Messages from Mayors for Peace: 17 Mayors from Osaka Prefecture
Mar. 4, 2015
1. Toru Hashimoto, Mayor of Osaka City, Osaka
Lasting peace in the world is the common desire of all human beings, and a peaceful city is the highest priority for the citizens of Osaka.
In line with the “Peace City Declaration” adopted by the City of Osaka in 1995, we have been calling for the prompt elimination of nuclear weapons. We have also pursued efforts to make Osaka an attractive international city of peace which can contribute to the peace and development of the international community.
We will continue conveying the preciousness of peace to all our citizens, and continue working to make Osaka a more attractive international city of peace which will contribute to the peace and development of the entire world.
2. Hiroyasu Chiyomatsu, Mayor of Izumisano City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
The City of Izumisano adopted a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration” in 1985. Incorporating the principle of lasting peace stipulated by our nation’s Constitution into the lives of our citizens, we strive to create a better society blessed by our rich natural environment, history, and culture.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. Working together with the member cities of Mayors for Peace, I will take every opportunity to convey the message of nuclear abolition, the preciousness of peace, and the horrors of war.
3. Yasuhira Kimoto, Mayor of Ibaraki City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
Since declaring itself a “Nuclear-Free Peace City” in 1984, the City of Ibaraki has been advancing this cause for the past 30 years.
As the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki draw near, we will tell our children, the leaders of the next generation, about the horrors of nuclear weapons, the miseries of war, and the preciousness of life with a view to reinforcing our efforts to realize nuclear abolition and everlasting peace in the world.
4. Tomoyoshi Yoshida, Mayor of Osakasayama City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
The City of Osakasayama adopted a “Nuclear Weapon Abolition Peace City Declaration” in July 1985, with hopes for the elimination of nuclear weapons and the realization of permanent peace in the world.
By holding exhibitions and gatherings for our citizens on the theme of war and peace, we have enabled them to learn about the horrors of war and the preciousness of peace.
As residents of the only nation in the world to have experienced atomic bombings, we will continue to work together with people from around the world and promote world peace.
5. Ryuji Nakano, Mayor of Kashiwara City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
The year 2015 marks the 70th year since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
With the passing of 70 years, the number of people who directly experienced the horrors of atomic weapons has dwindled. This makes it vital that we pursue educational activities to hand down the horrific experiences of the nuclear attacks and advance the abolition of such weapons. The City of Kashiwara has been working with Mayors for Peace to carry out measures to promote the importance of peace and convey the terrible nature of nuclear weapons. However, nuclear weapons still exist and remain a central issue on the diplomatic stage. Let us take this opportunity of the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings to strive together to abolish nuclear arms.
6. Keiji Shibata, Mayor of Kawachinagano City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
Adopting a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration” in 1984, the City of Kawachinagano has been promoting our citizens’ awareness of peace through various efforts. These include the “Love, Life, Peace Exhibition” and other activities designed to deepen people’s understanding of the catastrophe of war and the preciousness of peace.
In various parts of the world, many people still lose their precious lives in ethnic or religious conflicts. Together with the citizens of Kawachinagano, Osaka, I send out a wish for lasting peace in the world, the abolition of nuclear arms, and the realization of a peaceful world without war.
7. Osami Takeyama, Mayor of Sakai City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
We are only halfway toward a world without nuclear weapons, the common desire of all human beings.
As the only nation to have experienced nuclear attack, Japan holds the grave responsibility to tell the world about the disastrous consequences of the atomic bombings and to make efforts to abolish nuclear weapons and realize a lasting peace.
As a member of Mayors of Peace and the National Council of Japan Nuclear Free Local Authorities, the City of Sakai has been campaigning for nuclear abolition. We also adopted a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration” in 1983.
Our city will continue to be proactive to help realize a world without nuclear weapons.
8. Tetsuya Inoue, Mayor of Suita City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
This year Hiroshima and Nagasaki will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings of their cities. I would like to extend my sympathy to those who lost their precious lives, those who lost their loved ones and homes, and those who are still suffering from the aftereffects. I believe, more strongly than ever, that such catastrophes must never take place again. Lasting peace is the common desire of all human beings, and the City of Suita acted on the consensus of its citizens to adopt a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration.” We will stay engaged in efforts to convey the horrors of war and the preciousness of peace to future generations with a view to realizing nuclear abolition and enduring peace.
9. Kazumasa Moriyama, Mayor of Settsu City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
As the only nation to have experienced nuclear attack, Japan has a vital role to play in handing down the disastrous consequences of nuclear warfare and calling on the world not to create another Hiroshima.
