Messages from Mayors for Peace: 17 mayors from Hyogo and Okayama Prefectures
Feb. 27, 2015
1. Kizou Hisamoto, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
Seventy years ago many precious lives were lost in an instant in the atomic bombings, and in Kobe many citizens died in an air raid.
In the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that occurred 20 years ago many people also died. I have a renewed sense that those of us living today have been given a mission to convey the value and preciousness of life to the next generation.
I believe we must remember to respect people as “treasures” and join with the people of the world in working to bring about lasting peace.
2. Yasuyuki Fujiwara, Itami City, Hyogo Prefecture
Almost 70 years have passed since the calamities in Hiroshima and Nagasaki during which irreplaceable lives were lost and people’s happiness was destroyed. We must never allow that profound sadness to be forgotten and must convey the preciousness of peace to the next generation. In 1990, with the approval and support of many citizens, our city issued a Peace City Declaration and made its realization an important pillar of our policies. I will continue to work with our citizens to eliminate nuclear weapons and bring about a peaceful society without war, which is the foundation upon which people’s lives are based.
3. Takaaki Sakai, Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture
Nearly 70 years have passed since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. By the end of 1945, 140,000 people in Hiroshima and another 70,000 in Nagasaki had lost their lives to atomic bombs. Regrettably, many people are still suffering from the aftereffects of the atomic bombings.
In Sasayama, many young men in a regiment based in the city died on the battlefield.
Sasayama, which once thrived as a military town, is blessed with a rich natural environment and a colorful history and traditional culture. Today it is a peaceful agricultural community.
In February 2009 the city issued a Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration, and in June of the following year we joined Mayors for Peace.
In an effort to raise citizen’s awareness of peace, every year the city holds a lecture and panel discussion in cooperation with the Committee of 7 to Appeal for World Peace, an organization proposed by Yasaburo Shimonaka, a native of Sasayama and the first president of Heibonsha.
Along with the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, I believe that we must bequeath to our children a 21st Century in which there is a peaceful world without nuclear weapons and in which human rights are respected.
4. Shozo Fukumoto, Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture
Shiso City has developed amid abundant forests and clear streams, based on a long history and traditional culture.
In order to preserve the bountiful nature and culture we have inherited from our forefathers and to ensure that the calamities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are never repeated, as citizens of the only nation to suffer atomic bombings, we must continue to tell the world of the frightfulness and horrors of nuclear weapons and the preciousness of peace.
In remembrance of our forefathers, along with the people of the world, we sincerely hope to leave a peaceful world to the next generation and to bring about a peaceful world without nuclear weapons in which everyone can live happily.
5. Yukihito Nobori, Takasago City, Hyogo Prefecture
This year marks 70 years since Japan became the first country in the world to suffer atomic bombings, and more and more people know nothing of war. We must work to ensure that the frightfulness and horrors of war are not forgotten, to convey to the next generation the value and preciousness of peace and to spread an awareness of peace so that our peaceful society will continue in perpetuity.
Since issuing its “Nuclear Weapon Abolition Peace City Declaration” in 1982, Takasago City has conducted various peace education programs. I sincerely hope that a peaceful world will be brought about as soon as possible.
6. Masayoshi Shimada, Fukusaki Town, Hyogo Prefecture
My hope is for “No more Hiroshimas, no more Nagasakis.” After the Second World War the world must have desired “a vow not to engage in war.” If there is no war, nuclear weapons will not be used.
The best way to prevent war is to put Japan’s Constitution to use in Japan. I believe that if Japan’s Constitution were to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and be made known to the people of the world, it would lead to a peaceful world.
7. Masao Omori, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
In order to create a peaceful, happy society, the citizens of Okayama have carried out various peace memorial projects. In 1985 the city issued a “Peace City Declaration,” and in 1989, June 29, the anniversary of the bombing of the city, was declared “Okayama City Peace Day.”
We will continue to convey the preciousness of peace to the next generation so that the activities of Okayama City will play a role in the elimination of nuclear weapons.
8. Yasuhiko Kuriyama, Asakuchi City, Okayama Prefecture
Nearly 70 years have passed since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Today, as many survivors continue to suffer, unfortunately, nuclear weapons have yet to be completely abolished. In light of this, as citizens of the only country to suffer atomic bombings, we must convey the brutality and horrors of war to the next generation to ensure that they are not forgotten.
As a member of Mayors for Peace, I will tell the world of the movement for the abolition of nuclear weapons and continue to call for lasting peace.
9. Toyofumi Takimoto, Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture
As the only nation to experience atomic bombings, in line with the spirit of peace of our Constitution, Japan must ensure that the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are never repeated.
Over the years, Ibara City has called for the abolition of nuclear weapons, issuing a Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration in June 1985 and joining Mayors for Peace in July 2010.
Conveying the preciousness of peace to the next generation is the obligation of those of us living today, and we will continue to promote efforts toward peace.
10. Norimoto Mishima, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture
Bring about true lasting peace is the shared hope of humankind.
As citizens of the only country to experience atomic bombings, we must affirm the dignity of life and ensure that the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are never repeated.
As we mark the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings and the end of the war, Kasaoka City will renew its pledge for peace. In order to ensure that Kasaoka continues to be a peace-loving city, we will make every effort to bring about a lasting peace, which is the universal cause of humankind. And, in the hope that the three non-nuclear principles will be fully implemented, we will continue to call for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
11. Kaori Ito, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
The abolition of nuclear weapons and world peace have been discussed by the United Nations and other international organizations, and ongoing efforts to these ends are being made. But, despite these hopes, many nuclear weapons still exist.
The realization of a peaceful world, which is the shared hope of humankind, can not be brought about without the cooperation and unceasing efforts of the countries of the world.
In line with our Peace City Declaration, Kurashiki City will continue to actively promote policies to make our city a city of peace.
12. Soichi Kataoka, Soja City, Okayama Prefecture
Japan is the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings in war, and the pain and suffering brought about by nuclear weapons must never be forgotten.
And, in order to ensure that those tragedies are never repeated, we must abolish nuclear weapons and bring about a peaceful world without war as soon as possible. Humankind has the wisdom to accomplish this.
As the only nation to have suffered tremendous destruction as the result of nuclear weapons, Japan has an important role to play and a great responsibility.
13. Takanori Kondo, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture
Bringing about a peaceful, bright, prosperous society is the shared hope of humankind. As the only nation to have experienced atomic bombings, Japan must make every effort to bring about a truly peaceful world free of the threat of nuclear weapons to ensure that such calamities never occur again.
In order to do this, I believe each individual’s desire to abolish nuclear weapons must be translated into concrete action.
As we mark the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings, I sincerely hope that the desire for peace will spread to all of you.
14. Akinori Miyaji, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 resulted in indescribable catastrophes, and many survivors are still suffering from the aftereffects.
But nuclear weapons have yet to be eliminated and continue to pose a threat to the continued existence of humanity.
As we mark the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings, in order to ensure that there are no more wars and that the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are never repeated, I have renewed my resolve to work with Mayors for Peace and Hiroshima and Nagasaki to abolish nuclear weapons and bring about lasting peace.
15. Seiji Hagiwara, Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture
The United Nations General Assembly resolution on “United action towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons” states: “Recalling the need for all States to take further practical steps and effective measures towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons, with a view to achieving a peaceful and secure world free of nuclear weapons, and in this regard confirming the determination of Member States to take united action” in calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons.
In order to get the international community to collaborate and take action, the voices of the people and a grass-roots movement are essential. In line with the 2020 Vision Campaign being advanced by Mayors for Peace, I urge our citizens to work together to bring about a world without nuclear weapons.
16. Tsuneaki Ouchi, Satosho Town, Okayama Prefecture
As the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings, Japan experienced the horrors of nuclear weapons, and even now people are suffering as a result of those calamities. I believe we have been given an important mission to reflect on the war, to convey the tragedies of war and the frightfulness of nuclear weapons and to pass on the preciousness of peace and human life. Preserving the spirit of peace of the Constitution, I will join hands with the people of the world to spread the philosophy of peace in an effort to prevent war and bring about a peaceful world without nuclear weapons.
17. Michihiko Yamano, Yakage Town, Okayama Prefecture
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings and the end of the war. I would like to offer my sincere sympathy for the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and all of those who lost their precious lives in the war.
On March 25, 1985, Yakage issued a Peace Town Declaration. As a citizen of the only country to have experienced atomic bombings, I have pledged to continue my efforts in the hope of the elimination of nuclear weapons and lasting world peace.
