June 2, 2020
Nearly 120 young Japanese on May 30 heard a Hibakusha testimony and exchanged their views on a world without nuclear weapons in an online event which was organized by a nationwide network of organizations promoting the international signature-collection campaign in support of the Hibakusha’s appeal for the elimination of nuclear weapons.
A 91-year-old Hiroshima Hibakusha, Miyake Nobuo, who now lives in Saitama Prefecture, spoke about his experience.
According to his testimony, on August 6, 1945 when the U.S. atomic bomb was dropped, Miyake, then 16 years old, was on a tram 1.8 kilometers away from ground zero. Frightened at the flash, he ran out of the tram and was instantly knocked back by the blast from the explosion. After going back home, he found his injured mother.
With fire approaching the areas near his home, he and his mother escaped to a main street. On the street, he saw many injured people walking slowly like ghosts. He thought that they were visually indistinguishable, men and women, young and old.
Miyake began talking about his experience when he was 50 years old. Explaining the reason for this, he said, “I learned that among the people who survived the A-bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, some experienced unjust discrimination and others suffered greatly from their memories of losing their family members and friends. I realized that I have a mission to relate my story to other people.”
Young participants, including high school students and college students, asked Miyake about his view of the argument that nuclear weapons are necessary for national security.
In response, Miyake said, “This argument is based on the concept of nuclear deterrence which leads to allowing all countries in the world to possess nuclear weapons. Currently, roughly 14,000 nuclear weapons exist on the globe. Each of these weapons has an explosive yield greater than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.” He said, “I hope young people will recognize the Hibakusha experience as not only a current issue but an issue affecting future generations.”
In conclusion, the organizers appealed to the participants for their cooperation in the Hibakusha-led international signature-collection drive.
A 91-year-old Hiroshima Hibakusha, Miyake Nobuo, who now lives in Saitama Prefecture, spoke about his experience.
According to his testimony, on August 6, 1945 when the U.S. atomic bomb was dropped, Miyake, then 16 years old, was on a tram 1.8 kilometers away from ground zero. Frightened at the flash, he ran out of the tram and was instantly knocked back by the blast from the explosion. After going back home, he found his injured mother.
With fire approaching the areas near his home, he and his mother escaped to a main street. On the street, he saw many injured people walking slowly like ghosts. He thought that they were visually indistinguishable, men and women, young and old.
Miyake began talking about his experience when he was 50 years old. Explaining the reason for this, he said, “I learned that among the people who survived the A-bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, some experienced unjust discrimination and others suffered greatly from their memories of losing their family members and friends. I realized that I have a mission to relate my story to other people.”
Young participants, including high school students and college students, asked Miyake about his view of the argument that nuclear weapons are necessary for national security.
In response, Miyake said, “This argument is based on the concept of nuclear deterrence which leads to allowing all countries in the world to possess nuclear weapons. Currently, roughly 14,000 nuclear weapons exist on the globe. Each of these weapons has an explosive yield greater than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.” He said, “I hope young people will recognize the Hibakusha experience as not only a current issue but an issue affecting future generations.”
In conclusion, the organizers appealed to the participants for their cooperation in the Hibakusha-led international signature-collection drive.
