News

by Yu Kawakami, Staff Writer

Seventy-eight years ago, a single atomic bomb destroyed Hiroshima, depriving citizens of their everyday lives. A-bomb survivors have shared their horrific experiences under the mushroom cloud, becoming a force for deterring another nuclear catastrophe. Amidst the current chaotic world situation, some second-generation A-bomb survivors are trying to pass on their parents’ memories to future generation based on their strong desire that the tragedy never be repeated. On August 6, such individuals mourned deceased family members and renewed their determination to pass on their stories.

Keiko Hasegawa, 58, a resident of Hatsukaichi City, made a pledge at her father’s grave in Hiroshima City on the day marking the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. “I gave up once, but I want to try again to convey to people about your thoughts and feelings.” Her father, Masao Kaku, died last year at the age of 89. She is now undergoing training to become part of the Family A-bomb Legacy Successors, a program organized by the Hiroshima City government through which family members pass on survivors’ experiences in the atomic bombing.

On the day of the atomic bombing, 12-year-old Masao, a first-year student at Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial School (now Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial High School), located in the city’s Minami-machi (now part of Minami Ward), was in the schoolyard with about 440 other students, waiting for morning assembly to begin. Suddenly, he was enveloped in a bright light and knocked down by the blast. When he regained consciousness, he found himself lying inside the Hiroshima Army Clothing Depot, in the city’s Minami Ward. He suffered burns on his back, but determined to himself that, “I will not die here!”

“He liked to talk, but he never told me about the atomic bombing,” said Ms. Hasegawa, as she recalled her father. When she learned about the Family A-bomb Legacy Successors program launched by the Hiroshima City government last fiscal year, she applied with the thought, “Now would be the last chance for me to confront my father’s past.” Masao, who was undergoing treatment for cancer, quietly responded, “I will tell you anything if you ask me.”

The stories he told her while in his sickbed over the several months were all news to her. Masao passed away on August 8, 2022. With his death, the training to become a successor was halted due to the rules set by the city. People whose training was terminated like Ms. Hasegawa spoke out, and the city revised the rules this past July. Becoming a legacy successor once again became possible for her.

Masao’s name was added to the register for A-bomb Victims, which was returned to the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims during the Peace Memorial Ceremony held just before the first anniversary of his death. Ms. Hasegawa, who attended the ceremony for the first time, said, “The cenotaph now feels closer for me.” She aims to engage in activities that encourage younger generations visiting the A-bombed city to think about peace in their daily lives.

(Originally published on August 7, 2023)