A-bomb survivors in Taiwan form group

Survivors of the 1945 US atomic bombings, who are now living in Taiwan, have organized into a group to deepen their ties and seek more support from Japan.

The inaugural meeting of the group was held in Taipei on Saturday, and attended by more than 30 people.

The group has 12 survivors of the US bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as well as bereaved families of 4 others who have died.

The 83-year-old group leader addressed the meeting and called on the members to keep in touch with each other and deepen exchanges.

Only 18 people in Taiwan have obtained an A-bomb survivor certificate, which allows them to receive medical benefits from the Japanese government.

It is believed that there are many more survivors in Taiwan, including those who were studying in Japan or affiliated with the Japanese military. But little is known about them.

The members agreed to conduct an investigation into the matter and lobby the Japanese government to provide additional medical assistance.

A similar organization for A-bomb survivors residing outside Japan has been formed in South Korea, the United States, Brazil and North Korea.

Sunday, November 06, 2011 06:43 +0900 (JST)