D06, Yukari Wada ‘91, Grandmother, 1923, Yokohama: Naka-ku
Q: Good afternoon, Grandma. It’s been almost a month since I last saw you. I’m here today to ask you some questions about World War II.
A: Oh, my! I can’t remember very much. I just remember that it ended on August 15, 1945. That’s when Emperor Hirohito told the people that the war was over. But before that, the U.S. B-29 bombers came and bombed all of the schools. That’s all I can think of right now.
Q: That’s all right, Grandma. Thank you for trying to remember these awful events. But I’d like to ask your cousin what she remembers.
A: I only remember the horrible things. I was about 22 or 23 when the bombing started. The American bombers dropped fire bombs, and all I had in mind was how to escape. All of the houses burned down, along with trees and even grass.
That’s why it was hard to run away. Everything was really hot. Many people were unable to escape, and they were burned to death. Most of the old people tried to hide in the air raid shelters (bōkūgō). They poured water on themselves to try to cool down. It was a total disaster, and I don’t want anything like this to happen again in my life.
Q: Listening to your stories now, and actually living through those events, must be totally different.
A: Oh, yes! I still remember the day that the great air raid of Yokohama took place. I went out to buy something to eat for breakfast, and just then B-29 bombers flew overhead. Afterwards there was nothing left. From my house in Yamamoto-chō, I could see Ishikawa-chō Station and Yamate Station. I really don’t want to recall those memories.
Q: I’m sorry for making you depressed. I really appreciate your cooperation.