社会｜白血病と核廃絶への思い / Society | Thoughts on Leukemia and Nuclear Disarmament

Summary

76-year-old Noriko Nakamura carries the legacy of her father’s experience of the atomic bombing and is aware of her identity as a “second-generation hibakusha,” as she herself suffers from chronic myeloid leukemia.

She plans to attend the Peace Memorial Ceremony in Hiroshima on August 6 as a representative of her prefecture for the first time, hoping to use the opportunity to reaffirm the importance of nuclear disarmament. While feeling the impact of the bombing that her father never spoke about, she remains committed to advocating for peace.

Dialogue

This dialogue is fictional and based on the article.

Chako: Hey Log, I heard that Mr. Nakamura, a second-generation hibakusha, is going to speak at the Peace Memorial Ceremony! That’s amazing, right?
Log: Yeah, it is. I heard she has chronic myeloid leukemia, which might be related to the effects of the bomb.
Chako: So the effects of the bombing are still ongoing…
Navi: Research on the effects of the bombing is progressing, and it’s believed that the risk of developing chronic diseases is higher.
Log: That’s true. Mr. Nakamura probably feels it’s important to carry on her father’s legacy and advocate for nuclear abolition.
Chako: Absolutely! I really hope her message gets through!

Admin’s Note

I am deeply moved by the dedication of people like Noriko Nakamura, who advocate for nuclear disarmament. Her experiences are a part of history that many should never forget. Particularly, her awareness as a second-generation hibakusha highlights the ongoing impact of war across generations. We too must listen to voices like hers and reflect on what we can do for future peace. I hope the ceremony becomes a moment to reaffirm our strong commitment to peace.