A man whose wife was lost in japan's 2011 tsunami still goes diving to find her body 11 years later

Yasuo Takamatsu has spent more than 10 years looking for his wife Yuko's remains in order to lay her to rest. The search began after the Japan tsunami in 2011 which affected the area of Fukushima.

His wife Yuko Takamatsu, 47, was working at the Onagawa branch of 77 Bank when the tidal wave hit the city.
The manager of the Onagawa bank branch received a tsunami warning that predicted waves of only 6 meters.
He then gave the order to evacuate to the roof of the building, which was about 10 meters high.
Unfortunately, the wave that hit the bank was much higher than expected, estimated at between 15 and 17 meters. It swept away 12 of the 13 employees, including Yuko.

Now in the years since, Takamatsu dives weekly and has done for over a decade to see if he can find her body.

After searching on land for two and a half years, the then-56-year-old started taking diving lessons in September 2013. While he didn't find learning to dive easy, the devoted husband has explained that he's motivated by wanting to find her body.

In an interview for short film 'The Diver', Takamatsu explained: "I do want to find her, but I also feel that she may never be discovered as the ocean is way too vast - but I have to keep looking.

[viewsaddict]

Yasuo Takamatsu has spent more than 10 years looking for his wife Yuko's remains in order to lay her to rest. The search began after the Japan tsunami in 2011 which affected the area of Fukushima.

His wife Yuko Takamatsu, 47, was working at the Onagawa branch of 77 Bank when the tidal wave hit the city.
The manager of the Onagawa bank branch received a tsunami warning that predicted waves of only 6 meters.
He then gave the order to evacuate to the roof of the building, which was about 10 meters high.
Unfortunately, the wave that hit the bank was much higher than expected, estimated at between 15 and 17 meters. It swept away 12 of the 13 employees, including Yuko.

Now in the years since, Takamatsu dives weekly and has done for over a decade to see if he can find her body.

After searching on land for two and a half years, the then-56-year-old started taking diving lessons in September 2013. While he didn't find learning to dive easy, the devoted husband has explained that he's motivated by wanting to find her body.

In an interview for short film 'The Diver', Takamatsu explained: "I do want to find her, but I also feel that she may never be discovered as the ocean is way too vast - but I have to keep looking.

[Miata-gpbp]

He found many other victims in his search too. Truly a hero to other families as well.

[cocopuff-muncher]

To be so loved that your husband spends over a decade in search of you, knowing you’re already gone is a love one wishes to have

[scrillthebeast]

This is the kind of loyalty a man is capable of, when he finds the right person.

[stevestrand]

This is what a real man is. Loyal to his very last breath, even though she drew hers long ago. Love is a strong emotion.

[bachempenius]

This is a man with much love to give. I hope he finds new happiness.

[josevalladares]

I woke up this morning at 4 this morning n just hugged my wife …she’s my world

[lovelymayhem]

After 10 years, he wouldn’t even recognize whats left of her. He just wants to honor her.

[Goddessoftheearth]

Make peace brother, forgive yourself for whatever guilt you hold, she’s resting brother.

[Whattatwist]

Man, that’s true unconditional love, god bless this man, I hope he finds his wife.

[Arien-eefv]

I was a freshman in high school when the tsunami hit. We had just received letters in English class from students that my teacher’s friend was teaching English to in Japan. They thought it would be cool for our class and his to communicate. We had just sent our reply letters back when the tsunami had hit and I remember that feeling I had in my gut and the lingering sad energy in class when we all realized that some of those kids wouldn’t receive our letters back. I still have those letters to this day. I hope even with this man still searching that he’s found some peace.

[ThePickleMan]

I would never stop looking for my wife.
He is an inspiration to all husbands. Well done sir

[sammylong]

He’s not trying to find her, he’s used it as a coping mechanism for his grief and now it’s turned into a routine that keeps him sane and motivated.

[freshimpactco.]

This man loved his wife dearly. It pains me to know he never found her, and with this, not ever getting the closure he so desperately wanted and needed.

[NanaysMine]

Mr. Takamatsu, you are a noble man and a loving husband! May you find peace and rest🙏 from searching for your wife. Let yourself heal knowing she's at rest now. 😌❤

[hykalia]

This is something ACTUALLY deserving of respect my dude! ❤ you are a legend bro! Your wife clearly made a great decision in marrying you.

[kraven]

This is the saddest thing I’ll watch all day 😢 Rip Mrs. Takamatsu 🙏

[jenthompson]

I completely understand the passion and love behind everything he is doing. But being in the ocean after 13 years…no embalming…his efforts are noble to say the least! ❤😢

[browntown]

I’ve lost many loved ones including my oldest son, I couldn’t imagine not knowing where they rest at. It would drive me crazy

[sophroniel]

2011 was one of the hardest years of my life. Not only did I have to deal with the destruction of my own city, christchurch nz with a violent series of earthquakes that killed 186 people, but then this happened while we had a Japanese student whose family was in the affected zone.