16.12.2025 10:00
Japanese scientists have identified the identity of a person who was recorded as missing after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima by the United States, and who was 13 years old at the time, through DNA testing. This development, recorded as a first 80 years later, has become a new beacon of hope in efforts to identify the victims of the atomic bomb.
Scientists in Japan have achieved a groundbreaking success in identifying the victims of the atomic bomb attacks carried out by the United States. For the first time, the identity of an atomic bomb victim has been confirmed through DNA analysis.
FIRST TIME IN 80 YEARS
According to a statement from the Hiroshima City Hall, the process began based on the suspicions of the relatives of Hatsue Kajiyama, who was recorded as missing after the Hiroshima attack and was 13 years old at the time. Family members noticed that some ash and hair samples preserved in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park were registered under the name "Michiko Kajiyama" and suggested that this could be a mistake and that the samples might belong to Hatsue Kajiyama.
Upon the application made, experts from Kanagawa Dental University took action and initiated an examination of the ash and hair samples preserved in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. By comparing the DNA of Kajiyama's 91-year-old living sister with the ash and hair samples, the experts confirmed that the remains belonged to Hatsue Kajiyama.
NEW BEACON OF HOPE IN IDENTIFICATION
The development that ended the uncertainty faced by Hatsue Kajiyama's family has opened a new beacon of hope for efforts to identify the victims who lost their lives in the atomic bomb. Experts remind that approximately 70,000 unidentified remains are preserved in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and they pointed out that in the future, identification could be made from these remains upon the request of the relatives of the deceased.