Survivors and Advocates Remember the Past and Hope for a Peaceful Future in Nagasaki

In Nagasaki, 83-year-old hibakusha Yasujiro Tanaka actively participates in a monthly sit-in rally to protest against nuclear weapons and promote peace. On a recent visit, he reminisced about the day an atomic bomb was dropped on the city, describing how a vibrant town turned silent in an instant, resulting in the loss of approximately 74,000 lives by the end of that year. Tanaka expressed his gratitude for his family, urging others to cherish their loved ones who have supported them through life.

Chiyoko Iwanaga, an 89-year-old who was also affected by the atomic bombing, shares her experiences through prayers at her church every Sunday. On August 9, 1945, she endured the devastating effects of the bomb while being in a nearby village, yet she has not received recognition as a hibakusha due to her location at the time. Over the years, Iwanaga has sought help from the government, but her requests have remained unanswered, and her health has deteriorated. She reflects that understanding human vulnerability is key to eliminating conflict, strengthening her desires for global peace.

As the years pass, the number of World War II survivors dwindles, yet their stories persist alongside innovative approaches to remembrance. Kenichi Kubota, a tree doctor, conducts an annual examination of the trees affected by radiation in Nagasaki, documenting their conditions as part of a project to preserve their history. Approximately 50 trees are surveyed each year, treated as living witnesses of the bombing. Kubota hopes that by adapting these trees to modern living conditions, they will continue to thrive, serving as reminders of the past. The collective endeavors of Tanaka, Iwanaga, and Kubota highlight a shared aspiration among the people of Nagasaki to ensure the city is forever recognized as a place that suffered from atomic destruction, and to foster lasting peace for future generations.