Among the many milestones of 2025, the world marked 80 years since the end of World War II—a moment that invited reflection not only on history, but on how light can emerge from hardship to shape a brighter future.
In this spirit, the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan released “My 80-Year Journey,” a moving video honoring individuals whose lives were shaped in the aftermath of the war by healing, hope, and humanity. Among those highlighted is Dr. Ritsuko Komaki, a distinguished radiation oncologist, longtime advocate for peace, and valued member of the Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH).
Dr. Komaki was recognized for a life guided by compassion and resolve. As a young girl, she helped build the Children’s Peace Monument honoring her childhood friend Sadako Sasaki in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a symbol that has since become internationally recognized as a call for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons. That early experience would profoundly shape her life’s path.
Dr. Komaki went on to devote her career to the treatment of cancer, becoming a world-renowned leader in radiation oncology. Across decades of clinical care, research, and mentorship, she has brought hope to countless patients and families, embodying the belief that medicine is not only a science, but a human calling.
Her journey, as featured in “My 80-Year Journey,” speaks to empathy, determination, and an enduring commitment to peace—values that resonate deeply with JASH’s mission to foster mutual understanding, friendship, and cooperation between Japan and the United States.
A steadfast champion of JASH, Dr. Komaki has long supported cultural exchange, education, and dialogue, strengthening ties between the two nations she holds dear. Her life’s work stands as a reminder that even in the aftermath of conflict, compassion can illuminate the way forward.
As JASH looks ahead to 2026, we do so with gratitude to Dr. Ritsuko Komaki, whose life and work continue to inspire us.
Click on the button below to view “My 80-Year Journey” from the YouTube channel of the Prime Minister of Japan.