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2021 July 28 - August 3 [OBITUARY]

Anti-war/peace advocacy Nobel laureate Masukawa dies

Nobel laureate in physics and Kyoto University Professor Emeritus Masukawa Toshihide, known for his strong anti-war and peace advocacy stance, died on July 23 at the age of 81.

Masukawa spent his childhood during the war and experienced U.S. air raids on Japan firsthand. Due to this experience, he devoted himself to working against war and for peace. This was evidenced by his act of adding his name to the list of scientists who founded a pro-Article 9 group and a group opposing the war laws. He also spoke actively about political and social issues.

Masukawa held talks with Japanese Communist Party Social Sciences Institute Director Fuwa Tetsuzo and JCP Chair Shii Kazuo in 2009 and 2015, respectively. Furthermore, he always acceded gladly to Akahata’s requests for interviews and often expressed his hope for JCP advances in national elections.

Past related article:
> Nobel laureate speaks on peace at scientists’ circle for Article 9 [March 9, 2009]