# Tsutomu Yamaguchi

> Japanese marine engineer (1916–2010)

**Wikidata**: [Q17579](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17579)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsutomu_Yamaguchi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tsutomu-yamaguchi

## Summary
Tsutomu Yamaguchi was a Japanese marine engineer and the only person officially recognized to have survived both the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. A lifelong advocate for nuclear disarmament, he dedicated his later years to sharing his experiences to prevent future conflicts.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 16, 1916, in Nagasaki, Japan  
- **Nationality**: Japanese (formerly Empire of Japan, until 1947)  
- **Employer(s)**: Mitsubishi (naval engineer)  
- **Field(s)**: Marine engineering  
- **Known for**: Surviving the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki  

## Contributions
Tsutomu Yamaguchi’s most significant contribution lies in his unique survival of both atomic bombings and his subsequent advocacy for peace. On August 6, 1945, he was in Hiroshima on business for Mitsubishi when the bomb fell. He returned to Nagasaki on August 8, only to endure the second bombing on August 9. His survival made him a *nijū hibakusha* (“twice bombed person”), a status officially recognized by the Japanese government. Though he did not publish scientific works or inventions, his lived experience became a critical part of historical testimony, influencing global discussions on nuclear warfare. Yamaguchi traveled internationally to share his story, emphasizing the horrors of nuclear weapons and the need for disarmament.

## FAQs
### Q: Did Tsutomu Yamaguchi survive both atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?  
A: Yes, he is the only person officially documented to have survived both attacks, enduring the Hiroshima bombing on August 6, 1945, and the Nagasaki bombing on August 9, 1945.  

### Q: How did Tsutomu Yamaguchi die?  
A: He died of stomach cancer on January 4, 2010, at age 93, due to complications from radiation exposure.  

### Q: What was Tsutomu Yamaguchi’s profession?  
A: He worked as a marine engineer for Mitsubishi, specializing in naval architecture.  

## Why They Matter
Tsutomu Yamaguchi’s survival of two atomic bombings made him a living symbol of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare. His advocacy work humanized the statistics of the bombings, providing a firsthand account of the immediate and long-term effects of radiation exposure. By sharing his story, he contributed to global efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of nuclear proliferation, leaving a legacy that continues to influence peace movements and policy debates. Without his testimony, the world would lack a critical personal perspective on one of history’s most pivotal and tragic events.

## Notable For
- Only officially recognized survivor of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.  
- Advocate for nuclear disarmament through public speaking and media interviews.  
- Documented case of long-term radiation effects, contributing to medical and historical research.  

## Body
### Early Life and Career  
Tsutomu Yamaguchi was born on March 16, 1916, in Nagasaki, Japan. He studied marine engineering and began working for Mitsubishi in 1939, designing naval vessels.  

### Survival of Atomic Bombings  
- **Hiroshima (August 6, 1945)**: Yamaguchi was in Hiroshima inspecting naval equipment when the atomic bomb exploded 3.7 kilometers away. He suffered severe burns and radiation exposure but returned to Nagasaki on August 8.  
- **Nagasaki (August 9, 1945)**: He experienced the second bombing in his hometown, exacerbating his injuries.  

### Later Life and Advocacy  
Yamaguchi recovered from acute radiation sickness and resumed work at Mitsubishi. He rarely spoke publicly about his experiences until later in life, when he began advocating for nuclear disarmament. In 2009, he published a memoir and gave interviews to global media outlets, including the BBC and *The Guardian*.  

### Death and Legacy  
Yamaguchi died on January 4, 2010, at age 93, from stomach cancer linked to radiation exposure. His dual survival status was formally recognized by the Japanese government, and his story remains a cornerstone of anti-nuclear activism.

## References

1. CiNii Research
2. [Le Soir](https://plus.lesoir.be/art/d-20100106-W19CNR)
3. [Source](http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=478992)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Ameblo
6. Library of Congress Control Number