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Shinji Mikamo, a teenager, is working with his father when there is a blinding flash - and then another. When he wakes, he is severely injured, burned all over his body, and covered with rubble. Somehow his father manages to move the debris off him and together they begin to move through the city, searching for help. They were - it turns out - only 1200 metres away from the centre of the bomb. The Hiroshima Boy tells the story of Shinji and his journey through Hiroshima as he comes face to face with the utter destruction of the city and meetings neighbours, friends and strangers suffering unimaginable injuries. It is a story of immense suffering, courage and hope. Includes an afterword by Shinji's daughter, Akiko Mikamo, who was born in Hiroshima in 1961 and who dedicated her life to solving cultural conflict and peace.
About the author
Akiko Mikamo
Raised by two Hiroshima survivors, Akiko Mikamo decided as a child that she wanted to contribute to world peace. She has dedicated her career to promoting peace as a medical psychologist, global executive coach, consultant, author, and speaker. In 2014, Dr. Mikamo received an Award for Exceptional Services for World Peace and Humanity from the World Peace and Prosperity Foundation at the House of Lords in London. She is president of US-Japan Psychological Services based in San Diego, California and executive producer of the film "8:15 Hiroshima | From Father to Daughter" based on this book.Shinji Mikamo
On August 6, 1945, Shinji Mikamo, a teen in the center of Hiroshima City, was on the roof of his home when the atomic bomb exploded. He was only 1200 metres away from the epicenter. Miraculously, he and his father survived the atomic blast, and they spent the days that followed searching for medical help, shelter, clean water, and food before, eventually, Shinji was taken to receive medical care.
After the war, Shinji met and married Miyoko, and they created a family together in Hiroshima. They had three daughters: Sanae, Akiko and Keiko. Shinji chose to live with forgiveness, compassion, and gratitudes and lived for 75 years after the atomic bombing.
