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thepastdiary_ on Instagram: "Meet Kotoku Wamura, the Japanese mayor who refused to take shortcuts when protecting his town from disaster. During the floodgate c…" Meet Kotoku Wamura, the Japanese mayor who refused to take shortcuts when protecting his town from disaster. During the floodgate construction, some officials suggested building it 20 feet, then 30 feet, and later 35 feet tall, thinking that would be enough. But Wamura insisted on a 51-foot floodgate to protect the village from giant waves. Many people questioned the cost, but he remained determined to ensure the town’s safety.When the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, Wamura’s decision saved the village of Fudai. The floodgate held back the massive waves, and the community survived with minimal loss. Tragically, one resident, who went to check on his boat outside the floodgate, lost his life. Meanwhile, many towns along Japan’s northeast coast were devastated, thousands of people lost their homes, and countless lives were affected.This story is a reminder of the importance of careful planning and courage in protecting communities. While much of Japan faced immense tragedy, Fudai survived thanks to a mayor who stood firm for safety. Kotoku Wamura’s legacy shows that even in the face of doubt, vision and determination can save lives.#JapaneseMayor #FudaiVillage #Floodgate #TsunamiSurvival #DisasterPreventionView all 1,065 comments https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUN1KpGj-3J/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==