On August 6, Japan marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, a tragic event that claimed the lives of nearly 80,000 people in the initial blast. As survivors (known as “hibakusha”) become fewer, the responsibility of preserving the stories of Hiroshima’s devastation and the ongoing risks of nuclear weapons falls to a new generation, including 12-year-old Shun Sasaki.
What Happened
The tragic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, remains a poignant chapter in world history. The attack by the US dropped an atomic bomb, “Little Boy,” with a force equivalent to 15 kilotons of TNT, devastating the city and leaving long-lasting scars. Today, the city commemorates this painful history, with fewer hibakusha survivors able to share their first-person accounts. A government report from March reveals that only 99,130 hibakusha are alive today, with the average age now being 86.
As survivors’ voices fade, individuals like Shun Sasaki are stepping forward to ensure the story of Hiroshima is not forgotten. Sasaki, who has been speaking to foreign visitors since August 2021, uses his own family’s history to bring the tragedy to life. His great-grandmother, a survivor of the bombing, later succumbed to cancer caused by radiation exposure.
The Legacy of Hiroshima
Sasaki explains how his great-grandmother was exposed to radiation and “black rain,” which fell after the bombing, containing soot and radioactive fallout. Despite surviving the blast, she developed breast cancer and colon cancer before her death at 69.
At just 12 years old, Sasaki has become a passionate guide, using his proficiency in English to share Hiroshima’s history with international tourists. Through his storytelling, he educates visitors about the horrific consequences of the bomb, including the devastating health effects that continue to impact the region.
Sasaki’s story is an important one. He shares how the bombing wiped out nearly every building within 1.3 kilometers of the blast and killed around 140,000 people by the end of 1945 from burns and radiation illnesses. “Many people tell me that they came thinking they knew the story,” he said, “but they didn’t realize the extent of what actually happened.”
Preserving the Truth
As the hibakusha generation passes, the role of younger generations, like Sasaki, becomes crucial in preserving the memory and lessons of Hiroshima. Sasaki’s guiding philosophy is simple: “We cannot change the facts about what happened here, but we can use the truth about the bomb to change the future.”
A similar effort to preserve the memory of the atomic bombing is underway in Nagasaki, the site of the second atomic bombing, where the “Fat Man” bomb killed tens of thousands. Takuji Inoue, director of the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, noted the increasing risks of nuclear weapon use in the current global climate. “We are deeply concerned about the increasing risk of the use of nuclear weapons, fueled by the turmoil from the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East,” he said.
Hiroshima’s Commitment to Peace
As part of the anniversary, Hiroshima will come to a standstill at 8:15 a.m. on August 6, the exact time the bomb was dropped, to pay respects. Among the speeches, Sasaki will deliver the Children’s Commitment to Peace, carrying forward the legacy of his great-grandmother and the hibakusha who came before him.
Sasaki, excited yet humble, expressed, “I have always wanted to speak in front of a large group of people, so I am very happy that I was chosen. My hope is that everyone who has an interest can come to Hiroshima and think about peace.”
Closing Line
As the world reflects on the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima, the efforts of individuals like Shun Sasaki remind us of the importance of preserving the stories of those who lived through these dark moments of history and the ongoing global fight for peace.
The post 80th Anniversary of Hiroshima: A Young Guide Honors the Legacy of Peace Amid Growing Nuclear Concerns first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
