The city of Hiroshima was left in ruins after the United States dropped an atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. The devastating attack marked the first time a nuclear weapon had ever been used in warfare, leaving a lasting impact on the survivors, known as hibakusha.
Chieko Kiriake, who was just 15 years old at the time, vividly recalls the blinding light and intense heat of the bomb. She and other students at her school were left to tend to the injured, using whatever resources they could find to help ease their suffering. The aftermath of the bombing was a harrowing experience for Chieko, who had to cremate her classmates with her own hands.
Now 94 years old, Chieko and other hibakusha are sharing their stories in a BBC Two film, documenting the past as a warning for the future. They have faced health problems, discrimination, and the fear of nuclear escalation in today’s world.
The survivors, like Michiko Kodama and Sueichi Kido, have dedicated their lives to advocating for nuclear disarmament and peace. Michiko vividly remembers the horrors of the bombing and the impact it had on her family, while Sueichi has traveled to the United Nations to raise awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapons.
Despite the challenges they have faced, the hibakusha remain determined to ensure that the past never becomes the present. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare and the importance of working towards a peaceful future.
The documentary “Atomic People” will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, giving viewers a glimpse into the lives of these resilient survivors. If you are affected by the issues raised in this story, support and advice are available via the BBC Action Line.
