Nagasaki Survivors Bring History to Life in Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi residents will soon have a rare opportunity to engage with living witnesses of one of history’s most devastating events. Nagasaki survivors share stories during a special program hosted by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, featuring firsthand accounts from those affected by the 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan. The free event, “80 Years of Resilience: Advocating for Peace After the Atomic Bomb,” is set for October 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Lonestar Ballroom C at the University Center. Organizers encourage the community to attend, listen, and learn how survivors continue to promote peace nearly eighty years later.
This meaningful gathering brings history to life in a deeply personal way. Instead of learning through books or films, attendees will hear powerful testimonies directly from those who endured the unimaginable. As Nagasaki survivors share stories of trauma, resilience, and hope, their voices inspire conversations about healing and reinforce the global responsibility to prevent nuclear tragedy from ever happening again.
Looking Back at a Devastating Past
In the summer of 1945, the world witnessed the first and only wartime use of atomic weapons. An atomic bomb fell on August 6 when the United States carried out the attack over Hiroshima, instantly killing as many as 70,000 people. Fires swept across the city, and tens of thousands more died from injuries and radiation exposure. Although this tragedy shocked the world, the destruction did not end there.
Three days later, on August 9, a second atomic bomb hit Nagasaki. This explosion killed an estimated 35,000 to 40,000 people at once. Survivors endured ongoing suffering, surrounded by the ruins of their broken city and grieving the loss of family, friends, and entire neighborhoods. Today, as the world continues to grapple with nuclear threats, the voices of survivors remain essential reminders of the lasting consequences of war.
Meet the Speakers: Voices of Strength and Advocacy
The institution’s College of Liberal Arts partnered with Academic Affairs at A&M-Corpus Christi has invited two guest speakers who represent different generations of Nagasaki survivor experiences. Together, they will share truth, memory, and a passionate message for peace.
Miyako Jōdai
Jōdai was only 6 years old when the atomic bomb exploded over Nagasaki. She was just 2.4 kilometers from the hypocenter, close enough to witness devastation that would mark her for life. Her survival story reflects both trauma and resilience. Over the years, she devoted herself to telling the world what she experienced, helping others understand the reality behind the headlines. She has worked with the Nagasaki. She leads A-bomb ruin tours with the Testimonial Society, working tirelessly to keep the city’s history alive. Her message remains clear: Nagasaki must remain the last city ever attacked with nuclear weapons.
Fumie Kakita
Kakita shares the stories passed down from her mother, another Nagasaki survivor. Her advocacy reflects the ongoing impact of nuclear warfare on second-generation survivors who grew up in the shadow of radiation exposure. She joined the Survivors Council in 1993 and co-founded the Second-Generation Survivors Association in 2012. Her dedication focuses on preserving testimonies as survivors age and on encouraging international cooperation for peace.
Together, their voices bridge the past and future. Their stories make history real and urgent, reminding listeners that peace requires understanding, empathy, and action.
Why This Event Matters Today
As the world faces new geopolitical tensions and nuclear capabilities expand, conversations about peace can feel increasingly important. Events like this encourage communities to confront painful history while choosing a more hopeful path forward. Young audiences, in particular, benefit from hearing firsthand accounts. They gain perspective that balances museum exhibits and digital archives with human presence, emotion, and memory.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi continues to serve as a campus committed to public learning. Through this event, the university reinforces its role not only as an educational institution but also as a space for reflection and positive change in the Coastal Bend community.
Free and Open to Everyone
The event invites everyone who wants to participate. Moreover, students, teachers, history lovers, and peace supporters are encouraged to attend, listen, learn, and participate. Hearing these testimonies honors survivors and carries their message to future generations.