Shigemi Fukahori, a survivor of the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki in 1945, has passed away at the age of 93. He died on January 3 in a hospital in Nagasaki, where he had been praying regularly at the Urakami Catholic Church. Local reports say he died of old age.
Fukahori was just 14 years old when the bomb was dropped on August 9, 1945. This tragedy took the lives of many, including members of his family. Just three days earlier, another bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, causing even more devastation. Soon after these events, Japan surrendered, which ended World War II and its attacks across Asia.
For many years, Fukahori found it hard to talk about that day because the memories were so painful. However, he began to share his experience 15 years ago when he met another person who had survived a bombing in Spain during the Civil War. That experience helped him open up.
He vividly recalled the day of the bombing, saying, “When I heard someone asking for help, I reached out, but their skin melted in my hands. I will never forget that feeling.”
Fukahori dedicated his life to spreading a message of peace, especially to younger generations. He often spoke to students, encouraging them to carry on the “baton of peace.” In 2019, when Pope Francis visited Nagasaki, Fukahori presented him with a wreath of flowers. In the following year, he spoke for the bomb victims, promising, “I will make sure Nagasaki is the last place an atomic bomb is ever dropped.”
A wake is planned for Sunday, and his funeral will take place on Monday at Urakami Church, where his daughter will attend on behalf of the family.
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