Lea Sampsell
2A
Ibo Village, #14
The Emotional Effects of the Bombing of Hiroshima
Bombing, war, and all types of violence cause obvious physical destructions
to the human body, but the effects on the mind seem almost overlooked at times.
The bombing of Hiroshima during World War II in 1945 caused a considerable
amount of both of these types of damages. John Hersey’s novel, Hiroshima, shows a
documentation of the stories from six different survivors of this devastating civilian
attack, including not only the human physical effects, but also the short- and longterm emotional impacts that this particular bombing inflicted.
Although violence leaves behind horrific effects in any country or group,
mental reactions, like most aspects of life, differ depending on culture. In order to
fully understand the psychology behind the actions of the survivors of the
Hiroshima bombing, one must also understand how living in Japan changes the way
that a victim of violence may react to problems. For example, Shinto, the native
religion of Japan, emphasizes nature as well as respect for tradition and family. Even
more relevant to Hiroshima, principles of Confucianism like humanity, loyalty,
morality, and consideration play an important role in Japanese culture. All of these
characteristics show through in the actions of the bomb survivors.
The short-term emotional effects of the Hiroshima bombing hit all survivors
strongly and painfully, forcing them to adjust to the dangerous extremities instantly
and without preparation. Hundreds of thousands of Hiroshima citizens died from
the bombing, both instantly and after a longer period of time. Survivors witnessed
losses of lives in large quantities and endured unsanitary living conditions filled
with too many other victims, constantly surrounded by high amounts of toxic
radiation. Stress, confusion, and sadness inevitably pierced the minds of all who
survived. However, there existed an element of dignity among each individual, even
at the worst of times. Mrs. Nakamura, a widow and mother of two children, took in
another orphaned child and cared for him as best as she could, given the
circumstances. The Reverend Mr. Kiyoshi Tanimoto endured days on end with little
to no sleep just to care for victims and help to keep them in the least danger
possible, never losing his manners, even asking the souls of the dead for forgiveness
when taking their boat to help the living. Dr. Mazakazu Fuji behaved similarly,
responding to the citizens’ needs despite his own radiation sickness and other
injuries from the bomb. These actions and many more in the novel show the
importance of honor and providing of assistance within Japanese society, especially
because the individuals faced emotional scarring, grief, and other challenges at the
time.
Long-term effects after the bombing existed as much as the short-term ones.
Surviving victims struggled with the pain of lost loved ones, long-term health
problems, financial troubles, homelessness, and a wide variety of other related
issues. The good fortune of staying alive kept most Japanese citizens strong enough
to persevere, but some effects could not slip away easily. Most who suffer such
tragedy never go back to their lifestyle before the incident, and this certainly proved
true in these situations. Mrs. Nakamura struggled to receive just enough pay to
sustain her small family. Disease plagued many victims over and over again,
draining their spiritual energy along with their physical energy, and homes and
buildings nearly ceased to exist. Surgeon Dr. Terufumi Sasaki trained young doctors
and behaved kindly, despite living in pain and losing his wife. Tanimoto continued to
serve others in any way possible. Irreparable long-term issues dramatically altered
Hiroshima citizens’ lives on all levels. Despite their initial survival, their lives did not
hold high benefit for them any more.
The devastation caused by the bombing of Hiroshima in Japan wrecked
thousands and thousands of lives and claimed just as many. Although this event did
contribute majorly to the ending of World War II, far too many lives and minds
served as the currency. A deeper perspective of how violence in the world destroys
bodies, minds, and communities becomes highly necessary to understand when
learning about relations between individuals and groups. Cultural differences also
change responses in the face of problems, and John Hersey’s book, Hiroshima
displays that well.
"Japanese Philosophy." The Basics of Philosophy. Web.
<http://www.philosophybasics.com/general_eastern_japanese.html
>.
Hersey, John. Hiroshima. New York: A.A. Knopf, 1985. Print.