One Man and His Cats in Fukushima (Photos)

Matsumura takes a walk with Shiro and Sabi one afternoon after feeding the cattle.

Sabi (right) always leads the way with Shiro (left) following behind.

Matsumura watches Sabi and Shiro playing.

Although very different in character, Shiro and Sabi get on well and are often seen together.

Shiro looks on nervously as a calf receives treatment from a volunteer vet.

Sabi and Shiro relax on an early summer afternoon.

Shiro and Sabi were often found near (but not too near) this ostrich Matsumura looked after until it died in 2015.

As a kitten, Shiro had a mark on her forehead like the kanji for eight (八), but it faded when she grew up.

Matsumura has been interviewed regarding his activities by international media on several occasions. Here he is talking to crew from a Hong Kong television station.

Sabi is always curious to see what Matsumura is doing.

Matsumura playing with Shiro. It does not seem like a scene from a disaster zone.

It’s a cold winter morning, but that’s no reason not to go for the daily walk.

Enjoying a pleasant nap.

While Matsumura tends to the cattle, Shiro and Sabi frolic, snooze, and wait to go home.

The cats are now good friends with Ishimatsu the dog, who has lived with Matsumura since before they arrived.

Resting in the shade on a hot summer day.

Shiro is lovable, showing a maternal care for Sabi’s kittens.

Sabi is the terror of local mice and moles, but a pushover when it comes to humans.

As Matsumura has shown, the first step to Fukushima’s revival is having the powerful will to live there. Shiro and Sabi are his constant companions.