Japan Press Weekly

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2017 September 27 - October 3 [PEACE]

Last spurt of global ‘Peace Wave’ action

Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors (Hibakusha), as part of the global “Peace Wave” action on September 26, on a street in the popular youth district in Shibuya in Tokyo, asked young shoppers to cooperate in the antinuke signature-collection drive and called for Japan’s participation in the UN nuclear weapons ban treaty.

Nagasaki Hibakusha Tanaka Terumi reported to passersby that he witnessed the treaty’s signing ceremony at the UN headquarters in NYC the other day, and that already more than 50 countries have become signatories.

Kido Sueichi, also a Nagasaki Hibakusha, referred to North Korea’s missile and nuclear weapons issue and said, “The Japanese government puts emphasis on creating public fear, but the best way for Japan to prevent North Korea from resorting to the use of nuclear weapons or the threat to use them is to ratify the UN treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons without delay.”

Oiwa Kohei, a Hiroshima Hibakusha, criticized the government for turning its back on the treaty and said, “What country does this government represent?” Oiwa also cited the upcoming general election as “a great chance for voters to choose a government that will move forward to create a nuclear-free Japan” and called on passersby to not waste their ballots in the national election slated for October and not vote for pro-war candidates.

In response to the global Peace Wave action, the Democratic Youth League of Japan also took to the streets in Harajuku, a neighboring town to Shibuya and the fashion Mecca for teenagers. DYLJ members spoke to and asked shoppers what they think about nuclear weapons. According to the DYLJ, 86% of respondents said they want “no nuclear weapons” and 98% said it is “not good” for Japan to refuse to join the UN treaty banning nuclear weapons. Some teens even said that the government pouring more money into military affairs than healthcare and education is another serious problem.

In Hiroshima City, a signature-collection event took place under the initiative of Sakuma Kunihiko, the head of a Hiroshima Hibakusha group. A woman signing the antinuke petition said, “It’s unbelievable that Japan, the only atomic bombed country in the world, has no intent to sign and ratify the UN nuclear weapons ban treaty. I’m upset with Prime Minister Abe in regard to not only the nuclear weapons issue but also other issues concerning North Korea because he places priority on the interest of U.S. under President Trump over people in Japan.”

In Nagasaki City, the number of signatures collected by this day, the final day of the global Peace Wave action, totals 150,313.

In Tottori Prefecture, an announcement was made at the prefectural government office building that all Tottori municipal mayors signed the antinuke petition.

Peace activists and medical workers in Funabashi City (Chiba Pref.), Utsunomiya City (Tochigi Pref.), and Sapporo City (Hokkaido) took part in a similar signature-collection event on September 23, 24, and 26, respectively.

Past related article:
> Global ‘Peace Wave’ action kicks off to promote nations’ entry into UN treaty banning nuclear weapons [September 21, 2017]