Declaring itself a peace city that supports the Constitution and respects human rights, the City of Settsu is devoting its utmost effort to building a peaceful world where we all can live in security, without fear.
I wish strongly for the realization of a truly peaceful world without nuclear weapons.
10. Takeshi Hamada, Mayor of Takatsuki City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
As citizens of the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings, it is our responsibility to convey to the next generation and to the whole world the disastrous consequences of nuclear warfare and the preciousness of peace so that such tragedies will never happen again. The City of Takatsuki adopted a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration” in 1983, and has been striving to realize a lasting peace in the world. In this 70th year since the atomic bombings, I renew my determination to work for peace and sincerely hope that people around the world will reflect on the importance of peace as well.
11. Toshiki Tada, Mayor of Tondabayashi City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
Almost 70 years have passed since an atomic bomb exploded above the city of Hiroshima. With the wishes of the victims in mind, the people of Hiroshima have turned their devastated city into a vibrant place. To realize the abolition of nuclear arms, we must take in their strong will to live and their deep desire for peace. It is therefore essential that cities around the world become united and work to build stronger international support for nuclear abolition.
I hope Hiroshima will continue to be the center of the movement seeking nuclear abolition and world peace.
12. Toshihiro Fukuyama, Mayor of Hannan, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
Japan is the only nation in the world to have endured atomic bombings. So it must demonstrate to the world its responsibility and resolve that there will never again be another Hiroshima or another Nagasaki.
In 1984, the City of Hannan adopted a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration,” urging the entire world to eliminate nuclear arms. Each year, our city holds panel exhibitions on the theme of peace and the elimination of these weapons, conveying the miseries of the war and the preciousness of peace. In cooperation with people in Hiroshima, we will continue to make efforts for the common desire of all human beings: lasting peace in the world and the elimination of nuclear weapons.
13. Kazuo Kunishita, Mayor of Fujiidera City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
The atomic bomb annihilated everything in an instant and wrought tremendous damage. It is our responsibility, as citizens of Japan, the only nation to have experienced nuclear attack, to convey the wishes of those who are still suffering from the aftereffects of the bombings and to assert that nuclear arms are an absolute evil. Taking this opportunity of the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings, I renew my determination in working with Mayors for Peace to advance a peaceful world without nuclear weapons. I will do all that I can to widen this circle of cooperation.
14. Tetsuro Kurata, Mayor of Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture
In the 70 years since the end of World War II, nuclear weapons have not been used in warfare. This is because people have been telling the world what disastrous consequences such weapons bring, based on the belief that Japan, as the only A-bombed nation, should not permit another catastrophe like this to occur.
The City of Minoh adopted a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration” in 1985, urging that all nuclear weapons in the world be eliminated. In our view, without peace, we can never build bright and prosperous cities where people can lead fulfilling lives.
Let us make concerted efforts to realize a lasting peace in the world, in order to hand down a peaceful world without war or nuclear weapons to our children, the builders of the future.
15. Yoshiharu Takeda, Mayor of Kanan Town, Osaka Prefecture
It has been almost 70 years since atomic bombs exploded above Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
We must communicate to the world the disastrous experiences that the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have had to endure and that we must learn a lesson from these experiences and never repeat the same mistake. As the only country to have experienced nuclear attack, Japan has this duty. In order to help prevent these tragedies from happening again, I will continue to make efforts to create a world without nuclear weapons and realize lasting peace, the common desires of all human beings.
16. Makoto Nakanishi, Mayor of Kumatori Town, Osaka Prefecture
This year, 2015, brings the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings and the end of World War II.
On December 19, 1984, the Town of Kumatori declared itself a peace city that desires nuclear disarmament and the abolition of all nuclear weapons. Since that time, our town has pursued activities to convey the preciousness of peace.
As a member of Mayors for Peace, I, together with the citizens of our town, will make greater efforts to rid this world of war and nuclear weapons so that children, who will create the future, can live happy lives.
17. Katsumi Asano, Mayor of Taishi Town, Osaka Prefecture
It is the common desire of the whole world that human beings can lead peaceful lives in all corners of the earth.
Japan, the only nation to have experienced atomic bombings, must show its determination to fulfill our responsibility so that another Hiroshima or Nagasaki will not be made.
The Town of Taishi adopted a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration” in 1985 and joined Mayors for Peace in 2011.
I believe that the principle of lasting peace stipulated in Japan’s Constitution must be incorporated in our lives and handed down to future generations if we are to foster the spirit of human dignity and to preserve a healthy living environment. With that in mind, I will take a proactive position to advance the cause of peace.
