Key Facts
• August 9, 1945: Atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki at 11:02 AM.
• Over 70,000 lives lost in Nagasaki in 1945 alone.
• Manabu Nakajima, 15 at the time, served as a rescue worker in Nagasaki.
• Nakajima witnessed the destruction of concrete and wooden buildings alike.
• Survivors begged for water, which often led to their deaths within minutes.
• Nakajima described the scene as a ‘living hell’ and still has nightmares.
• He later became a village mayor and advocated for nuclear disarmament.
• Nakajima shared his experiences with younger generations to promote peace.
• August 15, 1945: Japan surrendered, ending World War II.
• Nakajima’s family believed he had died in Nagasaki but were shocked by his return.
Summary
Manabu Nakajima, a 95-year-old former rescue worker, recalls the devastation of Nagasaki following the atomic bombing on August 9, 1945. At just 15 years old, he witnessed unimaginable destruction and suffering, describing the scene as a ‘living hell.’ Survivors begged for water, which tragically hastened their deaths. Nakajima’s experiences left deep scars, causing recurring nightmares even 80 years later. After the war, he returned to his village, where his family, believing he had perished, was shocked by his survival. Nakajima later became a village mayor, dedicating his life to nuclear disarmament and educating younger generations about the horrors of war. His testimony serves as a powerful reminder of the catastrophic consequences of conflict and the importance of peace.
