Reiko Okada: From Mobilized Teen to Peace Advocate - A Story of Guilt and Redemption
Key Ideas
- Reiko Okada, a survivor of the dark history of Okunoshima, shares her experiences from being mobilized as a teenager to her peace advocacy work in Japan.
- Having worked in a secret poison gas factory and building balloon bombs during WWII, Okada later felt guilt and embraced peace work after learning about the casualties caused by these weapons.
- Her dedication to art and peace led Okada to publish a book documenting her war experiences, aiming to educate others about the horrors of war and advocate for peace.
- Despite facing physical after-effects from her time in Hiroshima and Okunoshima, Okada's treatment allowed her to overcome ailments and continue her activism for peace.
Reiko Okada, now 95, sheds light on the lesser-known history of Okunoshima, an island in Hiroshima Prefecture known as 'Rabbit Island.' While it is a popular tourist spot today, the island served as a host to a dark past during World War II. Okada, mobilized as a teenager, was involved in building 'Fu-Go' balloon bombs and working at a poison gas factory on the island. After the war and witnessing the devastation caused by these weapons, Okada dedicated herself to peace activism and art, aiming to educate others about the horrors of war. Despite facing physical challenges from her wartime experiences, Okada persevered and used her art to advocate for peace. Her story serves as a reminder of the impact of war on individuals and the importance of striving for a peaceful future.