4 days ago
Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor reflects on tragedy and new life in Australia
Michelle Kuramochi and her teenage daughter Marly got a first-hand account of a World War II event that shaped modern history after inviting Cherry Watts to share a meal.
Mrs Watts, 93, was in hospital with her mother in 1945 when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.
"I was washing my newborn sister's nappies when I heard a loud blast and then all the hospital's windows smashed inwards, and people started screaming," she said.
"People with burns on their bodies started coming into the Kure hospital.
"I was young and scared."
Ms Kuramochi, a NSW Northern Rivers farmer who also operates a Japanese street food cafe, had heard about Mrs Watts's remarkable story.
"It is not often you meet a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bomb living in an Australian regional town and I wanted to cook something special for her," she said.
Japan's subsequent surrender resulted in the arrival of occupying forces.
Mrs Watts said there was animosity between the Allied forces and the local population.
"There was a lot of hatred towards us back then," Mrs Watts said.
Despite the widespread ill feeling, in 1949 Mrs Watts met and fell in love with Australian soldier William Watts, who was stationed at Kure.
They married, against the wishes of Mrs Watts's parents, and in 1953 arrived in the northern NSW town of Murwillumbah to make a new life.
She has lived there since.
Mrs Watts recalled being concerned about how she would be received but said she was welcomed by the community and sometimes encouraged by her neighbours to wear her kimono robe for special occasions.
"I miss Japan but love my life in Australia where I have many friends," she said.
Those friends include the Kuramochis who shared a special meal with Mrs Watts.
"I made her Hiroshima okonomiyaki, a savory pancake and a pavlova with a Japanese flavour," Ms Kuramochi said.
Mrs Watts said the meal reminded her of her childhood in Japan.
Ms Kuramochi had lived in Japan for several years after falling in love and marrying her husband, Shinji.
Her teenage daughter Marly said hearing Mrs Watts's story of survival left a lasting impression.
"It will stay with me forever," the Year 12 student said.
"I am a bit older than Cherry when the bomb dropped, and realise how much she missed as a teenager.
"My heritage is Australian and Japanese, and I found it sickening to hear how Australians hated the Japanese during that time."
Another guest at the informal get-together was 42-year-old Kyoko Okimura, who grew up in Japan but now also lives in the Tweed Shire.
Her grandfather fought for Japan in WWII.
"I did not know what he experienced, but hearing Cherry's story of when the bomb dropped allowed me to understand what he must have lived through," Ms Okimura said.
"In Japan, we are taught about the horrors of the bomb and how thousands died of burns, cancer or radiation and the sadness it caused for many generations, so to meet Cherry who survived and is living an independent life was a wonderful experience.
"Despite all that she has been through, Cherry remains friendly with a cheeky sense of humour. She is a national treasure."
