Messages from Hiroshima

Suzuko Numata (female)

'Chokubaku'  1 km from the hypocenter / 22 years old at the time / current resident of Hiroshima13340

The scenes of the A-bombed city are introduced here.

The photographs are not directly connected with the messages.

1. Early on the morning of August 10, an operation without anesthesia saved my life―amputation at the thigh of my left leg, which was rotten up to the knee. I can hardly forget the momentary flash of August 6 and the living hell with totally transfigured people, which I witnessed when I recovered consciousness after being rescued. The voices calling out ("water," "I'm in pain," "help," and "mama, help me") still cling to the depths of my ears.

2. Once on the brink of death, I am alive now. For me, every day is that day, 365 days of the year. I would like to pass on to as many people as possible our caring thoughts for the dead and the thoughts the dead left behind. As a survivor, I have a mission to fulfill―one that is entrusted by the dead.

3.
･The starting point of peace is in being a person who has the heart to understand others'pain.
･Wisdom in pursuit of truth can provide significant momentum for creating peace.
･Peace does not come if we sit and wait. Each individual must endeavor to create justice with courage, wisdom and effort.

* Since 2003 I have been in and out of the hospital. Now, too, I am in bed, feeling frustrated.
(2005)