Lasting peace in the world is the common desire of all human beings, and a peaceful city is the highest priority for the citizens of Osaka.
In line with the “Peace City Declaration” adopted by the City of Osaka in 1995, we have been calling for the prompt elimination of nuclear weapons. We have also pursued efforts to make Osaka an attractive international city of peace which can contribute to the peace and development of the international community.
We will continue conveying the preciousness of peace to all our citizens, and continue working to make Osaka a more attractive international city of peace which will contribute to the peace and development of the entire world.
2. Hiroyasu Chiyomatsu, Mayor of Izumisano City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
The City of Izumisano adopted a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration” in 1985. Incorporating the principle of lasting peace stipulated by our nation’s Constitution into the lives of our citizens, we strive to create a better society blessed by our rich natural environment, history, and culture.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. Working together with the member cities of Mayors for Peace, I will take every opportunity to convey the message of nuclear abolition, the preciousness of peace, and the horrors of war.
3. Yasuhira Kimoto, Mayor of Ibaraki City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
Since declaring itself a “Nuclear-Free Peace City” in 1984, the City of Ibaraki has been advancing this cause for the past 30 years.
As the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki draw near, we will tell our children, the leaders of the next generation, about the horrors of nuclear weapons, the miseries of war, and the preciousness of life with a view to reinforcing our efforts to realize nuclear abolition and everlasting peace in the world.
4. Tomoyoshi Yoshida, Mayor of Osakasayama City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
The City of Osakasayama adopted a “Nuclear Weapon Abolition Peace City Declaration” in July 1985, with hopes for the elimination of nuclear weapons and the realization of permanent peace in the world.
By holding exhibitions and gatherings for our citizens on the theme of war and peace, we have enabled them to learn about the horrors of war and the preciousness of peace.
As residents of the only nation in the world to have experienced atomic bombings, we will continue to work together with people from around the world and promote world peace.
5. Ryuji Nakano, Mayor of Kashiwara City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
The year 2015 marks the 70th year since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
With the passing of 70 years, the number of people who directly experienced the horrors of atomic weapons has dwindled. This makes it vital that we pursue educational activities to hand down the horrific experiences of the nuclear attacks and advance the abolition of such weapons. The City of Kashiwara has been working with Mayors for Peace to carry out measures to promote the importance of peace and convey the terrible nature of nuclear weapons. However, nuclear weapons still exist and remain a central issue on the diplomatic stage. Let us take this opportunity of the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings to strive together to abolish nuclear arms.
6. Keiji Shibata, Mayor of Kawachinagano City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
Adopting a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration” in 1984, the City of Kawachinagano has been promoting our citizens’ awareness of peace through various efforts. These include the “Love, Life, Peace Exhibition” and other activities designed to deepen people’s understanding of the catastrophe of war and the preciousness of peace.
In various parts of the world, many people still lose their precious lives in ethnic or religious conflicts. Together with the citizens of Kawachinagano, Osaka, I send out a wish for lasting peace in the world, the abolition of nuclear arms, and the realization of a peaceful world without war.
7. Osami Takeyama, Mayor of Sakai City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
We are only halfway toward a world without nuclear weapons, the common desire of all human beings.
As the only nation to have experienced nuclear attack, Japan holds the grave responsibility to tell the world about the disastrous consequences of the atomic bombings and to make efforts to abolish nuclear weapons and realize a lasting peace.
As a member of Mayors of Peace and the National Council of Japan Nuclear Free Local Authorities, the City of Sakai has been campaigning for nuclear abolition. We also adopted a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration” in 1983.
Our city will continue to be proactive to help realize a world without nuclear weapons.
8. Tetsuya Inoue, Mayor of Suita City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
This year Hiroshima and Nagasaki will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings of their cities. I would like to extend my sympathy to those who lost their precious lives, those who lost their loved ones and homes, and those who are still suffering from the aftereffects. I believe, more strongly than ever, that such catastrophes must never take place again. Lasting peace is the common desire of all human beings, and the City of Suita acted on the consensus of its citizens to adopt a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration.” We will stay engaged in efforts to convey the horrors of war and the preciousness of peace to future generations with a view to realizing nuclear abolition and enduring peace.
9. Kazumasa Moriyama, Mayor of Settsu City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
As the only nation to have experienced nuclear attack, Japan has a vital role to play in handing down the disastrous consequences of nuclear warfare and calling on the world not to create another Hiroshima.
