Katsuko Ogura, an 87-year-old atomic bomb survivor from Hiroshima, was honored on March 15, 2025, with the prestigious title of honorary doctorate of literature by Hiroshima Jogakuin University. This recognition came as part of the university's graduation ceremony, where Ogura's long-standing commitment to sharing her harrowing experiences as an atomic bomb survivor, particularly through the medium of English, was celebrated.
During the ceremony, Ogura received the honorary degree from Takayasu Mita, the university's president. Ogura's work has not only contributed to preserving the historical narrative of the atomic bomb's impact but has also played a significant role on the international stage. Her testimony has inspired countless individuals and highlighted the dire need for nuclear disarmament.
Reflecting on her educational background, Ogura expressed gratitude for the skills she acquired at Hiroshima Jogakuin, emphasizing how they have enabled her to engage with global leaders. "I am honored and grateful. I owe it to many classmates and teachers. I must continue living based on this," she stated during the post-ceremony press conference.
Ogura was just eight years old when she was exposed to the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945, situated only 2.4 kilometers from the hypocenter. This traumatic experience has driven her to share her story, ensuring the world remembers the devastation caused by nuclear weapons. Her testimony has become increasingly relevant as global political tensions continue to rise.
Significantly, Ogura's work has brought her to many notable platforms, including the 2023 G7 Hiroshima Summit. During this event, she met with leaders from various nations at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, passionately advocating for a world free of nuclear weapons. This intersection of history and diplomacy is one of Ogura's greatest achievements.
Her dedication to peace activism through education and awareness is underscored by the fact she is only the second person to receive this honorary degree from Hiroshima Jogakuin University, following Setsuko Thurlow, who now resides in Canada. Thurlow, like Ogura, is also known for her activism and testimony about the horrors of the atomic bomb.
Hiroshima Jogakuin University acknowledged Ogura's contributions not only to local efforts but also on the international stage as she continues to educate others on the realities of nuclear war and the importance of peace. Ogura's story is not just one of survival; it's one of resilience and commitment to advocating for significant political change.
Ogura’s acceptance of this honorary degree symbolizes how educational institutions can recognize the contributions made by individuals who have lived through historical events and continue to fight against the repetition of such tragedies. She hopes her efforts will inspire future generations to pursue peace and humanitarian work.
With such activism, Ogura stands as both a reminder of the past and a hopeful advocate for the future, underscoring the need for international cooperation toward removing nuclear threats. This new accolade will undoubtedly direct more attention to her experiences and the broader cause she fervently supports.
Through her dedicated efforts, Ogura has earned her rightful place as one of the voices for peace and disarmament. Her achievements resonate with the maxim, "Never forget," always pertinent as the world grapples with various threats posed by modern conflicts and political struggles.
Honoring individuals like Katsuko Ogura not only safeguards their legacy but also amplifies the message of peace and the necessity of remembrance for the global community. This generous acknowledgment by Hiroshima Jogakuin University is just one more step toward keeping the memory of the past alive, helping to educate and inspire future generations.
