Shigemi Fukahori, a notable survivor of the Nagasaki atomic bombing in 1945, has passed away at the age of 93. Fukahori died in a Nagasaki hospital on January 3, as confirmed by the Urakami Catholic Church, where he had been a frequent attendee until last year. Reports indicate he succumbed to natural causes associated with aging.

The Urakami Catholic Church, positioned approximately 500 meters from the city’s ground zero and adjacent to the Nagasaki Peace Park, stands as a prominent symbol of hope and tranquility. Remnants of the church, including its bell tower and certain statues, remarkably withstood the catastrophic bombing.

At just 14 years old, Fukahori witnessed the devastation caused when the United States dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. This catastrophe led to the loss of tens of thousands of lives, including members of his own family. This tragedy followed the atomic strike on Hiroshima, which claimed 140,000 lives just three days earlier. Japan’s subsequent surrender marked the end of World War II and its prolonged period of military aggression throughout Asia.

For many years, Fukahori found it difficult to discuss his experiences, grappling not only with the anguish of those memories but also with feelings of powerlessness during that fateful day. However, about 15 years ago, he began to speak out more passionately about his experiences. A pivotal moment occurred during a trip to Spain, where he met a man who had lived through the Guernica bombings in 1937 at the same age. This encounter helped Fukahori open up about his own past.

In 2019, Fukahori recounted, “On the day the bomb dropped, I heard a voice asking for help. When I approached and reached out my hand, the person’s skin melted. I will never forget that sensation.” Fukahori dedicated much of his later life to addressing students, encouraging them to inherit what he referred to as the “baton of peace” in his ongoing advocacy.

In 2019, Shigemi Fukahori had the honor of presenting a wreath of white flowers to Pope Francis during his visit to Nagasaki. The following year, he represented the victims of the bombing at a commemorative event where he made a heartfelt “pledge for peace,” declaring, “I am determined to send our message to make Nagasaki the final place where an atomic bomb is ever dropped.”

Funeral services are scheduled to take place on Monday at the Urakami Church, with his daughter set to represent the family during the proceedings.