Even ten years after the bombings, hibakusha were experiencing excessive occurrences of numerous medical conditions, including blood, cardiovascular, liver, and endocrinological disorders; low blood cell counts; severe anemia; thyroid disorders; internal organ damage; cataracts; and premature aging. Many survivors suffered multiple illnesses at the same time. Countless others experienced a generalized, unexplainable malaise—later nicknamed bura-bura (aimless) disease—with symptoms including overall poor health, constant fatigue, and, according to survivors’ physicians, “insufficient mental
...more
