2010 Peace March for a nuclear weapons free world begins

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

2010 Peace March for a nuclear weapons free world begins

The 2010 nationwide peace march for a world without nuclear weapons started with the Tokyo-Hiroshima course departing Yumenoshima Park on May 6.

This is the 53rd peace march which began in 1958.

Marchers will walk on 11 major routes for three months toward Hiroshima, as well as on numerous local routes in order to pass through all cities, towns and villages through the country.

At the departure ceremony, Akamatsu Koichi, World Conference against A and H Bombs Chairpersons Committee member, spoke on behalf of the organizers. He emphasized the significance of this year’s peace march during the midst of the NPT Review Conference, saying, “Popular movements in Japan and the rest of the world are affecting the course of world, and opening the way to create a world without nuclear weapons. Let’s strengthen further the movement to eliminate nuclear weapons.”

Hiroshima Mayor Akiba Tadatoshi and Nagasaki Mayor Taue Tomihisa sent messages of support to the peace march.

After the ceremony, about 600 people marched in the Ginza district and other downtown areas of Tokyo.

- Akahata, May 7, 2010