Heading toward the unknown to save lives
Treating the crew of the Lucky Dragon 5, which was exposed to nuclear radiation

• On March 1, 1954, a hydrogen bomb test in the Bikini Atoll in the South Pacific far exceeded its predicted scope and released a radioactive material into the ocean beyond the estimated danger zone. The Lucky Dragon 5, which happened to be sailing near the danger zone, along with the fish and 23 crew members on board, was exposed to radioactive fallout. Despite this, the crew and the ship made it back to Japan without any help and were admitted to the First National Hospital of Tokyo (now the NCGM).
• At the hospital, Kumatori Toshiyuki (professor at Tokyo University Medical College; First Hospital of the National University; photo: left) and his assistant, Miyoshi Kazuo (professor at Tokushima University Medical College; photo: right) were in charge of their treatment. Their tireless efforts saved all the crew members, except for chief radioman Mr. Kuboyama. Upon Mr. Kuboyama’s death, Kumatori is said to have said “I’m speechless.”

*The exhibition room has a model on display of the Lucky Dragon 5, which was a gift from the crew.