver ses bêtes et nombre d'autres vies animales après la catastrophe du 11 mars 2011 au Japon.

Résumé des Libraires :
Japon, 11 mars 2011. Un tremblement de terre déclenche un tsunami, qui cause, par des réactions en chaîne, la fusion du coeur de trois réacteurs de la centrale nucléaire de Fukushima. Une catastrophe de l’ampleur de celle de Tchernobyl. Comme tous les habitants de la région, Naoto Matsumura est évacué. Mais ce fermier ne peut se résoudre à abandonner la ferme où sa famille vit depuis cinq générations… et ses bêtes. Prêt à tout pour sauver une vie, fut-elle animale, il retourne chez lui, en pleine zone interdite. Depuis, l’«homme le plus irradié du Japon» fait régulièrement entendre sa colère contre le nucléaire... (...). Parcouru de référence aux légendes japonaises qui sont autant d’odes à la nature, le récit rend hommage au combat d’un homme et à la beauté de la vie, qui reprend toujours ses droits.