Hibakusha testify about Bikini Tragedy

At the international symposium held on February 28 in Shizuoka City to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the U.S. hydrogen bomb test explosion at Bikini Atoll, Japanese and Marshallese H-bomb sufferers (Hibakusha) testified about the tragedy.

John Anjain, mayor of the Rongelap Island at the time of the test in 1954 said, "Many U.S. Congress members are young and ignorant about the problems we are facing right now. They are planning to halt the health care program the U.S. has been providing for the victims living on four atolls."

"Let us stand up together and raise the world's awareness of the crime committed by the U.S.," Anjain stressed to about 300 participants.

Oishi Matashichi, a former crew member of the Lucky Dragon #5 (tuna fishing boat) explained how the boat and its crew members were exposed to radiation. He said that they were showered with the radioactive fallout and washed their faces with contaminated sea water. (end)