The Fukushima 50

Long ago in Ancient Japan, lords fought over the vast land. However, the lords couldn’t protect themselves from other lords and the people. The lords then hired Samurai Warriors to protect them and their land. Recently in Japan, thousands of earthquakes have occurred and over 65 of these earthquakes have been over the high level of 6.0. On March 11, 2011, a major tsunami hit Japan and demolished everything in its path. The major nuclear plant was greatly impacted by this tsunami and has become very harmful to the people in Japan. The reactors at the plant are leaking radiation and are prone to catching on fire or exploding. If either of these two events were to occur, then the radiation would be devastating to everyone in the world. To help cool down the reactors and to help save Japan, about 200 people have been working in the plant. At a given time, there are approximately 50 people in a plant at a time. These Fukushima 50 are considered the modern day heroes and warriors of Japan. (Textbook, News Articles)

March 15, 2011

As I walked into the family room, stress replaced the once cheerful environment. I informed my wife and 2 daughters that I, their father, would be risking my life to save Japan from radiation. However, what they don’t realize is that by going into that plant, I can make 300 dollars an hour! With that kind of money, I can help to save our family’s market business from going bankrupt. I’m still debating these risks with the money though. If I die on the job, then my family won’t be able to survive without me and they won’t have any money. However, if I don’t go into the plant, then I won’t be able to make money to support my family. (News Articles)

March 17, 2011
I have made my decision today. I am going into that nuclear plant.

March 22, 2011

Today was my first day at the plant. Right away they had me put on a large white suit, head gear masks and gloves. I feel trapped inside this body suit with no way out. What kind of situation have I gotten myself into?

As I walk down the long narrow halls, I pass a couple other workers. All I can see of them is their eyes, so I start examining the different expressions. Many of the men and women have expressions of worry and desperation. However as I walk further down the hall, I see the other few workers have looks of determination. After thinking about these few workers, I realized how if I was going to be here risking my life, then I should put all my effort and energy into saving my country and all its people from this horrid radiation crisis. With this new feeling of pride for Japan and hopefulness for the future of myself and my family, I start walking with a straight back, ready for whatever waits ahead of me at the end of the hall. (News)

March 25, 2011

Today was my fourth day at the plant and I have now realized how tremendous of a tragedy and accident this was. All four reactors have low water levels, so planes are flying in from the U.S.A. dropping water bombs trying to cool off the reactors. However, the planes aren't precise enough with the water bombs, so only a human can cool the reactor down completely. The officials at the plant are figuring out a strategy to cool down the reactors. They said there would be a meeting tomorrow. (News)

March 26, 2011

At the meeting today, they announced that there would be a vote for who would go into the reactor. They said that the radiation from the plant would most likely affect the workers forever if they went into the reactor. I realized that this would be the perfect job for me. I would finally be able to prove to everyone that I could work harder than everyone else and that I honored my country. After the officials told everyone about the plan, silence filled the large room. Workers looked around at each other, waiting for someone to stand up. This was my chance to speak up.
“I will go into the reactor,” I said. Everyone looked at me, gasping as they realized