A-bomb survivor prepares to talk about radioactive 'black rain' in New York

[yuiyoshida]

Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor Seiji Takato, 74, was among 36 seniors gathered in the lobby of the Hiroshima Municipal Government building in the early afternoon of March 23. They were all exposed to "black rain" -- showers following the bombing of the city on Aug. 6, 1945 stained black by nuclear fallout -- and they were there to apply for A-bomb victim certificates.

When his name was called during the application process, Takato responded with a particularly loud "Yes," determined to fight for those who had suffered radiation-related sicknesses but never acknowledged as A-bomb victims by the government.

The 36 people were caught in the black rain outside a government-designated oval-shaped area about 11 kilometers wide and 19 kilometers in diameter. Only those inside the oval are eligible for government A-bomb survivor relief. While another six people filed applications with the Hiroshima Prefectural Government for the certificates, they are likely to be rejected. Takato and others plan to file a class action suit if their applications are turned down.

"The skies of Hiroshima were shining bright red and then the colors changed," recalls Takato. He remembers vividly seeing a flash and hearing a blast on Aug. 6, 1945.

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