For the children who will lead the future as well, I am determined to work hard toward the elimination of nuclear weapons and a peaceful world.
Seventy years ago many precious lives were lost in an instant in the atomic bombings, and in Kobe many citizens died in an air raid.
In the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that occurred 20 years ago many people also died. I have a renewed sense that those of us living today have been given a mission to convey the value and preciousness of life to the next generation.
I believe we must remember to respect people as “treasures” and join with the people of the world in working to bring about lasting peace.
2. Yasuyuki Fujiwara, Itami City, Hyogo Prefecture
Almost 70 years have passed since the calamities in Hiroshima and Nagasaki during which irreplaceable lives were lost and people’s happiness was destroyed. We must never allow that profound sadness to be forgotten and must convey the preciousness of peace to the next generation. In 1990, with the approval and support of many citizens, our city issued a Peace City Declaration and made its realization an important pillar of our policies. I will continue to work with our citizens to eliminate nuclear weapons and bring about a peaceful society without war, which is the foundation upon which people’s lives are based.
3. Takaaki Sakai, Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture
Nearly 70 years have passed since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. By the end of 1945, 140,000 people in Hiroshima and another 70,000 in Nagasaki had lost their lives to atomic bombs. Regrettably, many people are still suffering from the aftereffects of the atomic bombings.
In Sasayama, many young men in a regiment based in the city died on the battlefield.
Sasayama, which once thrived as a military town, is blessed with a rich natural environment and a colorful history and traditional culture. Today it is a peaceful agricultural community.
In February 2009 the city issued a Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration, and in June of the following year we joined Mayors for Peace.
In an effort to raise citizen’s awareness of peace, every year the city holds a lecture and panel discussion in cooperation with the Committee of 7 to Appeal for World Peace, an organization proposed by Yasaburo Shimonaka, a native of Sasayama and the first president of Heibonsha.
Along with the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, I believe that we must bequeath to our children a 21st Century in which there is a peaceful world without nuclear weapons and in which human rights are respected.
4. Shozo Fukumoto, Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture
Shiso City has developed amid abundant forests and clear streams, based on a long history and traditional culture.
In order to preserve the bountiful nature and culture we have inherited from our forefathers and to ensure that the calamities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are never repeated, as citizens of the only nation to suffer atomic bombings, we must continue to tell the world of the frightfulness and horrors of nuclear weapons and the preciousness of peace.
In remembrance of our forefathers, along with the people of the world, we sincerely hope to leave a peaceful world to the next generation and to bring about a peaceful world without nuclear weapons in which everyone can live happily.
5. Yukihito Nobori, Takasago City, Hyogo Prefecture
This year marks 70 years since Japan became the first country in the world to suffer atomic bombings, and more and more people know nothing of war. We must work to ensure that the frightfulness and horrors of war are not forgotten, to convey to the next generation the value and preciousness of peace and to spread an awareness of peace so that our peaceful society will continue in perpetuity.
Since issuing its “Nuclear Weapon Abolition Peace City Declaration” in 1982, Takasago City has conducted various peace education programs. I sincerely hope that a peaceful world will be brought about as soon as possible.
6. Masayoshi Shimada, Fukusaki Town, Hyogo Prefecture
My hope is for “No more Hiroshimas, no more Nagasakis.” After the Second World War the world must have desired “a vow not to engage in war.” If there is no war, nuclear weapons will not be used.
The best way to prevent war is to put Japan’s Constitution to use in Japan. I believe that if Japan’s Constitution were to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and be made known to the people of the world, it would lead to a peaceful world.
7. Masao Omori, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
In order to create a peaceful, happy society, the citizens of Okayama have carried out various peace memorial projects. In 1985 the city issued a “Peace City Declaration,” and in 1989, June 29, the anniversary of the bombing of the city, was declared “Okayama City Peace Day.”
We will continue to convey the preciousness of peace to the next generation so that the activities of Okayama City will play a role in the elimination of nuclear weapons.
8. Yasuhiko Kuriyama, Asakuchi City, Okayama Prefecture
Nearly 70 years have passed since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Today, as many survivors continue to suffer, unfortunately, nuclear weapons have yet to be completely abolished. In light of this, as citizens of the only country to suffer atomic bombings, we must convey the brutality and horrors of war to the next generation to ensure that they are not forgotten.
As a member of Mayors for Peace, I will tell the world of the movement for the abolition of nuclear weapons and continue to call for lasting peace.
