TOKYO (AP) — In a haunting reflection on history, a survivor of the U.S. firebombing of Tokyo emerged to tell the harrowing tale of the devastation that claimed over 100,000 lives in a single night 80 years ago. The attack, carried out with conventional bombs, left downtown Tokyo in ruins, its streets strewn with charred remains. Despite the destruction being on par with the atomic bombings that followed in 1945, the Japanese government has failed to provide aid to victims, leading to the events of that tragic day fading into obscurity.
Elderly survivors, determined to ensure their stories are heard, are striving to secure financial assistance and acknowledgment. Some are breaking their silence after decades, aiming to pass on the lessons of the past to a younger audience. Among them is 94-year-old Shizuyo Takeuchi, who remains resolute in her mission to preserve the memories of the 14-year-old she once was, speaking up for those who perished.
On the fateful night of March 10, 1945, the skies over Tokyo turned red as hundreds of B-29s unleashed a barrage of napalm-laden cluster bombs on the city, targeting its traditional wooden homes. Takeuchi, having lost her family’s home in an earlier bombing, found herself seeking refuge at a relative’s house near the river. A twist of fate led her father to take a different path, sparing their lives. The night unfolded amid burning skies, leaving a lasting imprint on Takeuchi, who remains unsettled by fiery sunsets and blaring sirens.
At dawn, Tokyo lay in ashes, with charred figures haunting the landscape. Among them, a mother and her baby, now resembling lumps of coal. The horrific scene left Takeuchi numb, having confronted the brutal reality of war. As the death toll soared past 105,000, and a million others were left homeless, the tragedy of the Tokyo firebombing became a grim chapter overshadowed by the atomic bombings in Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
Amidst the shadows of history, Ai Saotome carries on her father’s legacy as a survivor and writer dedicated to preserving the voices of those who endured the inferno. Immersed in her father’s archives, she uncovers a trove of firsthand testimonies and poignant reminders of Japan’s wartime past. Determined to bridge the generational gap, Saotome works tirelessly to digitize materials at the Center of the Tokyo Raids and War Damage, a museum founded by her father in 2002.
After gathering documents and artifacts related to the attack, a person expressed the importance of preserving the stories and voices of survivors. “Our generation may not fully understand their experiences, but it is our responsibility to listen to their narratives and document them,” she emphasized. Looking ahead, she hoped that these records would serve as a valuable resource in preserving memory as time passes.
Following the end of World War II, postwar governments allocated significant financial assistance totaling 60 trillion yen ($405 billion) to support military veterans, families of the deceased, and survivors of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. However, civilian victims of the U.S. firebombings did not receive any government aid. Recently, a group of survivors advocating for official recognition of their hardships and financial aid reiterated their demands, as there is currently no designated government entity handling civilian survivors’ affairs or maintaining their records.
Despite facing legal setbacks in seeking compensation and facing opposition to proposed one-time financial assistance, survivor groups continue to press for acknowledgment of their suffering and the need for support. With the approach of the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II, a survivor expressed a sense of urgency, stating that this may be their final opportunity to address their grievances.
One survivor, Reiko Muto, recounted her experiences as a nurse during the war, vividly recalling the chaos and devastation caused by air raids. Amidst the screams and the stench of burnt flesh, she worked tirelessly to comfort and care for those injured, despite the scarcity of medical supplies. After the war, Muto reflected on the horrors she witnessed, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.
