Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Japanese Man, 93, Survived Both A-Bombs

Was on business in Hiroshima; lived in Nagasaki

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 24, 2009 12:18 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – At 93, a Japanese man has become the first certified survivor of both atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the AP reports. Tsutomu Yamaguchi was in Hiroshima on business Aug. 6, 1945, when the US bombed the city; after a night there, he returned home to Nagasaki, bombed Aug. 9. Japan offers survivors a monthly allowance and free health checkups, and pays for funerals.

“As far as we know, he is the first one to be officially recognized as a survivor of atomic bombings in both Hiroshima and Nagasaki,” an official said. “It’s such an unfortunate case, but it is possible that there are more people like him.”

Doves fly by the Statue of Peace during a ceremony to mark the 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan, Aug. 9, 2008.
Doves fly by the Statue of Peace during a ceremony to mark the 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan, Aug. 9, 2008.   (AP Photo)
In this 1945 photo, a giant column of dark smoke rises more than 20,000 feet into the air, after the second atomic bomb ever used in warfare explodes over Nagasaki, Japan.
In this 1945 photo, a giant column of dark smoke rises more than 20,000 feet into the air, after the second atomic bomb ever used in warfare explodes over Nagasaki, Japan.   (AP Photo)
Doves fly by the Atomic Bomb Dome during the ceremony to mark the 63th anniversary of the world's first atomic bombing at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Aug. 6, 2008.
Doves fly by the Atomic Bomb Dome during the ceremony to mark the 63th anniversary of the world's first atomic bombing at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Aug. 6, 2008.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
Forderon
Mar 26, 2009 4:14 AM CDT
Everyone, stop just saying you know what you're talking about and actually show it for once. Rob, what other country has used nukes on human beings? Please, do tell.
NxBigmouthery
Mar 24, 2009 8:00 AM CDT
Gosh, he was a very lucky chap, wasn't he? Gosh!
Rob
Mar 24, 2009 7:49 AM CDT
I’m not sure what that comment actually means, anch. Since I am quite sure I know what I'm talking about and all you seem to be able to do is leave letters out of your vulgarities. I bet you are as good at spelling bees as you are at history.

More on Yamaguchi
Mainichi Daily News (Japan)

 
Japan • Hiroshima • Nagasaki • atomic bomb • survivors

More Newser Stories

Japan Pulls 2 Survivors From Rubble

For Japan's Elderly, Crisis Echoes WWII

Nagasaki Marks 65th Anniversary

Japan Should Apologize for Hiroshima

US Joins Hiroshima Memorial Event for First Time
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne