Messages from Mayors for Peace: 19 mayors from Yamaguchi, Kagawa, Ehime and Kochi Prefectures
Mar. 10, 2015
1. Sumitada Watanabe, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Nearly 70 years have passed since atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, yet many survivors are still suffering from aftereffects. As the only nation to have experienced atomic bombings, Japan must not allow the calamities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to be repeated. We must ensure that memories of the war and the atomic bombings do not fade and pass them on to the next generation. In order to bring about true lasting peace, let us continue to seek the abolition of nuclear weapons.
2. Yoshihiko Fukuda, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
The realization of a peaceful, safe world is a hope shared not only by our citizens but by many people throughout the world.
Nearly 70 years have passed since the war ended in 1945. I believe it is important that we etch the misery of war and the preciousness of peace in our minds and convey them to the next generation.
In that sense, I think that the cooperation of the member cities of Mayors for Peace in an effort to bring about lasting peace is truly meaningful.
In collaboration with Mayors for Peace, our city will continue to work to build a peaceful society.
3. Shigemasa Igawa, Kudamatsu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
As we mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the war, I wish to honor the memory of the many people who lost their lives to the atomic bombs and express my sincere sympathy to those who are still suffering from the aftereffects.
In 1995 Kudamatsu City issued a Nuclear Weapon Abolition Peace City Declaration. While sincerely hoping that people will work together to eliminate nuclear weapons and bring about a safe future, we will continue to proclaim the importance of a lasting peace without war.
4. Tomoaki Nakao, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Our city issued a Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration in 2005 and became a member of Mayors for Peace in 2009. We have emphasized the misery of war and called for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of world peace.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings and the end of the war. As those who directly experienced the war pass away, there is growing concern that memories of the misery of war will gradually fade. I will continue to work to ensure that those memories are preserved and to abolish nuclear weapons and bring about a peaceful world.
5. Kenichiro Kimura, Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
A peaceful world without nuclear weapons and war is the shared hope of humankind. I believe that in order to ensure that the calamities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are never repeated the municipalities of Japan, the only country to have experienced atomic bombings, have an important mission to continue to tell the world of the frightfulness of nuclear weapons and the suffering of the atomic bomb survivors.
In Shunan City, which issued a Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration in 2005, we are working to ensure that every citizen considers the preciousness of peace and the value of life. Joining hands with the member cities of Mayors for Peace both in Japan and around the world, we will work to abolish nuclear weapons and bring about a lasting peace.
6. Koji Nomura, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Almost 70 years have passed since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. The atomic bombs took the precious lives of many people in an instant, and even now, more than half a century later, the survivors and their offspring continue to suffer serious aftereffects. As a municipality in the only nation to have experienced atomic bombings, in order to ensure that tragedies caused by atomic weapons are never repeated, we will cooperate with the many cities in Japan and around the world that belong to Mayors for Peace and press for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of a lasting peace.
7. Hiroshi Ichikawa, Hikari City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Nearly 70 years have passed since the war ended. The many deaths caused by the war and the calamities that Hiroshima and Nagasaki suffered as a result of the atomic bombings must never occur again.
Hikari City has a sad past: Many people, including mobilized students, died in an air raid on the Hikari Naval Arsenal. After the war the bullet-pocked steel of the naval arsenal was used to build the Tsukumo Bridge in Kaita-cho, Hiroshima Prefecture, and it continues to tell of the frightfulness of war.
Along with all those who seek genuine peace, I will continue to make every effort to bring about a world without nuclear weapons or war.
8. Masato Matsuura, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Nearly 70 years have passed since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which reduced the cities to scorched earth and took many precious lives in an instant. Even now people are suffering the aftereffects of their exposure to radiation. As a citizen of the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings, I believe that in order to ensure that this kind of calamity never occurs again, the world’s many nuclear weapons must be eliminated as soon as possible. As a member of Mayors for Peace, I will continue to promote efforts to bring about world peace and to abolish nuclear weapons.
9. Kentaro Ihara, Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Although 70 years have passed since many precious lives were lost in the Pacific War and the atomic bombings, conflicts continue to occur around the world, and nuclear weapons have yet to be abolished.
Yanai City issued a Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration in 2005 and became a member of Mayors for Peace in 2009, and we have strengthened our desire to seek peace.
Through peace and anti-nuclear activities with other member cities of Mayors for Peace, we will continue to work to bring about lasting peace in a world without war and nuclear weapons.
10. Shigemi Kashiwabara, Kaminoseki Town, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Many precious lives were lost as a result of the atomic bombings. Nearly 70 years have passed since then, yet many people are still suffering the effects. To ensure that a disastrous war never again occurs, those of us living today must work harder than ever to continue to tell future generations of the miseries of war. I believe that the path to a peaceful world without nuclear weapons lies in joining with all of you to strengthen this effort.
In this belief, I will continue my unflagging efforts.
11. Takumi Shiiki, Suo-oshima Town, Yamaguchi Prefecture
The elimination of nuclear weapons and the realization of lasting peace are the hope of all of the citizens of our town, and we have pledged that the calamities of the war will never be repeated. But even now the dignity of life is being threatened in civil wars and conflicts around the world, and nuclear weapons still pose a tremendous danger to humankind. As we mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the war, I will continue to call for genuine lasting peace.
12. Shouji Naganobu, Tabuse Town, Yamaguchi Prefecture
In 1994 Tabuse Town issued a Nuclear Weapon Abolition Peace City Declaration that states: “The abolition of nuclear weapons and lasting world peace are the shared hopes of humankind, and in order to bring about a society in which everyone can live happily it is important to continue to tell of the misery of war and the preciousness of peace.” This year marks the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings and the end of the war. I sincerely hope that efforts to bring about a peaceful society without nuclear weapons and war will now be effective.
13. Kenichi Yamada, Hirao Town, Yamaguchi Prefecture
This year is an important year that not only marks the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings but is also the year in which the review conference of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty will be held. Nuclear weapons are the greatest “negative legacy” in the history of humankind, and their elimination has been both the earnest desire of many over the years is also a serious responsibility that we have been given.
A training site for the manned torpedo “Kaiten” was established in our town at the end of the Pacific War, and the lives of many promising young people were cut short. Now those born after the war represent about 80 percent of Japan’s population. Those who lived through the war or who survived the atomic bombings are growing older, and with each passing year there are fewer and fewer people who can provide accounts of this history. It is important to ensure that the facts of history are not forgotten and convey them to the next generation. I have renewed my pledge never to go to war again and to mobilize public opinion for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
14. Masaaki Yonemoto, Waki Town, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Nearly 70 years have passed since atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The atomic bombs took precious lives in an instant, and even now people are suffering from the after-effects. As citizens of the only nation to experience atomic bombings, we must tell the world of the threat posed by nuclear weapons and the preciousness of peace, convey to the next generation the vanity of war and the horrors of the atomic bombings, and continue to work to ensure that the facts of these horrors are not forgotten. I sincerely hope for the elimination of nuclear weapons and the realization of a truly peaceful world without war.
15. Shigeki Oyama, Sanuki City, Kagawa Prefecture
Nearly 70 years have passed since the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
We must never forget that the peace and prosperity that we enjoy now were built on the sacrifices of the many victims of the war.
Unfortunately, war and terrorism continue unabated, and nuclear weapons still pose a threat.
In cooperation with the many other member cities of Mayors for Peace, I will continue to make efforts to abolish nuclear weapons and bring about lasting world peace and proclaim the preciousness of peace.
16. Ichiro Oshiro, Yawatahama City, Ehime Prefecture
Japan, the only nation to suffer atomic bombings, must tell the world of the horror and agony of those experiences and ensure that the calamities that befell Hiroshima and Nagasaki never occur again. Yawatahama City issued a Nuclear Weapon Abolition Peace City Declaration in June 2007 and is a member of Mayors for Peace, an international organization that seeks the abolition of nuclear weapons. As we mark the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings, we must ensure that the thoughts and feelings of those who experienced the war and the atomic bombings are not forgotten and convey them to the next generation. I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of those in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and offer a prayer that your desire for a peaceful world will be conveyed to many people.
17. Takatoshi Inamoto, Uchiko Town, Ehime Prefecture
As we mark the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, I would like to pay my respects to the memory of those who died and offer my heartfelt sympathy to those who are still suffering aftereffects.
The elimination of nuclear weapons and the realization of lasting world peace are the shared hopes of humankind. As citizens of the only nation in the world to have experienced atomic bombings, we must campaign strongly throughout the world for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of a lasting peace. I would like to go forward in the spirit of the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
18. Seiya Okazaki, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture
The city council of Kochi City passed a Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration in July 1984 calling for the elimination of all nuclear weapons and rigid adherence to the three non-nuclear principles and declaring that the city would implement an administration of peace. In March 1989 we designated August 6, the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Kochi City Peace Day. Since then we have held commemorative programs every August and conveyed the misery of war and the preciousness of peace. Nearly seventy years have passed since the atomic bombings and the end of the war. In collaboration with the other members of Mayors for Peace and with the cooperation of our citizens, we will pass on a philosophy of peace and issue a strong plea for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
19. Masahiro Nakahira, Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the war.
Today, about 80 percent of the population of Japan was born after the war, and it is difficult for them to grasp the misery and suffering of war. Against this background, I believe we have a responsibility to convey to the next generation the tragedy of war, the value of life and the preciousness of peace.
We will continue to administer Shimanto City with the aim of bringing about a peaceful world without nuclear weapons and work to realize a society in which all people can live in prosperity.
Nearly 70 years have passed since atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, yet many survivors are still suffering from aftereffects. As the only nation to have experienced atomic bombings, Japan must not allow the calamities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to be repeated. We must ensure that memories of the war and the atomic bombings do not fade and pass them on to the next generation. In order to bring about true lasting peace, let us continue to seek the abolition of nuclear weapons.
2. Yoshihiko Fukuda, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
The realization of a peaceful, safe world is a hope shared not only by our citizens but by many people throughout the world.
Nearly 70 years have passed since the war ended in 1945. I believe it is important that we etch the misery of war and the preciousness of peace in our minds and convey them to the next generation.
In that sense, I think that the cooperation of the member cities of Mayors for Peace in an effort to bring about lasting peace is truly meaningful.
In collaboration with Mayors for Peace, our city will continue to work to build a peaceful society.
3. Shigemasa Igawa, Kudamatsu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
As we mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the war, I wish to honor the memory of the many people who lost their lives to the atomic bombs and express my sincere sympathy to those who are still suffering from the aftereffects.
In 1995 Kudamatsu City issued a Nuclear Weapon Abolition Peace City Declaration. While sincerely hoping that people will work together to eliminate nuclear weapons and bring about a safe future, we will continue to proclaim the importance of a lasting peace without war.
4. Tomoaki Nakao, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Our city issued a Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration in 2005 and became a member of Mayors for Peace in 2009. We have emphasized the misery of war and called for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of world peace.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings and the end of the war. As those who directly experienced the war pass away, there is growing concern that memories of the misery of war will gradually fade. I will continue to work to ensure that those memories are preserved and to abolish nuclear weapons and bring about a peaceful world.
5. Kenichiro Kimura, Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
A peaceful world without nuclear weapons and war is the shared hope of humankind. I believe that in order to ensure that the calamities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are never repeated the municipalities of Japan, the only country to have experienced atomic bombings, have an important mission to continue to tell the world of the frightfulness of nuclear weapons and the suffering of the atomic bomb survivors.
In Shunan City, which issued a Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration in 2005, we are working to ensure that every citizen considers the preciousness of peace and the value of life. Joining hands with the member cities of Mayors for Peace both in Japan and around the world, we will work to abolish nuclear weapons and bring about a lasting peace.
6. Koji Nomura, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Almost 70 years have passed since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. The atomic bombs took the precious lives of many people in an instant, and even now, more than half a century later, the survivors and their offspring continue to suffer serious aftereffects. As a municipality in the only nation to have experienced atomic bombings, in order to ensure that tragedies caused by atomic weapons are never repeated, we will cooperate with the many cities in Japan and around the world that belong to Mayors for Peace and press for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of a lasting peace.
7. Hiroshi Ichikawa, Hikari City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Nearly 70 years have passed since the war ended. The many deaths caused by the war and the calamities that Hiroshima and Nagasaki suffered as a result of the atomic bombings must never occur again.
Hikari City has a sad past: Many people, including mobilized students, died in an air raid on the Hikari Naval Arsenal. After the war the bullet-pocked steel of the naval arsenal was used to build the Tsukumo Bridge in Kaita-cho, Hiroshima Prefecture, and it continues to tell of the frightfulness of war.
Along with all those who seek genuine peace, I will continue to make every effort to bring about a world without nuclear weapons or war.
8. Masato Matsuura, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Nearly 70 years have passed since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which reduced the cities to scorched earth and took many precious lives in an instant. Even now people are suffering the aftereffects of their exposure to radiation. As a citizen of the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings, I believe that in order to ensure that this kind of calamity never occurs again, the world’s many nuclear weapons must be eliminated as soon as possible. As a member of Mayors for Peace, I will continue to promote efforts to bring about world peace and to abolish nuclear weapons.
9. Kentaro Ihara, Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Although 70 years have passed since many precious lives were lost in the Pacific War and the atomic bombings, conflicts continue to occur around the world, and nuclear weapons have yet to be abolished.
Yanai City issued a Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration in 2005 and became a member of Mayors for Peace in 2009, and we have strengthened our desire to seek peace.
Through peace and anti-nuclear activities with other member cities of Mayors for Peace, we will continue to work to bring about lasting peace in a world without war and nuclear weapons.
10. Shigemi Kashiwabara, Kaminoseki Town, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Many precious lives were lost as a result of the atomic bombings. Nearly 70 years have passed since then, yet many people are still suffering the effects. To ensure that a disastrous war never again occurs, those of us living today must work harder than ever to continue to tell future generations of the miseries of war. I believe that the path to a peaceful world without nuclear weapons lies in joining with all of you to strengthen this effort.
In this belief, I will continue my unflagging efforts.
11. Takumi Shiiki, Suo-oshima Town, Yamaguchi Prefecture
The elimination of nuclear weapons and the realization of lasting peace are the hope of all of the citizens of our town, and we have pledged that the calamities of the war will never be repeated. But even now the dignity of life is being threatened in civil wars and conflicts around the world, and nuclear weapons still pose a tremendous danger to humankind. As we mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the war, I will continue to call for genuine lasting peace.
12. Shouji Naganobu, Tabuse Town, Yamaguchi Prefecture
In 1994 Tabuse Town issued a Nuclear Weapon Abolition Peace City Declaration that states: “The abolition of nuclear weapons and lasting world peace are the shared hopes of humankind, and in order to bring about a society in which everyone can live happily it is important to continue to tell of the misery of war and the preciousness of peace.” This year marks the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings and the end of the war. I sincerely hope that efforts to bring about a peaceful society without nuclear weapons and war will now be effective.
13. Kenichi Yamada, Hirao Town, Yamaguchi Prefecture
This year is an important year that not only marks the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings but is also the year in which the review conference of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty will be held. Nuclear weapons are the greatest “negative legacy” in the history of humankind, and their elimination has been both the earnest desire of many over the years is also a serious responsibility that we have been given.
A training site for the manned torpedo “Kaiten” was established in our town at the end of the Pacific War, and the lives of many promising young people were cut short. Now those born after the war represent about 80 percent of Japan’s population. Those who lived through the war or who survived the atomic bombings are growing older, and with each passing year there are fewer and fewer people who can provide accounts of this history. It is important to ensure that the facts of history are not forgotten and convey them to the next generation. I have renewed my pledge never to go to war again and to mobilize public opinion for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
14. Masaaki Yonemoto, Waki Town, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Nearly 70 years have passed since atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The atomic bombs took precious lives in an instant, and even now people are suffering from the after-effects. As citizens of the only nation to experience atomic bombings, we must tell the world of the threat posed by nuclear weapons and the preciousness of peace, convey to the next generation the vanity of war and the horrors of the atomic bombings, and continue to work to ensure that the facts of these horrors are not forgotten. I sincerely hope for the elimination of nuclear weapons and the realization of a truly peaceful world without war.
15. Shigeki Oyama, Sanuki City, Kagawa Prefecture
Nearly 70 years have passed since the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
We must never forget that the peace and prosperity that we enjoy now were built on the sacrifices of the many victims of the war.
Unfortunately, war and terrorism continue unabated, and nuclear weapons still pose a threat.
In cooperation with the many other member cities of Mayors for Peace, I will continue to make efforts to abolish nuclear weapons and bring about lasting world peace and proclaim the preciousness of peace.
16. Ichiro Oshiro, Yawatahama City, Ehime Prefecture
Japan, the only nation to suffer atomic bombings, must tell the world of the horror and agony of those experiences and ensure that the calamities that befell Hiroshima and Nagasaki never occur again. Yawatahama City issued a Nuclear Weapon Abolition Peace City Declaration in June 2007 and is a member of Mayors for Peace, an international organization that seeks the abolition of nuclear weapons. As we mark the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings, we must ensure that the thoughts and feelings of those who experienced the war and the atomic bombings are not forgotten and convey them to the next generation. I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of those in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and offer a prayer that your desire for a peaceful world will be conveyed to many people.
17. Takatoshi Inamoto, Uchiko Town, Ehime Prefecture
As we mark the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, I would like to pay my respects to the memory of those who died and offer my heartfelt sympathy to those who are still suffering aftereffects.
The elimination of nuclear weapons and the realization of lasting world peace are the shared hopes of humankind. As citizens of the only nation in the world to have experienced atomic bombings, we must campaign strongly throughout the world for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of a lasting peace. I would like to go forward in the spirit of the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
18. Seiya Okazaki, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture
The city council of Kochi City passed a Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration in July 1984 calling for the elimination of all nuclear weapons and rigid adherence to the three non-nuclear principles and declaring that the city would implement an administration of peace. In March 1989 we designated August 6, the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Kochi City Peace Day. Since then we have held commemorative programs every August and conveyed the misery of war and the preciousness of peace. Nearly seventy years have passed since the atomic bombings and the end of the war. In collaboration with the other members of Mayors for Peace and with the cooperation of our citizens, we will pass on a philosophy of peace and issue a strong plea for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
19. Masahiro Nakahira, Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the war.
Today, about 80 percent of the population of Japan was born after the war, and it is difficult for them to grasp the misery and suffering of war. Against this background, I believe we have a responsibility to convey to the next generation the tragedy of war, the value of life and the preciousness of peace.
We will continue to administer Shimanto City with the aim of bringing about a peaceful world without nuclear weapons and work to realize a society in which all people can live in prosperity.
