Japanese

On November 19, Hiroshima University presented the 12th Hiroshima University Award for the Advancement of Women, the Metasequoia Award, to Keiko Ogura, an atomic bomb survivor and representative of the Hiroshima Interpreters for Peace (HIP).

Ogura received the award in recognition of her long-standing commitment to conveying the reality of the atomic bombing to people around the world by sharing her own experiences in English.

Following the award ceremony, Ogura delivered a commemorative lecture. She spoke about her experience of being exposed to the atomic bomb at the age of eight in Ushita, Hiroshima City, located 2.4 kilometers from the hypocenter. She also described how, at the age of 42, she began interpreting and coordinating for visitors from overseas to Hiroshima. Among her many experiences, she recounted a particularly memorable occasion in which she shared her atomic bomb testimony with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

At the conclusion of the lecture, Ogura mentioned her participation in a forum held in Oslo, Norway, in December 2024 to commemorate the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo).

HU Vice President Kiriko Sakata, who oversees student support and diversity, equity, and inclusion, delivered the closing remarks. “Through today’s lecture, I realized the powerful impact of an atomic bomb survivor speaking in their own words. In that sense, I believe that Ms. Ogura’s work in conveying her atomic bomb experience to people around the world is truly a remarkable achievement. I was also surprised and encouraged to learn that she began this work at the age of 42,” she said, expressing her appreciation.

The Metasequoia Award was established by Hiroshima University in 2013 to recognize individuals and organizations that have contributed to expanding opportunities for women and enhancing the vitality of society as a whole.