Remembering the Suppressed, Sixty Years After the Atomic Bombing of Nagasaki: Seirai Yūichi’s “Tori” (Birds)

Abstract Genbaku bungaku 原爆文学 (Atomic bomb literature), a genre of contemporary Japanese literature, addresses the events of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 and their aftermaths, especially the health, psychological conditions, and social position of hibakusha 被爆者 (atomic bomb survivors). More than half a century has passed since the events and the number of stories from those who experienced it firsthand has dwindled, with efforts being made in various ways to preserve the memories and pass them on to future generations. In that context, this article analyses the short story “Tori” 鳥 (Birds; 2006) by Seirai Yūichi, which can be categorised as post-atomic bomb literature or ground zero literature. It focuses on the memories and the identity of the second generation of hibakusha , with the aim of elucidating the long-lasting mental influences of nuclear weapons on the daily lives of individuals, which are often left out of the debate on nuclear issues.