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A-bomb survivor from Brazil asks for Hiroshima governor’s help in supporting survivors overseas

by Kyoji Matsumoto, Staff Writer

Takashi Morita, 91, chairman of the Peace Association of Brazilian A-bomb Survivors and a resident of Sao Paulo, paid a visit to Hiroshima Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki at the Hiroshima Prefectural Office on August 21. They discussed peace education and support measures for A-bomb survivors who live overseas.

Mr. Morita, who is originally from today’s Saeki Ward in Hiroshima, experienced the atomic bombing while on duty as a military policeman 1.3 kilometers from the hypocenter. “I feel really happy to see my hometown in peace after 70 years,” said Mr. Morita. He expressed his gratitude for a project sponsored by the prefectural government which provides medical examinations for A-bomb survivors living in five countries in South America. He also asked for the governor’s help in eliminating the gap between support measures for A-bomb survivors living in Japan and those residing abroad.

Mr. Morita described the association’s activities, which include conveying A-bomb experiences to young people in Brazil. Governor Yuzaki said that the number of people who cannot answer exactly when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima is on the rise, adding, “Hiroshima must make more efforts.”

Mr. Morita traveled back to Japan to attend the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony held on August 6 in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. He will return to Brazil on August 24.

(Originally published on August 22, 2015)

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