Hidankyo, Others Hold Event 80 Yrs after Atomic Bombings

Tokyo, Oct. 11 (Jiji Press)–Nihon Hidankyo, or the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, and others held an event in Tokyo on Saturday to mark the 80 years since the U.S. atomic bombings of Japan. Nihon Hidankyo called on some 300 visitors to cooperate, saying that “abolition of nuclear weapons is not a thing of the past but is about us right now.” The event to seek a world without nuclear weapons or war was organized by about 30 groups, including Nihon Hidankyo, and individuals. “No more hibakusha (atomic bomb victims) is Hidakyo’s wish,” said Jiro Hamasumi, 79, secretary-general of Nihon Hidankyo. “We are halfway toward achieving the abolition of nuclear weapons and winning compensation for damage from the atomic bombings, and we hope to think together about how to move forward.” During the event, a recitation play themed on “succession” was played. It was created through interactions between hibakusha and young people. There was also a debate session featuring 10 people involved in peace movements, including Yuta Takahashi, 25, from a group called Katawara. “We cannot be hibakusha, but we can get their memories shared around the world,” Takahashi said. Outside the venue, a booth was set up to allow attendees to speak with hibakusha and those who experienced the massive U.S. bombing of Tokyo in March 1945. “I came here because I felt I had to do something,” said a 75-year-old woman. On Oct. 11 last year, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced its decision to award the year’s Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo. “This was a gathering of determination for the future movement. The nuclear issue is a problem for young people, and I want them to take it seriously,” said Nihon Hidankyo co-chair Terumi Tanaka, 93. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]