**Shigeko Sasamori: A Hiroshima Survivor's Legacy for Peace**

Sasamori's unwavering commitment to warning future generations about the repercussions of nuclear warfare has made her a prominent figure in peace activism.

Shigeko Sasamori, who lived through the harrowing aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima at just 13 years of age, peacefully passed away on December 15 at her home in Marina del Rey, California. Her son, Norman Cousins Sasamori, confirmed the news. Sasamori, disfigured by the catastrophic event, transformed her suffering into a lifelong mission to advocate for peace and educate others about the dangers of nuclear weapons.

Throughout her life, Ms. Sasamori spoke with strength and tenderness, reaching out to diverse audiences from students and United Nations interns to U.S. Senate committees. She carried a poignant message devoid of resentment, emphasizing her commitment to preventing history from repeating itself. In a notable testimony before the Senate in 1980, she shared her experiences, stating, “I have a mission to tell people that this should not happen again. I tell people how horrible it was and how horribly we suffered even though we were children. The next generation of children has come into the world, and I fear for them.”

Sasamori's passing follows closely after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots organization composed of atomic bomb survivors, recognizing their efforts in the global disarmament movement. On August 6, 1945, the day the bomb was dropped, young Sasamori was among those tasked with clearing debris from the streets of Hiroshima, unaware of the impending catastrophe. Her words and actions throughout her life served as a poignant reminder of the real-life consequences of war and the importance of striving for a peaceful future for all.