A message of hope: the life of Takashi Nagai

Takashi Nagai was a convert to the Catholic faith, a radiologist, and a survivor of the atomic blast on 09 August 1945 in the city of Nagasaki. His life and the life of his wife Midori are powerful testimonies of faith, hope, and love.

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Takashi Nagai was born in 1908 into a family practicing Shintoism. His family had a passion for medical research, preparing him to become a physician-scientist. However, during his years in college, he adopted materialistic atheistic viewpoints. The foundation of his materialistic beliefs was shattered when he witnessed his mother’s death from hemorrhagic fever in 1930. In her final moments, as he looked into her eyes, he saw a spark of her soul. This profound experience demolished the ideological framework he had constructed for himself. Takashi later reflected, “Through that last penetrating glance, my mother shattered the walls of my constructed belief system. In her final moments, she spoke to me, conveying the message that the human spirit continues to exist beyond death. This realization came to me as an intuition, an intuition that had the flavor of truth.”

Takashi embarked on a quest for truth and found a spiritual companion in Blaise Pascal’s Thoughts, recognizing the limitations of reason in understanding profound truths. While attending a Catholic church seemed initially difficult for him, he sought the companionship of a Catholic family, the Moriyamas. The Moriyamas had faithfully upheld their Catholic faith for 300 years, even during times of persecution and hiding. Takashi was deeply moved by their unwavering dedication to their faith. In 1932, Midori, the Moriyama’s daughter and a school teacher in a remote area, invited him to participate in the Christmas Vigil, a ceremony that deeply touched his heart. Reflecting on this experience, he later wrote, “I instinctively sensed the presence of a living community.” Shortly after Christmas, Midori fell critically ill with acute appendicitis. Takashi correctly diagnosed her condition and, with the help of a surgeon friend, ensured her life was saved.

In 1933, Takashi was required to join the Japanese-Chinese War. During his time in the military quarter, he eagerly immersed himself in reading the Catechism, which Midori had sent him. It was during this period that Takashi’s spiritual progress took a decisive turn as he contemplated Pascal’s words: “There is enough light for those who only desire to see, and enough obscurity for those who have a contrary disposition.” In 1934, upon his return, he sought out a priest and received baptism, adopting the name Paul in remembrance of St. Paul Miki, one of the first Japanese martyrs. He also married Midori, who had been a pivotal figure in his journey to faith.

Scientist

Just prior to his graduation, Takashi developed a severe ear infection that left him deaf in one ear. As a result, he could no longer use the stethoscope and sought alternative ways to apply his medical knowledge. He was offered the position of radiologist, a relatively young discipline at the time. His teacher, Prof. Itsuma Suetsugu, warned him, “I can assure you there will be hard work involved, but it also comes with a serious risk to your health. However, you will become a Japanese pioneer in this vital scientific field. Together, we will uncover new truths that stand the test of time, for the truth endures forever.” Before their marriage, Takashi told Midori, “Remember, radiologists die young.” She accepted nonetheless, referring to words from the book of Ruth ensuring her loyalty despite all hardships.  Takashi also became a member of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, dedicating his time to visiting patients and helping the poor by providing assistance, comfort, and food.

In 1937, Takashi returned once again to the war, this time as a physician who specialized in setting up emergency relief centers. After coming back to Japan, he assumed the position of assistant professor at Nagasaki Medical College and became the chief of the Physical Rehabilitation Department. In March 1944, he earned a doctorate in medicine. During World War II, he often relied on direct observation to interpret radiological records, as films were not readily available, exposing him to high rates of radioactivity.

In June 1945, Takashi received a devastating diagnosis of leukemia and was given a prognosis of only three years to live. He shared this news with Midori, finding solace in her presence and acceptance. However, this comfort was short-lived.

On August 9, 1945, the second atomic bomb fell on Nagasaki, near the Cathedral of Urakami and the Nagasaki Medical Center. The walls of the Radiology department, designed to shield others from radiation, inadvertently shielded Takashi from the deadly blast. Immediately after the explosion, he sprang into action, caring for the wounded. Two days later, he returned to his former home, only to find Midori’s remains reduced to ashes, along with her rosary.

Undeterred by the tragedy, Takashi established an emergency relief center in Mitsuyama, a valley nearby that was spared by the tragedy. He authored a medical report covering the period from August 9 to October 8, 1945. In this report, he explained the physics of the atomic bomb, described the injuries caused by the explosion, and offered recommendations for treating these injuries.

In 1946, leukemia struck Takashi once again with greater intensity, leaving him bedridden for the years to come.

Witness to Hope

On November 23, 1945, Takashi was invited to deliver a speech during a Requiem Mass held near the remains of the Urakami Cathedral. He drew a parallel between Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary and Nagasaki’s “holocaust,” shedding light on its meaning. Through this selfless act, peace was bestowed upon the world, and Japan was granted religious freedom.

Takashi and a group of individuals discovered the Cathedral bell still intact amidst the ruins. Then, on December 24, 1945, the bell began to ring again, three times a day, just as it had before the war. Takashi said: “May there never be a time when they do not ring! May they ring out this message of peace until the morning of the day on which the world ends.”

Before the first anniversary of the bomb’s detonation and the passing of his beloved wife Midori, Takashi completed his bestselling book, The Bells of Nagasaki, which concluded with the following words:

“Will humanity find happiness or misery in the atomic age? What shall we do with this double-edged sword concealed in the universe by God and now discovered by man? Utilizing it wisely could lead to significant advancements for civilization, while its malevolent usage would bring about the destruction of our world. The decision lies within the free will of mankind, who holds their own destiny in their hands. Contemplating this fills one with terror, and for my part, I believe that a true religious spirit is the only guarantee in this realm… On our knees, amidst the ashes of the atomic desert, we pray that Urakami will be the last victim of the bomb.”

Using the royalties from his book, Takashi planted a row of cherry trees and established a library for children. His aspiration was to revitalize this desolate place and transform it into a flourishing hill resonating with the laughter and songs of children.

His yearning was for peace, serving as a reminder to us even today: “People of the world, never again plan war! With this atomic bomb, war can only result in suicide for the human race. From this atomic wasteland, the people of Nagasaki address the world and exclaim: No more war! Let us adhere to the commandment of love and work together. The people of Nagasaki humbly prostrate themselves before God and beseech: May Nagasaki be the final atomic wilderness in the annals of history.”

In the years that followed, Takashi received numerous visitors, becoming a beacon of hope and joy in the midst of profound suffering. Through his example and his books, he reached a wide audience. He passed away on May 1, 1951. His burial ceremony was attended by 20,000 people.

This blog post was inspired by a presentation given recently in zoom meeting by Sabine Andergassen (Vienna), for a group of women scientists across Europe called “Catholic Women in STEM”. Sabine chose this topic since she was deeply impressed by an Exhibition on Taksahi and Midori Nagai at the Rimini Meeting in 2019, and she kept us all impressed as well.

If you are a Catholic woman scientist in Europe and want to join us, please drop me an email at scimeetsfaith @ gmail.com (delete blanks).

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Further recommended reading:

Glynn, Paul. A Song for Nagasaki: The Story of Takashi Nagai – Scientist, Convert, and Survivor of the Atomic Bomb. (San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press, 2009), 275 pgs.

Takashi Nagai. The Bells of Nagasaki, 1949 (English translation 1994)