| ++The Path to Peace++ |
The damage done by the A-bomb was so catastrophic that the conviction
that humanity cannot coexist with nuclear weapons --that their use must
not be allowed was deeply rooted in the minds of the people of Hiroshima.
Based on this spirit of Hiroshima, the unwavering hope for the abolition
of nuclear weapons and the realization of lasting world peace, the city
of Hiroshima turned toward the world and began it's journey on the path
to peace.
Atomic bombs are weapons that were used in war. To prevent their
use a third time, they must be eliminated from the face of the Earth; the
resolution not to fight with other countries is important. The path to
peace begins with even the smallest steps. |
| ++Lessons of history++ |
The atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima created enormous suffering at
the time, of course, but it continues to cause suffering today among those
who were exposed. The never-ending pain and anxiety they inflict are what
make such weapons inhumane.
But we must never forget that nuclear weapons are the fruits of war.
Japan, too, with colonization policies and wars of aggression inflicted
incalucurable and irreversible harm on peoples of many countries.
We must reflect on war and the causes of war, not just nuclear weapons.
We must learn the lessons of history, that we may learn to identify
and avoid the paths that lead to war. |
| ++ Why Don't War End ? ++ |
Even World WarⅡdid not put an end to wars and uprisings around the
world. The Korean War (1950), the Vietnam War (1968), the Persian Gulf
War (1990), and hundreds of other conflicts have inflicted innumerable
casualties. Though nuclear weapons were not used in these wars, other weapons
of mass destruction have increased constantly and global environment has
deteriorated. History teaches us clearly that the use of military might
to execute the will of any group or nation is wrong. |
| ++Learning from the School Books of Other Countries++ |
There is a movement today to read and re-evaluate the school textbooks
of the Asian countries which Japan held as colonies or occupied during
the war. Hiroshima was dealt a severe blow by the atomic bomb, but Japan,
too, inflicted great damage on neighboring countries. School textbooks
in those countries describe the pain in detail, along with their perception
of Japan. Internationalization must begin with speaking the truth about
the role each country played in the war. We must find a way to make our
mutual pain a positive gift for the future. |
| ++Peripheral Hibakusha++ |
"Peripheral Hibakusha" has two meanings. One refers to
the sidelining of hibakusha (A-bomb survivors) from main roles in society
due to increasing age. The average age of the hibakusha is now in the late
60s. Hibakusha struggled to survive during the harsh months and years following
the war, but the number of people who decline even to speak about what
they experienced is increasing. Let's work to make sure the plea for a
system that attends sufficiently to their needs does not go unanswered.
"Peripheral Hibakusha" also refers to the scattering of survivors.
Many non-Japanese hibakusha returned to their countries after the bombing.
Hibakusha can be found in all of Japan's prefectures and most districts.
However, far from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, even across the seas, they still
need a helping hand.
The Kanda Sanso Treatment Facility --popular among hibakusha.
Courtecy of Chugoku Shimbun
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| ++Conveying the A-bomb Experience++ |
Some survivors of the A-bomb experience in Hiroshima have
resolved to share their experience before, during, and after the A-bomb
disaster with younger generations who know nothing of war. In addition
to constantly conveying their experiences to elementary, junior high and
senior high school students, they guide visitors to monuments, A-bombed
buildings and bridges, and other landmarks related to the bombing. Their
ability to speak from personal experience greatly enhances Hiroshima's
ability to teach the lessons of the A-bomb. Most of these eye-witnesses
are over 60 years-old.
Hibakusha in The Peace Memorial Park speaking of A-bomb experiences.（Photo : Hideaki Takahashi）
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