San Francisco Honors Hiroshima Survivors on 80th Anniversary

Commemorating the Past, Nurturing the Future

Eighty years have passed since the world witnessed the devastating impact of the first atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In a powerful display of remembrance and hope, survivors of the bombings gathered in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park Japanese Tea Garden to honor the past and advocate for a peaceful future.

The event, known as the Blessing Service for Peace, brought together individuals who had endured unimaginable trauma during World War II. Among those honored were Jack Dairiki and Seiko Fujimoto, both "hibakusha" or survivors of the Hiroshima bombing. Their presence at the ceremony served as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of remembering history to prevent its recurrence.

A Symbolic Connection to Hiroshima

Golden Gate Park holds a unique connection to the events of 1945. Near the iconic pagoda, city officials highlighted the presence of two ginkgo tree saplings. These saplings were taken from two trees that survived the atomic bombing in Hiroshima. After the ceremony, attendees were given seeds to plant, symbolizing the idea that peace can be nurtured by anyone, no matter how small their actions may seem.

Dairiki and Fujimoto are both residents of San Francisco who have shared their experiences with the local community over the years. Their stories provide a personal account of the horrors of war, helping to educate younger generations about the consequences of conflict.

The Horrors of War

Yo Osumi, the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco, emphasized the need to ensure that such tragedies never happen again. “The tragedy like the one that happened in Hiroshima must never, never happen again,” he said. His words resonated with the attendees, many of whom were deeply moved by the gravity of the occasion.

The ceremony featured dignitaries from the San Francisco foreign consular corps, including Chief of Protocol Penny Coulter. Members of the Japanese American community and the San Francisco Interfaith Council also participated, highlighting the broad support for the cause of peace.

Personal Accounts of Survival

Jack Dairiki was just 14 years old when the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. At the time, all boys aged 15 and older had been sent to war. Dairiki was assigned to work in a munitions factory, where he helped make rifles. Girls were also involved in testing rifle sites, according to his account.

He recalls walking 10 miles back to his home after the explosion. He briefly took a train, but it was damaged, with shattered glass and injured passengers. “There were a lot of people going out, some burned of course, and people in the neighborhood trying to help them,” he said.

Dairiki still remembers the day vividly. A painting he created in 1950 depicts the mushroom cloud and the broken windows of the factory, capturing the chaos and destruction he witnessed as a teenager.

Remembering the Loss

Seiko Fujimoto was also a child during the bombing. Her relatives were among the estimated 60,000-80,000 people killed instantly by the atomic bomb. The death toll eventually rose to more than 130,000 after the second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. Many others died from radiation exposure and injuries in the aftermath.

Despite the pain of her memories, Fujimoto continues to share her story with young people. “To think twice, three times about nuclear war and Hiroshima,” she said, emphasizing the importance of reflection and education.

A Legacy of Peace

These survivors, now in their 80s and 90s, remain committed to spreading the message of peace. They believe that by remembering the human toll of war, future generations can work toward a more peaceful world.

In addition to the Golden Gate Park ceremony, another event was held later in the day in San Francisco’s Japantown. Sponsored by the National Japanese American Historic Society and Genryu Arts, this gathering further reinforced the community's dedication to honoring the past.

A final ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, August 9, 2025, in San Francisco’s Japantown through the Nichibei Foundation. This event will pay tribute to survivors of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ensuring that their voices continue to be heard.