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Japan Earthquake: 5 Stories Of Heroism In The Wake Of Disaster

First Posted: 03/18/11 01:37 AM ET   Updated: 05/25/11 07:40 PM ET

Among what's become drowned cities and shaky ruins, a number of dramatic rescue missions have taken place in post-quake Japan.

From trying to avert nuclear catastrophe to risking it all for a loved one, we share stories of the heroes beginning to emerge from the rubble.

Water Rescue
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Hideaki Akaiwa is a hero not only to his family, but also to other tsunami survivors.

The 43-year-old Japanese resident donned scuba gear to make it through flood waters to rescue his wife and mother. He continues to navigate the flooded streets with a survival pack of little more than a flashlight, Swiss army knife and a lighter. Read more.
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A true hero!

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Among what's become drowned cities and shaky ruins, a number of dramatic rescue missions have taken place in post-quake Japan. From trying to avert nuclear catastrophe to risking it all for a loved o...
Among what's become drowned cities and shaky ruins, a number of dramatic rescue missions have taken place in post-quake Japan. From trying to avert nuclear catastrophe to risking it all for a loved o...
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Ann Pettifor Ann Pettifor: If Japan Can Address Her Crises, Then the U.S. Can Address Job and Energy Insecurity Ervin Laszlo Ervin Laszlo: Pact With the Devil -- Thoughts on Our Nuclear Future Ari Hart Ari Hart: Holding God Accountable: Faith and Disaster Karen Berg Karen Berg: Amid Disaster, the Light That Binds Rev. Tyler Wigg-Stevenson Rev. Tyler Wigg-Stevenson: A Prayer for Japan Lisa Kaas Boyle Lisa Kaas Boyle: Good God! Finding Light in the Wake of the Japanese Tsunami Hale Dwoskin Hale Dwoskin: Obsessed with Disaster? 4 Simple Steps for Being Part of the Solution Instead of Part of the Problem Lisa Firestone Lisa Firestone: The Importance of Psychological First Aid in Japan Wendy Diamond Wendy Diamond: Japan's Animals Are in Peril David Nichtern David Nichtern: Facing the Tsunami: Understanding the Strength and Fragility of Human Life Steve Clemons Steve Clemons: US-Japan Friendship Dolls Then & How to Help Today Clay Farris Naff Clay Farris Naff: Cranes Connect Us With Japan Kelly Rigg Kelly Rigg: What Does Japan's Nuclear Crisis Mean for the Climate Movement? Lee Schneider Lee Schneider: Will We See Nuclear Progress in Japan? La Carmina La Carmina: Rocked by the Earthquake: Metal Band Black Veil Brides Urges Relief for Sendai
Ann Pettifor

Ann Pettifor: If Japan Can Address Her Crises, Then the U.S. Can Address Job and Energy Insecurity

The valuable argument coming from the ashes of this crisis is simple: Japan can afford to rebuild. The economic possibilities of nations depend on human, technological and organizational power.

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punafish
0 Fans
04:23 PM on 04/17/2011
Thank you so much for bringing us these stories of heroism. Here's a story I found in the Japanese media, so you likely haven't heard it: The Heroes of Mizuhama: How a Japanese Village Dodged a Tsunami

Check it out here: http://japaninsight.wordpress.com/2011/04/08/the-heroes-of-mizuhama-how-a-japanese-village-dodged-a-tsunami/
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joebiteme
49 Fans
04:26 PM on 03/19/2011
The dog story was the most touching and a real testimony to friendship
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
SilentSolidarity
So what do you need? Besides a miracle.
890 Fans
07:24 PM on 03/18/2011
This is the power of compassion and solidarity. Such brave, and selfless people.

I don't remember who said that but It's during hardship when people come together and realize what really matters.

God bless all the heroes in this difficult time.
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Peace Walker
1264 Fans
04:02 PM on 03/18/2011
Compassion along with the deepest respect and gratitude for the Fukushima 50.

Also for the military who rescued 128 Elderly who had been abandoned within the evacuation zone by hospital staff, most of whom were found in coma due to dehydration, lack of food and care... http://bit.ly/f525Q0
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
ZENNEPHI
12 Fans
01:59 PM on 03/18/2011
Amid the chaosis and seperation from the nucleaur family unit in Japan;
Little people are the greatest gift, an American Mother & Father can procreate.
Pass it on.


"ADOPTION, IT'S ABOUT LOVE"
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jws2346
729 Fans
01:30 PM on 03/18/2011
Kudos to all the brave people
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
CHMB
What's long and brown and sticky? A Stick.
757 Fans
01:02 PM on 03/18/2011
Thank you for the features, although I wouldn't rank a person who risks their own life over another person who risked their life to save someone.
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jws2346
729 Fans
01:29 PM on 03/18/2011
Huh?
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
CHMB
What's long and brown and sticky? A Stick.
757 Fans
02:10 PM on 03/18/2011
I wouldn't rank two people who each saved someone over one another.

Better for you?
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amaboss52
Jesus died for your sins...get your moneys worth!
3128 Fans
11:06 AM on 03/18/2011
Human, at our best when things are at their worst (well most of us), and canines, always at their best.
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Sue Brayne
36 Fans
 
06:33 AM on 03/18/2011
These stories are truly heartwarming - but I am concerned that very little media coverage appears to have been given to the Shinmoedake cone on the Kirishima mountain range erupted on Sunday, the largest blast from the volcano in 52 years. Surely this is not unrelated to the earthquake and tsunami?
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
CHMB
What's long and brown and sticky? A Stick.
757 Fans
01:01 PM on 03/18/2011
When I was in university, I took a class called the Geography of Natural Hazards, and we did over the parallels between earthquakes and volcanoes. Seismic activity often precedes a volcanic eruption. A well known example is St. Helens.
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Sue Brayne
36 Fans
 
01:18 PM on 03/18/2011
Hello CHMB. Thought as much. Thanks.
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