Japan Press Weekly

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2017 August 30 - September 5 TOP3 [PEACE]

N. Korea’s nuclear test angers Hiroshima and Nagasaki Hibakusha

North Korea on September 3 carried out its sixth nuclear test, immediately arousing great anger from A-bomb survivors (Hibakusha) in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Sakuma Kunihiko, who heads the Hiroshima Association of A-bomb Sufferers issued a comment. Citing the nuclear weapons ban treaty which was adopted at a UN conference in July, he said that it is obvious that the North is going counter to the world trend for nuclear disarmament.

Kawano Koichi, chief of the Hibakusha liaison council of the Nagasaki Prefectural Peace Movement Center, said, “North Korea’s latest test is totally unacceptable. It contradicts the ongoing international efforts for a nuclear free world, including the UN treaty banning nuclear weapons.”

The mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on the same day also published comments condemning the nuclear test by North Korea.

Hiroshima Mayor Matsui Kazumi in his comment expressed his irritation about North Korea and protested against the nuclear test. The mayor stressed that the North should take seriously Hiroshima’s wish for a world without nuclear testing which is made in line with Hiroshima’s effort for a nuclear free world and lasting peace.

Nagasaki Mayor Taue Tomihisa said, “Words alone cannot express my anger. North Korea’s latest nuclear test increases the possibility of nuclear weapons being used again. I cannot tolerate the North’s reckless act.”