For over 60 years, Tanaka kept her experiences private as she struggled with the physical and psychological trauma of having endured the realization of the world's first atomic bomb. However, she eventually began sharing her story, motivated by a desire to ensure that future generations understand the larger-than-life danger that mass weaponry poses. As an award-winning artist, Tanaka uses her art to symbolize the tragedy that occurred in Hiroshima and promote a message of peace.