An exhibition of photographs featuring people with atomic bomb microcephaly is now underway in Tokyo.
In the atomic bombed cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, some children exposed to radiation while still in their mother’s wombs were born with abnormally small heads, or microcephaly. The condition is often accompanied by intellectual and physical disabilities.
The exhibition started on Saturday to mark the 60th anniversary of the launch of Kinokokai, which is a group of people suffering from microcephaly and those supporting them.
The 16 photos on display were taken by two photographers, Shigeta Masahiko and Suganuma Kiyomi, in the 1960s and 1970s.
Some of the photos show the everyday lives of people with atomic bomb microcephaly, such as doing household chores or sitting at a dining table.
In others, they are seen in a hospital living away from their homes. Their families also appear campaigning for relief measures.
People with atomic bomb microcephaly are called the youngest hibakusha, survivors of the atomic bombings.
Most of the photos on display have not been made public before due to fears that they could lead to discrimination or prejudice.
A senior member of the group, Hirao Naomasa, said atomic bomb microcephaly is relatively unknown. But Hirao said he wants people to get a glimpse of the lives of those with it and their families and also become aware of the effects of nuclear weapons.
The exhibition runs through Wednesday at Gallery Furuto in Tokyo’s Nerima Ward.
AloJapan.com