Takaaki Morikawa, 71, set to convey the atomic bombing to Americans as ambassador of Never Again Campaign
Aug. 10, 2010
by Yoko Nitta, Staff Writer
"Citizens' voices are the driving force that will lead nations and the United Nations to tackle the issue of nuclear abolition. We have to organize our voices and appeal for action." Takaaki Morikawa, 71, will visit the United States next spring as a volunteer ambassador of the "Never Again Campaign (NAC)," a grassroots citizens' effort. Mr. Morikawa will convey the A-bomb experience and appeal for the elimination of nuclear weapons, staying at citizens' homes in the nation which dropped the atomic bombs.
Mr. Morikawa is, from August 6, taking part in the four-day preparatory program being held in the city of Hiroshima and the city of Nagasaki. NAC will send six ambassadors for the 10th round of its dispatch. Mingling with young people, Mr. Morikawa will listen to the experiences of A-bomb survivors and lectures by researchers, as well as visit facilities related to the atomic bombings.
Mr. Morikawa was in the Saeki district in Hiroshima Prefecture (now, Saeki Ward in the city of Hiroshima) at the time of the atomic bombing and exposed to the black rain. His father, an employee of NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), also experienced the atomic bombing and made efforts to relay news of the destruction of Hiroshima in the aftermath of the bombing. Mr. Morikawa's father died in 1974 at the age of 63. Mr. Morikawa is eager to relate what he and his father saw on that day.
Mr. Morikawa worked as an engineer for an automobile manufacturer until retirement. He also lived abroad for a long time. In the Philippines, he heard about "atrocities" committed by the former Imperial Japanese Army and, in New Zealand, he was entrusted with some belongings left by a former Japanese soldier. Wherever he went, he was touched by the war.
After his retirement, he began to learn more about the black rain while serving as a volunteer for international exchange. He knew that he fit the requirements for the Medical Checkup Certificate and acquired the certificate last year. On the day of the bombing, he was caught in the black rain just outside the Health Examination Special Designated Area, but was fortunate to receive the certificate. His narrow eligibility led to his determination to convey what happened on that day.
"I never thought of talking to others about it. But I don't have forever. This is a peace-building activity in which citizens can take part." Mr. Morikawa encouraged himself with these words.
Mr. Morikawa currently lives with his wife in Nishi Ward.
(Originally published on August 7, 2010)
"Citizens' voices are the driving force that will lead nations and the United Nations to tackle the issue of nuclear abolition. We have to organize our voices and appeal for action." Takaaki Morikawa, 71, will visit the United States next spring as a volunteer ambassador of the "Never Again Campaign (NAC)," a grassroots citizens' effort. Mr. Morikawa will convey the A-bomb experience and appeal for the elimination of nuclear weapons, staying at citizens' homes in the nation which dropped the atomic bombs.
Mr. Morikawa is, from August 6, taking part in the four-day preparatory program being held in the city of Hiroshima and the city of Nagasaki. NAC will send six ambassadors for the 10th round of its dispatch. Mingling with young people, Mr. Morikawa will listen to the experiences of A-bomb survivors and lectures by researchers, as well as visit facilities related to the atomic bombings.
Mr. Morikawa was in the Saeki district in Hiroshima Prefecture (now, Saeki Ward in the city of Hiroshima) at the time of the atomic bombing and exposed to the black rain. His father, an employee of NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), also experienced the atomic bombing and made efforts to relay news of the destruction of Hiroshima in the aftermath of the bombing. Mr. Morikawa's father died in 1974 at the age of 63. Mr. Morikawa is eager to relate what he and his father saw on that day.
Mr. Morikawa worked as an engineer for an automobile manufacturer until retirement. He also lived abroad for a long time. In the Philippines, he heard about "atrocities" committed by the former Imperial Japanese Army and, in New Zealand, he was entrusted with some belongings left by a former Japanese soldier. Wherever he went, he was touched by the war.
After his retirement, he began to learn more about the black rain while serving as a volunteer for international exchange. He knew that he fit the requirements for the Medical Checkup Certificate and acquired the certificate last year. On the day of the bombing, he was caught in the black rain just outside the Health Examination Special Designated Area, but was fortunate to receive the certificate. His narrow eligibility led to his determination to convey what happened on that day.
"I never thought of talking to others about it. But I don't have forever. This is a peace-building activity in which citizens can take part." Mr. Morikawa encouraged himself with these words.
Mr. Morikawa currently lives with his wife in Nishi Ward.
(Originally published on August 7, 2010)