9. Toyofumi Takimoto, Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture
As the only nation to experience atomic bombings, in line with the spirit of peace of our Constitution, Japan must ensure that the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are never repeated.
Over the years, Ibara City has called for the abolition of nuclear weapons, issuing a Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration in June 1985 and joining Mayors for Peace in July 2010.
Conveying the preciousness of peace to the next generation is the obligation of those of us living today, and we will continue to promote efforts toward peace.
10. Norimoto Mishima, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture
Bring about true lasting peace is the shared hope of humankind.
As citizens of the only country to experience atomic bombings, we must affirm the dignity of life and ensure that the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are never repeated.
As we mark the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings and the end of the war, Kasaoka City will renew its pledge for peace. In order to ensure that Kasaoka continues to be a peace-loving city, we will make every effort to bring about a lasting peace, which is the universal cause of humankind. And, in the hope that the three non-nuclear principles will be fully implemented, we will continue to call for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
11. Kaori Ito, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
The abolition of nuclear weapons and world peace have been discussed by the United Nations and other international organizations, and ongoing efforts to these ends are being made. But, despite these hopes, many nuclear weapons still exist.
The realization of a peaceful world, which is the shared hope of humankind, can not be brought about without the cooperation and unceasing efforts of the countries of the world.
In line with our Peace City Declaration, Kurashiki City will continue to actively promote policies to make our city a city of peace.
12. Soichi Kataoka, Soja City, Okayama Prefecture
Japan is the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings in war, and the pain and suffering brought about by nuclear weapons must never be forgotten.
And, in order to ensure that those tragedies are never repeated, we must abolish nuclear weapons and bring about a peaceful world without war as soon as possible. Humankind has the wisdom to accomplish this.
As the only nation to have suffered tremendous destruction as the result of nuclear weapons, Japan has an important role to play and a great responsibility.
13. Takanori Kondo, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture
Bringing about a peaceful, bright, prosperous society is the shared hope of humankind. As the only nation to have experienced atomic bombings, Japan must make every effort to bring about a truly peaceful world free of the threat of nuclear weapons to ensure that such calamities never occur again.
In order to do this, I believe each individual’s desire to abolish nuclear weapons must be translated into concrete action.
As we mark the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings, I sincerely hope that the desire for peace will spread to all of you.
14. Akinori Miyaji, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 resulted in indescribable catastrophes, and many survivors are still suffering from the aftereffects.
But nuclear weapons have yet to be eliminated and continue to pose a threat to the continued existence of humanity.
As we mark the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings, in order to ensure that there are no more wars and that the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are never repeated, I have renewed my resolve to work with Mayors for Peace and Hiroshima and Nagasaki to abolish nuclear weapons and bring about lasting peace.
15. Seiji Hagiwara, Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture
The United Nations General Assembly resolution on “United action towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons” states: “Recalling the need for all States to take further practical steps and effective measures towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons, with a view to achieving a peaceful and secure world free of nuclear weapons, and in this regard confirming the determination of Member States to take united action” in calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons.
In order to get the international community to collaborate and take action, the voices of the people and a grass-roots movement are essential. In line with the 2020 Vision Campaign being advanced by Mayors for Peace, I urge our citizens to work together to bring about a world without nuclear weapons.
16. Tsuneaki Ouchi, Satosho Town, Okayama Prefecture
As the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings, Japan experienced the horrors of nuclear weapons, and even now people are suffering as a result of those calamities. I believe we have been given an important mission to reflect on the war, to convey the tragedies of war and the frightfulness of nuclear weapons and to pass on the preciousness of peace and human life. Preserving the spirit of peace of the Constitution, I will join hands with the people of the world to spread the philosophy of peace in an effort to prevent war and bring about a peaceful world without nuclear weapons.
17. Michihiko Yamano, Yakage Town, Okayama Prefecture
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings and the end of the war. I would like to offer my sincere sympathy for the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and all of those who lost their precious lives in the war.
On March 25, 1985, Yakage issued a Peace Town Declaration. As a citizen of the only country to have experienced atomic bombings, I have pledged to continue my efforts in the hope of the elimination of nuclear weapons and lasting world peace.
For the children who will lead the future as well, I am determined to work hard toward the elimination of nuclear weapons and a peaceful world.
