Key Facts
• August 5, 1945: U.S. fighter planes attacked a train near Yuno Hana Tunnel.
• Over 52 civilians were killed, making it one of Japan’s largest wartime train attacks.
• Survivor Mieko Kuroyanagi, 13 at the time, lost her 17-year-old sister Ryoko.
• The attack was unplanned; U.S. forces targeted the train after abandoning their original mission.
• Mieko recalls the moment her sister was fatally shot and the lasting impact on her family.
• Her mother, Masue, struggled with grief but chose to live for her family.
• Masue passed away on August 5, 2003, Ryoko’s death anniversary, at age 96.
• A memorial service was held in Tokyo on the 80th anniversary, with six new names added to the monument.
• Mieko emphasizes the ripple effect of loss, stating, “One death causes suffering for many.”
Summary
On August 5, 1945, U.S. fighter planes attacked a civilian train near Yuno Hana Tunnel, killing over 52 people. Among the victims was 17-year-old Ryoko Kuroyanagi, whose sister Mieko, now 93, witnessed the tragedy. The attack, described in U.S. military reports as unplanned, left a lasting impact on survivors and their families. Mieko recalls her mother Masue’s immense grief, which she endured for the sake of her family. Masue passed away on the same date 58 years later. This year, a memorial service marked the 80th anniversary, adding six newly identified victims to the monument. Mieko reflects on the enduring pain caused by war, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of a single loss.
