Hiroshima Diary: The Journal of a Japanese Physician, August 6-September 30, 1945

This book stands alongside John Hersey's "Hiroshima". It is written by an eye witness who happened to be the physician in charge of the Hiroshima hospital to which survivors of the atomic bomb streamed. The harrowing tales are extraordinary in their pathos and power, all the more so because they are written in the matter-of-fact style of a scientist. It is unbelievable that these weapons still exist and that nations who hoard them, boast about them, or are busy making them can claim any ethical sanction for them.

Excellent account of the horror of Hiroshima told by a doctor who was there - a must read for anyone interested in a graphical day to day history of what it was like to experience the effects of a nuclear bomb and the total devastation it causes. Very well written and a compelling read.

A very moving account of the devastation the atomic bomb caused.

In my opinion, this book is a treasure. Dr. Michihiko Hachiyas detailed insight on Hiroshimas darkest hour and the weeks to follow as a victim and Doctor is one of the most interesting things I've ever read. To read about it from a Japanese point of view makes it a lot easier to understand the culture and feel empathy for the people mentioned in his diary.As a German, it was not hard for me to read at all, I was actually surprised how beautifully it was written. The medical terms used are easy enough to understand and not too technical in my opinion. One of the reasons I bought the book was because I was interested in the medicine that was used to treat patients. There were a couple of instances where I had to put it down to catch my breath, I might not recommend to read this before bedtime if you have a very vivid imagination.

I first read this amazing account many years ago, and thought that the 70th anniversary a fitting time to revisit it. The effect of the sheer unfolding horror of the circumstances was, if anything even greater, but what struck me this time was something I had probably missed as a young person. The kindness, humanity and unselfish behaviour . . . the gentle manners and dignity of these poor wretched people shines through above all. I recommend this book to anyone who still has some trust in the rightness of nuclear warfare. Remember that the Hiroshima bomb would be like a pinprick compared with the monsters we have today.