Key Facts
• August 12, 1985: JAL crash killed 520 people, marking its 40th anniversary.
• Noriko Haruyama, 82, led nurses during the disaster and received the Florence Nightingale Medal.
• Haruyama is the third recipient of this honor in Gunma Prefecture in 58 years.
• The International Red Cross awarded her for her contributions to nursing and disaster response.
• Haruyama coordinated over 1,000 nurses in rescue and recovery efforts.
• August 13, 1985: Haruyama assisted survivors at Osutaka Ridge and in helicopter transport.
• August 14, 1985: She supported autopsies and identification at Fujoka City Gymnasium.
• Nurses worked in extreme conditions, with temperatures exceeding 40°C inside the gym.
• Haruyama emphasized preserving the dignity of victims during body restoration.
• July 31, 2025: Haruyama received the medal from Empress Masako in Tokyo.
• August 4, 2025: Nursing students cleaned a memorial in Fujoka, learning about the tragedy.
• The memorial honors 5,042 volunteers who assisted during the 53-day recovery period.
Summary
The 40th anniversary of the 1985 Japan Airlines crash, which claimed 520 lives, highlights the heroic efforts of Noriko Haruyama, who led over 1,000 nurses in rescue and recovery operations. Haruyama, now 82, received the Florence Nightingale Medal, the highest honor in nursing, for her contributions during the disaster and her ongoing efforts to share its lessons. Her work included assisting survivors, supporting autopsies, and ensuring the dignity of victims in extreme conditions. A memorial cleaning event in Fujoka further emphasized the importance of remembering the tragedy and valuing life. Haruyama’s recognition underscores the enduring impact of her dedication and the collective efforts of volunteers during one of Japan’s most devastating aviation disasters.
