広島赤十字・原爆病院

1945. A blinding flash seared the sky over Hiroshima. Here at the Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital, just 1.6km from the hypocenter, the world changed in an instant. The Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital, later renamed Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic-bomb Survivors Hospital, became a crucible of unimaginable suffering and resilience. The reinforced concrete, three-story structure, while devastated, miraculously did not burn down. The blast blew out windows, ravaged interiors, and twisted steel beams. Amidst the debris, a chilling discovery emerged. The hospital had storedレントゲンフィルム. These films, exposed by the blast, offered irrefutable proof of the atomic bomb’s use. The hospital’s director, Dr. Takenai, despite being severely injured, immediately began tending to the wounded. Doctors, nurses, and even nursing students worked tirelessly. They faced a horrific scene. Many of their colleagues lay dead or injured. Thousands of injured citizens flooded the hospital, seeking help in a city stripped bare of medical resources. Relief squads arrived from neighboring prefectures, but the sheer scale of the disaster overwhelmed everyone. Basic first-aid became a struggle. Medicine was scarce, impossible to replenish. For days, the staff labored without rest. They embodied the Red Cross spirit. They provided what little comfort they could in a world turned upside down. The Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic-bomb Survivors Hospital stands as a testament to this dedication. The twisted steel and scarred walls remained for decades. They served as a visceral reminder of the bombing’s horrors. In 1993, during renovations, these remnants were carefully moved. They now reside in the Memorial Park across the street, ensuring the memory of that day never fades. The Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic-bomb Survivors Hospital remains a vital institution. It continues to treat atomic bomb survivors. It also conducts research on radiation sickness and offers support to radiation exposure victims worldwide. This institution carries the weight of history. It also embraces a future of healing and peace. It serves as a beacon of hope. It emerged from the ashes of destruction to offer care, knowledge, and a solemn promise to never forget.