Ms. Yokoro Kikue

Recently, we had the opportunity to meet Ms. Kikue Yokoro, an endearing lady with a sorrowful story. Ms. Yokoro, a Hibakusha, was only 18 years old when she experienced the horrific effects of the atomic bomb.

Days before the bombing, Yokoro-san remembered a conversation her father had with an American soldier residing in Hiroshima. Because her father was fluent in English, he often acted as a translator for the soldiers in Hiroshima. One of the American soldiers had told her father that a bomb was planned to be dropped somewhere in Japan, but not in Hiroshima directly. However, little did they know, the atomic bomb destroyed Hiroshima only ten days later. Yokoro-san morosely described, “When the pika became visible, bright light consumed the entire city with dangerous radiation. Before the bombing, I was in my school caring for the elderly in my community. As the bomb hit the ground, glass windows shattered in an instant, hurting my classmates, our elderly, and myself. Everyone in the school building felt immense fear and panic. From that moment, I knew that we had to leave and seek shelter immediately. People outside were melting and burning from the effects of the atomic bomb and suffering from the heat. Some people’s skin fell off like wet rags, third-degree burns were clearly visible, and maggots had infested their injuries and dead skin. Many many people died from this catastrophe. My father, though not directly exposed, died a few days later from stomach cancer caused by the radiation. The American soldier who had once spoken about the bomb died from the direct exposure.” Not only did the Hibakusha suffer from the effects of the bomb, but also the aftermath. Yokoro-san continued, “Because of the radiation, many survivors developed life-long diseases and health issues.” Throughout her life, Yokoro-san has suffered from more than five different cancers and was also unable to have a child because of the radiation effects.

After hearing this heart-breaking story, we sat in deep and meaningful silence. The atomic bomb caused so many tragedies and grievances. With much hope for a peaceful world, Yokoro-san sends this message to the future generation: “No more fighting, no more war. We must learn to appreciate life.”