Sumiteru Taniguchi
Sumiteru Taniguchi (谷口 稜曄) was a renowned Japanese anti-nuclear activist and a survivor of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. Born on January 26, 1929, in Japan, Taniguchi became a prominent advocate for nuclear disarmament following his experiences as a hibakusha, a term used to describe the survivors of the atomic bombings in Japan.
The Atomic Bombing of Nagasaki
On August 9, 1945, the city of Nagasaki was devastated by an atomic bomb during World War II, marking the second use of nuclear weapons in warfare after Hiroshima was bombed. Taniguchi, who was a 16-year-old mail carrier at the time, was severely injured in the blast. He was located about 1.8 kilometers away from the hypocenter when the bomb exploded.
Injuries and Famous Photograph
After the bombing, Taniguchi suffered extensive burns on his back, which became widely recognized due to a photograph taken by a U.S. Marine photographer in January 1946. This photograph graphically depicted the severe keloid scars on Taniguchi's back and became a powerful symbol in the anti-nuclear movement.
Activism and Legacy
In the years following the war, Taniguchi dedicated his life to advocating for the prohibition of nuclear weapons. He was an active member of Nihon Hidankyo, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, which was focused on banning atomic and hydrogen bombs. He campaigned tirelessly for peace and worked to raise awareness about the horrors of nuclear warfare.
Taniguchi's efforts included speaking at international forums and memorial ceremonies, where he shared his personal experiences to illustrate the catastrophic human impact of nuclear weapons. One notable instance was his public criticism of then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a Nagasaki memorial ceremony, urging for stronger policies against nuclear proliferation.
Death and Remembrance
Sumiteru Taniguchi passed away on August 30, 2017, leaving behind a powerful legacy as a symbol of resilience and a voice for nuclear disarmament. His story continues to inspire activists and policymakers around the world to work towards a future free of nuclear threats.