What's up Japan?: Men in protective clothing

Men in protective clothing

This is translated from a series of articles originally published in Asahi newspaper in Japan, titled “Prometheus’ Trap - the first series: Men in protective clothing” by reporter Motoyuki Maeda. (The second series is also available in the paper. Asahi is running the third series now.)

It’s about what really happened to a handful of people in a small town near Fukushima Daiichi. When I read the Japanese article, it moved me and made me cry. So I decided to translate it into English for the rest of the world.

Here’s a link to a blog featuring the entire original Japanese articles. I’m not associated with Asahi newspaper. This is my voluntary work. I’m just a messenger.

———

Prologue

According to Greek mythology, it was Prometheus who gave the gift of fire to humans.

Acquiring fire, humans thrived, cultures developed. The fire from fossil fuel sped up the progress. Eventually, humans acquired nuclear fire. It was once described to be a “dream energy.” Little did they know, there was a trap set within it.

Mankind, who built cultures upon Prometheus’ fire is now troubled by the nuclear fire. Amid the failure of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, we think of the nation, its citizens, and the dependency on electric power.

———

Men in protective clothing

Part 1: Please get out of this area…

Part 2: Re-evacuation

Part 3: Why is that policeman wearing such an outfit?

Part 4: This is murder…

Part 5: Am I gonna die??

Part 6: Flies were buzzing…

Part 7: Come to Tokyo!

Part 8: Couldn’t sing “Furusato (Hometown)”

Part 9: You can’t see radiation

Part 10: A silenced policeman