World Conferences against A- & H-bombs focus on traditional policies, lack dynamic ideas
Aug. 27, 2015
by Jumpei Fujimura, Staff Writer
Two World Conferences against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs closed on August 9, both having struggled to find new perspectives for moving forward with their efforts. This was the impression that lingered strongly following the annual conferences in this milestone year marking the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings.
The conference organized by the Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (Gensuikyo) provided an ideal opportunity to discuss new future directions after the Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), held every five years, concluded in May. Despite this chance, the group simply focused on pursuing familiar efforts like conducting a signature drive and holding an atomic bomb exhibition in various parts of the world. This agenda appears to be no different from traditional policies that have been followed before, with the discussion at the conference lacking dynamic ideas.
Meanwhile, the conference organized by the Japan Congress against A- and H- Bombs (Gensuikin) held a symposium to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its founding in the city of Hiroshima. While reflecting on the group’s history of activity, the participants at the conference also intended to discuss future directions. Instead, the conference was thin on forward-looking ideas, focusing most strongly on lauding the achievements of forebears like the late Ichiro Moritaki, the former head of Gensuikin who fathered the widely-accepted conviction that “The human race cannot coexist with nuclear weapons or nuclear energy.”
The movement against atomic and hydrogen bombs arose from the grassroots efforts of post-war democracy. In the wake of a U.S. hydrogen bomb test at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, a Japanese tuna fishing boat from Yaizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, known as the Daigo Fukuryu Maru (Lucky Dragon No. 5), was exposed to radioactive fallout from the nuclear blast, along with other vessels in the area. The number of signatures appealing for a ban on atomic and hydrogen bombs, gathered from across Japan, topped 30 million. This effort created the impetus for holding the first world conference, held in Hiroshima in August 1955, 60 years ago, a reflection of nationwide concern.
Both conferences, which are the legacy of the nuclear test at Bikini Atoll, are still valuable opportunities to invite both peace activists and nuclear sufferers from around the world and appeal for the abolition of nuclear weapons. Although the original organization split into two camps over the pros and cons of nuclear energy in the past and the legitimacy of nuclear tests undertaken by the former Soviet Union, the significance of the conferences will never diminish.
However, amid increasing international concern over the inhumanity of nuclear weapons and the creation of a nuclear weapons convention, it is difficult to say that the “World Conferences” held in Japan, the only A-bombed nation, made their presence felt. It is hoped that the efforts of these two groups will be developed further with a greater sense of urgency.
(Originally published on August 10, 2015.)
Two World Conferences against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs closed on August 9, both having struggled to find new perspectives for moving forward with their efforts. This was the impression that lingered strongly following the annual conferences in this milestone year marking the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings.
The conference organized by the Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (Gensuikyo) provided an ideal opportunity to discuss new future directions after the Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), held every five years, concluded in May. Despite this chance, the group simply focused on pursuing familiar efforts like conducting a signature drive and holding an atomic bomb exhibition in various parts of the world. This agenda appears to be no different from traditional policies that have been followed before, with the discussion at the conference lacking dynamic ideas.
Meanwhile, the conference organized by the Japan Congress against A- and H- Bombs (Gensuikin) held a symposium to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its founding in the city of Hiroshima. While reflecting on the group’s history of activity, the participants at the conference also intended to discuss future directions. Instead, the conference was thin on forward-looking ideas, focusing most strongly on lauding the achievements of forebears like the late Ichiro Moritaki, the former head of Gensuikin who fathered the widely-accepted conviction that “The human race cannot coexist with nuclear weapons or nuclear energy.”
The movement against atomic and hydrogen bombs arose from the grassroots efforts of post-war democracy. In the wake of a U.S. hydrogen bomb test at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, a Japanese tuna fishing boat from Yaizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, known as the Daigo Fukuryu Maru (Lucky Dragon No. 5), was exposed to radioactive fallout from the nuclear blast, along with other vessels in the area. The number of signatures appealing for a ban on atomic and hydrogen bombs, gathered from across Japan, topped 30 million. This effort created the impetus for holding the first world conference, held in Hiroshima in August 1955, 60 years ago, a reflection of nationwide concern.
Both conferences, which are the legacy of the nuclear test at Bikini Atoll, are still valuable opportunities to invite both peace activists and nuclear sufferers from around the world and appeal for the abolition of nuclear weapons. Although the original organization split into two camps over the pros and cons of nuclear energy in the past and the legitimacy of nuclear tests undertaken by the former Soviet Union, the significance of the conferences will never diminish.
However, amid increasing international concern over the inhumanity of nuclear weapons and the creation of a nuclear weapons convention, it is difficult to say that the “World Conferences” held in Japan, the only A-bombed nation, made their presence felt. It is hoped that the efforts of these two groups will be developed further with a greater sense of urgency.
(Originally published on August 10, 2015.)
