Fukushima nuclear power plant. Photograph by kAwamoto Takuo
Masao Yoshida, the former chief of the Fukushima nuclear plant, who stayed behind to avoid an even greater tragedy, has died of cancer of the esophagus at the age of 58.
Yoshida led efforts to bring the radiation leaks under control at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami knocked out its power and cooling systems causing a triple meltdown.
He stepped down from plant chief in December 2011 due to his cancer after the team he led had begun to regain control of the problems at the plant.
Officials at Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) said Yoshida’s illness was not related to radioactive exposure. Speaking about Yoshida’s passing in a statement, TEPCO President Naomi Hirose said:
“We keep his wishes to our heart and do utmost for the reconstruction of Fukushima, which he tried to save at all cost”