Rescue workers recognized as Hibakusha

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Rescue workers recognized as Hibakusha

Hiroshima Mayor Akiba Tadatoshi on April 7 announced that his city will not appeal against the Hiroshima District Court decision ordering it to issue Hibakusha (A-bomb survivors) certificates to seven people who were exposed to atomic bomb radiation during their relief work in Hiroshima after the atomic bombing of 1945.

On March 25, the Hiroshima District Court supported the plaintiffs' claim that it was illegal for Hiroshima City to turn down their applications for Hibakusha certification.

Sumisaka Kaoru and five other plaintiffs visited the municipal building on April 7 and met with Mayor Akiba.

Akiba explained that the city decided not to appeal to a higher court and to provide Hibakusha certificates without waiting for the ruling to be confirmed. He handed a certificate to each plaintiff saying, "I am sorry for causing you trouble and keeping you waiting so long."

Nine prefectural and municipal governments, including Hiroshima City and Hiroshima Prefecture, designate rescue workers as Hibakusha if they can prove they had rescued more than 10 injured people. In the meeting at the municipal office, lawyer Hiroshima Atsutaka demanded that Hiroshima City establish new standards in accordance with the court ruling.

- Akahata, April 8, 2009