The Forgotten Inferno: Echoes of Tokyo's Firebombing

Eighty years ago, the U.S. firebombing of Tokyo killed over 100,000 people in a single night, but unlike the atomic bombings, the Japanese government hasn't recognized the tragedy. Survivors, now elderly, strive to share their stories and seek financial assistance, preserving history for future generations.

On March 10, 1945, Tokyo experienced a catastrophic event when U.S. B-29 bombers unleashed a torrent of firebombs on the city, leaving over 100,000 people dead. The firebombing inflicted devastation comparable to the later atomic bombings, but it remains a largely unrecognized and forgotten tragedy.

Elderly survivors are now stepping forward to tell their harrowing stories. Shizuyo Takeuchi, who was 14 at the time, recalls the night vividly and feels a duty to speak for those who perished. Similarly, Ai Saotome works tirelessly to preserve her father Katsumoto's legacy and give voice to those who lived through the horror.

Despite the catastrophic loss of life, civilian victims have received no government aid, unlike veterans and atomic bombing survivors. Efforts to secure financial assistance and recognition have been largely unsuccessful, with some survivors determined to make their case before it's too late.

(With inputs from agencies.)