 Anti-nuclear peace march starts The annual nationwide peace march calling for a world free of nuclear weapons and wars began on May 6. In Tokyo, more than 900 workers, peace activists, and Hibakusha (A-bomb survivors) started off on the course for Hiroshima, a venue of the 2005 World Conference against A and H Bombs marking the 60th anniversary of A-bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The start of this year's peace march coincided with the NPT Review Conference being held in the U.N. Headquarters. In front of the museum of the Lucky Dragon #5 in a Tokyo park, those who had returned from the NPT Review Conference-related events in New York reported on their activities. A 22-year-old construction worker spoke about his experience taking to the New York streets to collect signatures, calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons. "I was glad that many young Americans gave their signatures in support of nuclear weapons abolition. I want to appeal to many more people," he said. The march will reach Hiroshima on August 4. - Akahata May 7, 2005 |