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Long-term consequences of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima

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  • Shimizutani, Satoshi
  • Yamada, Hiroyuki

Abstract

This paper examines long-term consequences of one of the most serious catastrophes ever inflicted on humankind: the atomic bombing that occurred in Hiroshima in 1945. While many victims died immediately or within a few years of the bombing, there were many negative effects on survivors in terms of both health and social/economic aspects that could last many years. Of these two life factors, health and social/economic aspects, the latter has largely been ignored by researchers. We investigate possible long-lasting effects using a new dataset covering the middle and older generations in Hiroshima some 60 years after the tragedy. Our empirical results show that Atomic Bomb Survivors did not necessarily suffer unfavorable life experiences in terms of the average marriage status or educational attainment but did experience significant disadvantages some aspects including the husband/wife combination of married couples, work status, mental health, and expectations for the future. Thus, survivors have suffered for many years after the catastrophe itself.

Suggested Citation

  • Shimizutani, Satoshi & Yamada, Hiroyuki, 2021. "Long-term consequences of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima," Journal of the Japanese and International Economies, Elsevier, vol. 59(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jjieco:v:59:y:2021:i:c:s0889158320300563
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jjie.2020.101119
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social discrimination; Atomic bomb; Radiation exposure; Marriage; Hiroshima; Japan;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • H12 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Crisis Management

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