Ep 23. Hiroshima: Nuclear Apocalypse

On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, killing an estimated 140,000 people and ushering in the nuclear age. In "Hiroshima: Nuclear Apocalypse," part of the National Geographic Documentaries series, viewers are taken back to that fateful day and introduced to the survivors, many of whom are now in their seventies and eighties. Through interviews and archival footage, the episode delves into the aftermath of the bombing and explores its impact on Japanese society, as well as its lingering effects on the survivors and their descendants.

The episode begins with a haunting recreation of the explosion and its aftermath, using a combination of live-action and computer-generated imagery to create a sense of the destruction wrought by the bomb. Viewers are then introduced to some of the survivors of the bombing, who describe their experiences in vivid detail. Their stories are both heartbreaking and inspiring; many of them went on to dedicate their lives to promoting peace and nuclear disarmament.

One survivor featured in the episode is Keiji Nakazawa, who was just six years old when the bomb was dropped. Nakazawa went on to become a celebrated manga artist, best known for his semi-autobiographical comic strip "Barefoot Gen," which recounts his experiences surviving the bombing. In the episode, Nakazawa talks about the impact of the bomb on his life and his art, and viewers are treated to a glimpse of his work.

Another survivor featured in the episode is Shuntaro Hida, who was a doctor at the time of the bombing. Hida was instrumental in documenting the medical effects of the bomb, and his work helped to create a better understanding of the long-term health consequences of exposure to radiation. In the episode, Hida reflects on the horror he witnessed in the days after the bombing, and viewers are shown some of the graphic images he captured on film.

The episode also features interviews with historians and experts on the bombing, who provide context and analysis. They examine the decision to drop the bomb, and argue that it was not as clear-cut as it is often portrayed. They also explore the impact of the bombing on Japanese society, both in the immediate aftermath and in the decades that followed.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is its focus on the survivors and their descendants. Viewers are introduced to several people who were born after the bombing, but who have still been impacted by it in various ways. Some are dealing with health problems that they believe are linked to their parents' exposure to radiation, while others are struggling with the psychological effects of growing up in the shadow of such a traumatic event.

Overall, "Hiroshima: Nuclear Apocalypse" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode of National Geographic Documentaries. By showcasing the stories of the survivors and delving into the complex history and legacy of the bombing, it offers a sobering reminder of the consequences of war and the importance of striving for peace.