
No matter who you are, you don’t need superhuman powers to be a hero.
Unlike protagonists in action-packed films, we human beings can’t fly, run as fast as lightning, or survive a 20-story fall without a scratch. But with a bit of courage during times when we most need it, we become bona fide heroes in our own right.
One American man by the name of Blaine Hodge was recently hailed a hero when he stepped in between a woman and her attacker at a Starbucks store in California. The woman was being chased by her machete-wielding ex-boyfriend, and Hodge bore the brunt of the brutal attack.
▼ A true hero of the people.
Blaine Hodge everyone
— Hopeless Ramen-tic🍜 (@Chihuahua_Art) September 11, 2018
Also, if you can, please donate to his GoFundMe to help with his medical expenses! He's requiring 200 stitches after being stabbed multiple times by the attacker! He's a wonderful friend and musician with a heart of gold pic.twitter.com/kLaa4QBGlB
The assailant was eventually arrested, but not before Hodge suffered deep cuts to both hands and numerous lacerations to his arms. Unfortunately, surgery would be required for his right hand as the attack left him unable to move his fingers.
Reports reveal that Hodge works as a local musician and is a huge fan of inspiring action anime My Hero Academia. His favorite hero is All Might, the world’s greatest hero in the series.
▼ All Might mentors protagonist Izuku Midoriya. *Spoilers*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqG7bBmfiSY
Much like how Izuku in the anime was inspired to become a hero even though he did not possess superpowers of any kind, Hodge’s actions proves to us that human beings can become much more when we are willing to protect others.
Coincidentally, Hodge’s new album titled “The Mind of a Hero” is slated to be released this month, allowing listeners to peek into the mind of one such as his.
Japanese netizens were dazzled by his bravery, though some thought it reckless on his part:
“Words are easy, but actions are not.”
“It’s dangerous to be influenced by anime.”
“This dude’s amazing.”
“You looked like you were asking for help!”
“I can’t believe he’s a musician!”
Considering the circumstances, we are glad Blaine Hodge made it out in one piece as the incident could have played out tragically. Nevertheless, it goes to show that with a bit of kindness and courage, ordinary people can transcend boundaries and become heroes too.
Source: Oxygen, Comicbookanime via Yurukuyaru, My Game News Flash
Top image: Pakutaso

10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Japanese city abolishes 88th birthday celebratory money gift because people are living longer
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
How to find a lost cat: Unique method from Japan proves to be surprisingly effective
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Japanese city abolishes 88th birthday celebratory money gift because people are living longer
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
How to find a lost cat: Unique method from Japan proves to be surprisingly effective
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school
We taste the Adult Cream Pie from McDonald’s Japan
Private booths are coming to Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains even sooner than we’d thought【Video】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
Seattle burger chain Lil Woody’s has arrived in Tokyo! But is it any good?【Taste Test】
Sanrio Character Ranking results: Cinnamaroll’s five-year streak broken, poll still goes to dogs
Passing the JLPT N1 — Here’s how I did it, so you can too!
Leave a Reply