Declaring itself a peace city that supports the Constitution and respects human rights, the City of Settsu is devoting its utmost effort to building a peaceful world where we all can live in security, without fear.
I wish strongly for the realization of a truly peaceful world without nuclear weapons.
10. Takeshi Hamada, Mayor of Takatsuki City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
As citizens of the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings, it is our responsibility to convey to the next generation and to the whole world the disastrous consequences of nuclear warfare and the preciousness of peace so that such tragedies will never happen again. The City of Takatsuki adopted a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration” in 1983, and has been striving to realize a lasting peace in the world. In this 70th year since the atomic bombings, I renew my determination to work for peace and sincerely hope that people around the world will reflect on the importance of peace as well.
11. Toshiki Tada, Mayor of Tondabayashi City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
Almost 70 years have passed since an atomic bomb exploded above the city of Hiroshima. With the wishes of the victims in mind, the people of Hiroshima have turned their devastated city into a vibrant place. To realize the abolition of nuclear arms, we must take in their strong will to live and their deep desire for peace. It is therefore essential that cities around the world become united and work to build stronger international support for nuclear abolition.
I hope Hiroshima will continue to be the center of the movement seeking nuclear abolition and world peace.
12. Toshihiro Fukuyama, Mayor of Hannan, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
Japan is the only nation in the world to have endured atomic bombings. So it must demonstrate to the world its responsibility and resolve that there will never again be another Hiroshima or another Nagasaki.
In 1984, the City of Hannan adopted a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration,” urging the entire world to eliminate nuclear arms. Each year, our city holds panel exhibitions on the theme of peace and the elimination of these weapons, conveying the miseries of the war and the preciousness of peace. In cooperation with people in Hiroshima, we will continue to make efforts for the common desire of all human beings: lasting peace in the world and the elimination of nuclear weapons.
13. Kazuo Kunishita, Mayor of Fujiidera City, Osaka PrefecturePrefecture
The atomic bomb annihilated everything in an instant and wrought tremendous damage. It is our responsibility, as citizens of Japan, the only nation to have experienced nuclear attack, to convey the wishes of those who are still suffering from the aftereffects of the bombings and to assert that nuclear arms are an absolute evil. Taking this opportunity of the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings, I renew my determination in working with Mayors for Peace to advance a peaceful world without nuclear weapons. I will do all that I can to widen this circle of cooperation.
14. Tetsuro Kurata, Mayor of Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture
In the 70 years since the end of World War II, nuclear weapons have not been used in warfare. This is because people have been telling the world what disastrous consequences such weapons bring, based on the belief that Japan, as the only A-bombed nation, should not permit another catastrophe like this to occur.
The City of Minoh adopted a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration” in 1985, urging that all nuclear weapons in the world be eliminated. In our view, without peace, we can never build bright and prosperous cities where people can lead fulfilling lives.
Let us make concerted efforts to realize a lasting peace in the world, in order to hand down a peaceful world without war or nuclear weapons to our children, the builders of the future.
15. Yoshiharu Takeda, Mayor of Kanan Town, Osaka Prefecture
It has been almost 70 years since atomic bombs exploded above Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
We must communicate to the world the disastrous experiences that the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have had to endure and that we must learn a lesson from these experiences and never repeat the same mistake. As the only country to have experienced nuclear attack, Japan has this duty. In order to help prevent these tragedies from happening again, I will continue to make efforts to create a world without nuclear weapons and realize lasting peace, the common desires of all human beings.
16. Makoto Nakanishi, Mayor of Kumatori Town, Osaka Prefecture
This year, 2015, brings the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings and the end of World War II.
On December 19, 1984, the Town of Kumatori declared itself a peace city that desires nuclear disarmament and the abolition of all nuclear weapons. Since that time, our town has pursued activities to convey the preciousness of peace.
As a member of Mayors for Peace, I, together with the citizens of our town, will make greater efforts to rid this world of war and nuclear weapons so that children, who will create the future, can live happy lives.
17. Katsumi Asano, Mayor of Taishi Town, Osaka Prefecture
It is the common desire of the whole world that human beings can lead peaceful lives in all corners of the earth.
Japan, the only nation to have experienced atomic bombings, must show its determination to fulfill our responsibility so that another Hiroshima or Nagasaki will not be made.
The Town of Taishi adopted a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration” in 1985 and joined Mayors for Peace in 2011.
I believe that the principle of lasting peace stipulated in Japan’s Constitution must be incorporated in our lives and handed down to future generations if we are to foster the spirit of human dignity and to preserve a healthy living environment. With that in mind, I will take a proactive position to advance the cause of peace.
