Hiroshima survivor Hiromu Morishita returns from Oslo — Recounts A-bomb experience to good response, finds Norwegians interested in nuclear issues during interactions with local citizens
May 20, 2024
by Michiko Tanaka, Staff Writer
Hiromu Morishita, 93, an A-bomb survivor who lives in Hiroshima’s Saeki Ward, has returned from Oslo, Norway, a visit he made based on an invitation he received from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and other organizations. In Oslo, Mr. Morishita interacted energetically with local citizens and spoke repeatedly about his experiences in the atomic bombing. He described the positive response he received from people there. “As more Northern European nations are moving toward reliance on nuclear weapons to ensure national security, I’m glad I had the chance to speak of my experiences there in person. I believe I was able to communicate the reality of the atomic bombing.” He expressed the strong desire to continue communicating his message into the future.
Mr. Morishita’s eight-day trip to Europe began in late April. He spoke at a debate held among scientists and medical professionals within an event based on the theme of the inhumane impacts of nuclear weapons, organized by the ICRC and others, which drew an audience of around 200 people. While in Norway, he also participated in a discussion hosted by local young people.
At both venues, he spoke of his experiences in the atomic bombing, which he encountered in Hiroshima’s present-day Naka Ward when he was 14 years old, suffering horrific burns as a result. Touching on his distress after the war from the scars left on his face, he called for the elimination of nuclear weapons. “I felt people in Norway have become increasingly interested in nuclear issues because of the Ukraine crisis.” He described how many of the audience members had expressed their empathy for his situation and his views.
Norway is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a military alliance between the United States and European nations. After Russia invaded Ukraine, the neighboring nations of Finland and Sweden also joined NATO. Mr. Morishita decided to visit Europe for the first time in about 20 years out of his concern that Northern Europe was growing more and more reliant on nuclear weapons. “I hope the role of A-bomb survivors will no longer be necessary once a peaceful world without nuclear weapons is achieved. But there’s still a long way to go,” said Mr. Morishita. “I’m committed to continue delivering my message even if I have to drag my aging body around to do it.”
(Originally published on May 20, 2024)
Hiromu Morishita, 93, an A-bomb survivor who lives in Hiroshima’s Saeki Ward, has returned from Oslo, Norway, a visit he made based on an invitation he received from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and other organizations. In Oslo, Mr. Morishita interacted energetically with local citizens and spoke repeatedly about his experiences in the atomic bombing. He described the positive response he received from people there. “As more Northern European nations are moving toward reliance on nuclear weapons to ensure national security, I’m glad I had the chance to speak of my experiences there in person. I believe I was able to communicate the reality of the atomic bombing.” He expressed the strong desire to continue communicating his message into the future.
Mr. Morishita’s eight-day trip to Europe began in late April. He spoke at a debate held among scientists and medical professionals within an event based on the theme of the inhumane impacts of nuclear weapons, organized by the ICRC and others, which drew an audience of around 200 people. While in Norway, he also participated in a discussion hosted by local young people.
At both venues, he spoke of his experiences in the atomic bombing, which he encountered in Hiroshima’s present-day Naka Ward when he was 14 years old, suffering horrific burns as a result. Touching on his distress after the war from the scars left on his face, he called for the elimination of nuclear weapons. “I felt people in Norway have become increasingly interested in nuclear issues because of the Ukraine crisis.” He described how many of the audience members had expressed their empathy for his situation and his views.
Norway is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a military alliance between the United States and European nations. After Russia invaded Ukraine, the neighboring nations of Finland and Sweden also joined NATO. Mr. Morishita decided to visit Europe for the first time in about 20 years out of his concern that Northern Europe was growing more and more reliant on nuclear weapons. “I hope the role of A-bomb survivors will no longer be necessary once a peaceful world without nuclear weapons is achieved. But there’s still a long way to go,” said Mr. Morishita. “I’m committed to continue delivering my message even if I have to drag my aging body around to do it.”
(Originally published on May 20, 2024)
