Hiroshima Survivors Tell Tales of the Atomic Bomb They Want the World to Remember

HIROSHIMA, KOMPAS.com – Hiroshima survivors recall memories of the atomic bomb explosion that took place 75 years ago as if it was yesterday and now many are speaking up.

The atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima left many killed, but also many survivors.

The majority of Hiroshima survivors lived their lives with lingering shame, anger, and fear for decades.

In Japan, radiation sickness is viewed as infectious or hereditary thus many hid their status as survivors.

There were some who harbored thoughts of revenge in their hearts. Others watched their loved ones die, one by one, from radiation from the bombing, and wondered – Am I next?

As they grow old — their average age is 83 — many now feel an extreme urgency. They are desperate to rid the world of nuclear bombs and share with the young the first-hand horror they witnessed on Aug. 6, 1945.

Here are some of the stories of survivors interviewed by The Associated Press.

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Koko Kondo, 75

Koko Kondo had a secret mission as a girl: Revenge.