In Which I Become Acutely Aware I am the Only American in the Room

Today, August 9, marks a very important anniversary to Nagasaki-ken. Even though it is Sunday, and still summer holiday, all the teachers and students had to come to school. Today is the 64th Anniversary of the day the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki city. The students and teachers all gathered in the gym, and watched a slide show of pictures from the attack. I remember learning about the atomic bombings in school myself, but I felt very priveledged to be able to experience things from a Japanese point of view.



The pictures in the slide show started out with aerial pictures of the city, and then moved on to some pretty graphic images of wounded and dead women and children. It was a little much to take in. This was my first day being in school while the students are there, so after the graphic slideshow, I had to get up in front of the entire school and give my self introduction in Japanese. Needless to say, I was very nervous. However there was no need to be, as the presentation was not Anti-American in any way; America was never even mentioned. I am so grateful that we seem to have worked out major issues and prejudices between our two countries.



I have great respect for Emperor Hirohito, who was Emperor at the time of the bombings. The Japanese culture is intensely proud, and as evidenced by the kamikaze pilots, were willing to fight to the death. Surrender is not an option for them. So for Emperor Hirohito to surrender to save his people and culture is a very big deal. Here is a quote from his speech...



"Moreover, the enemy now possesses a new and terrible weapon with the power to destroy many innocent lives and do incalculable damage. Should we continue to fight, not only would it result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization.
Such being the case, how are We to save the millions of Our subjects, or to atone Ourselves before the hallowed spirits of Our Imperial Ancestors? This is the reason why We have ordered the acceptance of the provisions of the Joint Declaration of the Powers."



Here are links to some of the pictures shown in the slideshow.

*Note, some pictures are graphic in nature*


Boy carrying his brother
http://media.lvrj.com/images/1984980.jpg

Before and After Aerial View
http://beforetheafter.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/nagasaki_1945_-_before_and_after_adjusted.jpg

Destruction and a Standing Torii
http://edro.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/nagasaki_002.jpg

Flash burn victim
http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/13596/2528558410088390784S425x425Q85.jpg