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A Hiroshima survivor's plea to the world: History must not repeat itself

"The atomic bombs that I experienced 80 years ago were like babies compared to today’s nuclear weapons," said Kodama.

Michiko Kodama now serves as assistant secretary general of Nihon Hidankyo.
Michiko Kodama now serves as assistant secretary general of Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization that represents the Hibakusha, or survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and victims of nuclear weapons tests. (AN/Athan Yanos/Leonardo Pini)

Michiko Kodama was only seven years old when the world’s first nuclear weapon was dropped on her hometown of Hiroshima. Since then, she has dedicated her life to ensuring that her generation remains the only victims of a nuclear holocaust.

"When you witness something like this, you think how can I live? Am I allowed to live? But, I’m glad I’m alive," Kodama said. "I’m glad I had the life I wanted, and I think it’s because I can tell the stories of those who have passed away."

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