Society

Imperial Family Meets Survivors of Atomic Bomb in Nagasaki

NAGASAKI, Sep 14 (News On Japan) - The Emperor and Empress, accompanied by Princess Aiko, visited a care facility in Nagasaki Prefecture where survivors of the atomic bombing reside, as part of events marking 80 years since the end of World War II.

Around 10:30 a.m., they arrived at the Megumi no Oka Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Home, which houses about 340 survivors. They spent roughly 30 minutes speaking with residents, often bending down to meet them at eye level.

Princess Aiko asked attentive questions about daily life at the facility. When one resident recounted their experience of being exposed to the bombing at home, she responded with words of compassion, saying, "I am glad you made it through safely."

The Emperor and Empress later released a statement, noting that Princess Aiko had "directly felt the reality of the atomic bombing and has deeply engraved in her heart the strong desire for peace held by the people of Nagasaki who overcame hardship."

In the afternoon, the imperial couple visited the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum to view the National Exhibition of Works by People with Disabilities. They looked at various artworks and spoke with the creators.

Among the highlights was a live demonstration by 35-year-old Yoshihiro Watanabe, who creates intricate cutout works using scissors in a single, continuous motion. The Emperor and Empress watched as he completed a depiction of a triceratops. When Watanabe offered the finished piece, saying, "Please take it home," the imperial couple accepted it warmly, replying, "Is that all right? Thank you very much," and smiling as they received it.

For Princess Aiko, it was her first visit to Nagasaki. She departed from Nagasaki Airport around 4:30 p.m., returning to Tokyo ahead of the Emperor and Empress.

On the following day, the Emperor and Empress are scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the National Cultural Festival and other related events.

Source: TBS

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