Nagasaki Survivor Accounts Featured in Virtual Author Talk

Anniversary Events Highlight Last Living Witnesses to Atomic Bombing

An upcoming virtual author presentation will bring the harrowing experiences of Nagasaki survivors directly to the public. Author **M. G. Sheftall** will discuss his new book, *Nagasaki: The Last Witnesses*, offering a crucial look at the aftermath of the atomic bombing.

Echoes from the Past

The event, hosted by Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse, will feature **Sheftall** speaking remotely from Japan. He will also delve into his previous work, *Hiroshima: The Last Witnesses*. Both books are built upon years of interviews with *hibakusha*, the survivors of the atomic bombings, who represent a rapidly diminishing source of firsthand testimony.

A Critical Historical Moment

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These survivors are the only ones who can recount life in their cities before the nuclear attacks and the devastating immediate and long-term impacts. Their detailed testimonies provide an irreplaceable record of these historic events.

Unpacking Nagasaki’s Devastation

Sheftall’s latest book, *Nagasaki: The Last Witnesses*, provides an intimate narrative of life in the city. It chronicles the incomprehensible destruction and remarkable resilience in the wake of the second atomic bombing. The account traces the unfolding events from the city streets, as news of Hiroshima’s fate spread, to the moment the B-29 Bockscar dropped the “Fat Man” bomb.

In 2023, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists set the Doomsday Clock at 90 seconds to midnight, reflecting heightened global nuclear risk (Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists). This renewed awareness underscores the importance of understanding the human cost of nuclear weapons.

Author’s Expertise

**M. G. Sheftall** has resided in Japan since 1987 and holds a PhD in International Relations and Modern Japanese History from Waseda University. He is a Professor of Modern Japanese Cultural History and Communication at Shizuoka University, specializing in Japanese national university systems.

The virtual talk will take place in Fuller Lodge. Refreshments will be served starting at 6:30 p.m., with the presentation commencing at 7 p.m. Following the discussion, signed copies of both *Nagasaki: The Last Witnesses* and *Hiroshima: The Last Witnesses* will be available for purchase.