Application for Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Certificate for Hibakusha Living Abroad

Hibakusha living abroad can apply for their Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Certificate (hereinafter referred to as “certificate”) or Class 1 Health Check Certificate (hereinafter referred to as “health check certificate”) as follows:

1. Applying From Your Country of Residence　　　

   As of (a) December 15, 2008 for certificates and (b) April 1, 2010 for health check certificates, hibakusha can apply for them at their local consulate, etc, without having to travel to Japan. Those who must send applications to Hiroshima City are listed as follows:

    

   1. For Certificates
      1. Those who directly survived the atomic bombing in Hiroshima City or neighboring areas* on August 6, 1945.
      2. Those who entered a 2 km radius from the hypocenter from directly after the bombing up until August 20, 1945.
      3. Those who were affected by radiation from the atomic bomb either during or after the bombing through helping with hibakusha relief efforts, disposal of bodies, or other reasons/activities.
      4. The embryo/fetus of those who fall under (a) through (c) and were born by May 31, 1946.

*Hiroshima City or Neighboring areas refers to the following:

1. For Health Check Certificates

   Those who were in the areas/regions listed in the table below** at the time of the bombing, including those who were embryos/fetuses thereof at the time (born by May 31, 1946), must send in applications for health check certificates.

**Table (Class 1 Health Check Certificate)

The process from application to final decision is as follows:

1. Application submission (applications will be accepted at the consulate, etc, where the applicant lives; applications may be submitted in person via proxy, but mailed applications will not be accepted.
2. Receipt of application by the City of Hiroshima (applications will be mailed via post from the consulate, etc, where the applicant lives to the City of Hiroshima via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
3. Review (based on materials such as the accounts of the witness and related documents, we will verify whether the applicant was a victim of the atomic bombing)
4. In-person Interview (if necessary)
5. If we are able to verify applicant information, we shall send their certificate/health check certificate via postal mail through the consulate, etc, where the applicant lives). If we cannot verify the information, then the applicant will be notified by the City of Hiroshima.

    

You can find application forms and more information on the To Overseas Atomic Bomb Survivors page of the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare＜外部リンク＞ (mostly Japanese).

1. Applying in Japan

   Those who would like to apply in Japan can use the Support Program for Hibakusha Living Abroad (Travel Support for Receiving Certificates in Japan)

About the Travel Support for Receiving Certificates in Japan for Hibakusha Living Abroad:

Funds will be allotted to atomic bomb survivors (hibakusha) living abroad (hereinafter referred to as the “applicants”) who would like to travel to Japan to receive an atomic bomb survivor’s certificate (hereinafter referred to as the “certificate”) or (a) Class 1 Health Check Certificate or (b) Class 2 Health Check Certificate (hereinafter referred to as the “health check certificate”).

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants who (a) live abroad, (b) would like to travel to Japan to receive their certificate or health check certificate, and (c) have been partially verified as hibakusha.

Necessary Documents

1. Copy of the Application for Issuance of Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Certificate or Application for Issuance of Health Check Certificate
2. Copy of documentation which verifies survival of the atomic bomb
3. Travel to Japan Support Program Usage Application
4. Travel to Japan and Other Expenses Support Application
5. Applications for caregivers/interpreters (as needed)
6. Documentation which verifies costs associated with travel to Japan (receipts)

Note: Items (3), (4), (5), (6) listed in the above are to be submitted after travelling to Japan once their status as hibakusha is partially verified.

*Please inquire at the department listed below for information about items (1) to (5).

Procedures to Follow

1. Before departure for Japan, applicants must submit items (1) and (2) listed in the Necessary Documents above. Once we have partially verified applicant status as an atomic bomb survivor, etc, we will notify the applicant of their travel schedule and procedures.
2. After the applicant’s travel schedule has been confirmed, they must submit items (3), (4), and (5) listed in the Necessary Documents above.
3. After arriving in Japan, applicants will be required to officially submit their application and stay in Japan for three to four days during the review process for their certificate/health check certificate.
4. Travel costs (transportation fees, lodging fees, handling fees for travel to Japan, etc) shall be paid during their stay in Hiroshima City.

Those who would like to use this program must contact the department listed below before leaving for Japan.

Forms to Download:

Travel to Japan Support Program Usage Application (English) (61 KB) (PDF)

Travel to Japan and Other Expenses Support Application (English) (61 KB) (PDF)

Application for Caregiver/Interpreter (Front) (Japanese) (4 KB) (PDF)

Applicaton for Caregiver/Interpreter (Back) (Japanese) (3 KB) (PDF)

Relief Section, Relief Division, Atomic Bomb Survivors Relief Department, Health and Welfare Bureau