I am an Atomic Bomb Survivor-Why Keiko Ogura continues to tell her story-

Hiroshima Peace Program TSS ARCHIVE PROJECT
www.tss-tv.co.jp/web/archive_project/english.html

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Atomic bomb survivor Keiko Ogura (86) is one of a few survivors who tells her story in English. Ogura was exposed to the atomic bomb in Hiroshima when she was eight. For a long time, she kept quiet about her own experience, but after the death of her husband, director of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, she began working as an interpreter for atomic bomb survivors. For 40 years, she has talked to about 2,000 people a year both domestically and internationally. In May 2023, Keiko met with world leaders at the G7 Hiroshima Summit as well as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. What have those who have been handed the peace baton received? The show sheds light on the message passed on from one atomic bomb survivor.

[Director: Momoe Ishii]

I first met Keiko Ogura on the evening news “TSS Like!” Keiko was interviewed as an atomic bomb survivor. I was fascinated by her strong presence and power of words, and felt the importance of capturing this on film. The more time we spent with Keiko, before I know it, people gathered around me and things started to happen, one after another. I naturally felt the need to cover this. Keiko always says, “My role is to light a candle in the hearts of young people and have them feel the need to take action.'' I think I was one of those people who, at some point, was lit by this fire. Before I knew it, a show had been completed.

The memorial monument in Peace Park is engraved with the inscription, “For we shall not repeat the evil.” Keiko and other A-bomb survivors have continued to convey the message, “I don't want anyone else to go through what I did.” However, now that Russia has invaded Ukraine, this situation is being shaken. Now, more than ever, we need to listen to the voices of the atomic bomb survivors who have suffered in ways not visible to the eye. For two-and-a-half years, Keiko has sown many seeds of peace both at home and abroad. I hope everyone who watches the program will also receive Keiko’s message. Through this experience, I hope that something will sprout in their heart, and that it will one day blossom.