Tsutomu Yamaguchi is believed to be the only person to survive both nuclear attacks on Japan during World War II. His case has been recorded in the history books and stands out as an extraordinary case of survival involving nuclear war. The atomic attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 caused devastation and killed hundreds of thousands of people. Although many people survived one of the attacks, it was Tsutomu who lived through both cities when the explosion occurred and became unique. His personal story shows how things happened during that period and how nuclear war affected people.
Hiroshima atomic bombing: Tsutomu Yamaguchi’s survival during the first atomic attack
On August 6, 1945, the city of Hiroshima was hit by the first atomic bomb used in war. Tsutomu Yamaguchi was in town on work with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. As he prepared to leave, he saw a military plane overhead, later identified as the Enola Gay. The bomb, known as Little Boy, exploded about 579 meters above the ground. The explosion released intense heat, radiation and a powerful shockwave. Large parts of the city were destroyed within moments. Yamaguchi was burned and temporarily lost her vision but survived the initial explosion. He sought shelter and stayed in Hiroshima overnight.
Return trip to Nagasaki and speedy recovery
On August 7, despite his injuries, Yamaguchi began his journey back to his home city. Transportation systems were partially operational, allowing them to complete the journey. He reached Nagasaki on August 8 and was reunited with his family. The physical condition of survivors varied during this period, with many experiencing injuries and the early effects of radiation exposure. Yamaguchi recounted his experience to coworkers soon after returning to work.
Second nuclear explosion in Nagasaki and official recognition
On August 9, 1945, Nagasaki was targeted by the second atomic bomb. While at his workplace, Yamaguchi witnessed another aerial explosion. This bomb, named Fat Man, contained plutonium-239 and produced an explosion equivalent to about 20 kilotons of TNT. The explosion caused widespread destruction in the Urakami Valley and surrounding areas. Thousands of people were killed immediately, with many dying later from injuries and radiation exposure. Yamaguchi survived this second explosion despite being in the affected area.In the post-war years, Japanese authorities documented survivors of the atomic bombings under the classification of hibakusha. These records included individuals affected by the effects of radiation and the explosion in Hiroshima or Nagasaki. In 2009, Tsutomu Yamaguchi was officially recognized as a “nijō hibakusha”, referring to a person affected by both atomic bombings. While the historical record indicates that other individuals may have existed in both cities during the relevant period, Yamaguchi is the only individual formally accepted into this category.
Life after the atomic bombing: Tsutomu Yamaguchi’s role in education and nuclear awareness
Yamaguchi resumed his career and also became involved in educational work after the war. Later, he once again took a job at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Eventually, he began participating in public debates on nuclear disarmament. As an older man, he addressed people from around the world, including representatives of the United Nations. Yamaguchi’s speeches concerned the long-term effects of atomic bombs and the need to prevent such cases in the future. Yamaguchi’s life story has been used as evidence in studies devoted to the problems of radiation exposure, as well as a description of the World War II period.
