A-bomb survivors express disappointment over U.S. nuclear test
Aug. 23, 2013
On August 20, it was learned that the United States conducted a new type of nuclear test to study the effectiveness of its nuclear arsenal, using a special device called a “Z machine” between April and June of this year. In Hiroshima, A-bomb survivors and citizens raised their voices in anger and disappointment when they heard this news. They also expressed frustration with the Japanese government for clinging to the U.S. nuclear umbrella and not protesting the latest experiment.
Toshiyuki Mimaki, 71, secretary-general of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-bomb Sufferers Organizations, chaired by Sunao Tsuboi, pointed out that the U.S. has repeatedly conducted nuclear tests after President Barack Obama called for pursuing “a world without nuclear weapons” in a speech he made in Prague in 2009. “His words and actions are inconsistent,” Mr. Mimaki said. “The U.S. is stimulating an arms race in the world.”
“This is outrageous!” said Yukio Yoshioka, 84, vice chairman of the other faction of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-bomb Sufferers Organizations, chaired by Kazushi Kaneko. His words of anger were directed not only at the U.S. but also at the Japanese government. While calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons, Japan refused to sign a joint statement calling for a ban on the use of nuclear weapons, which was supported by about 80 nations. “As the nation that suffered the atomic bombings, Japan is not doing its part,” said Mr. Yoshioka.
Kazunari Fujita, 45, an office worker and resident of Nishi Ward, Hiroshima, was visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. He said, “I put my hopes on President Obama’s stance toward nuclear disarmament, but he’s disappointed me. I can’t believe anything he says.” Touring Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Yuka Kishimoto, 33, a nurse living in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, said, “This will erode the world’s confidence in the United States.”
Kazumi Mizumoto, vice president of the Hiroshima Peace Institute at Hiroshima City University and an expert on nuclear disarmament, commented that the U.S. says it will reduce its strategic nuclear arms, along with Russia, and yet it is increasing its nuclear-related budget. “The increase in the budget is actually allocated to nuclear tests. The international community must make the U.S. change its overall nuclear strategy,” added Professor Mizumoto.
(Originally published on August 21, 2013)
Toshiyuki Mimaki, 71, secretary-general of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-bomb Sufferers Organizations, chaired by Sunao Tsuboi, pointed out that the U.S. has repeatedly conducted nuclear tests after President Barack Obama called for pursuing “a world without nuclear weapons” in a speech he made in Prague in 2009. “His words and actions are inconsistent,” Mr. Mimaki said. “The U.S. is stimulating an arms race in the world.”
“This is outrageous!” said Yukio Yoshioka, 84, vice chairman of the other faction of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-bomb Sufferers Organizations, chaired by Kazushi Kaneko. His words of anger were directed not only at the U.S. but also at the Japanese government. While calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons, Japan refused to sign a joint statement calling for a ban on the use of nuclear weapons, which was supported by about 80 nations. “As the nation that suffered the atomic bombings, Japan is not doing its part,” said Mr. Yoshioka.
Kazunari Fujita, 45, an office worker and resident of Nishi Ward, Hiroshima, was visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. He said, “I put my hopes on President Obama’s stance toward nuclear disarmament, but he’s disappointed me. I can’t believe anything he says.” Touring Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Yuka Kishimoto, 33, a nurse living in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, said, “This will erode the world’s confidence in the United States.”
Kazumi Mizumoto, vice president of the Hiroshima Peace Institute at Hiroshima City University and an expert on nuclear disarmament, commented that the U.S. says it will reduce its strategic nuclear arms, along with Russia, and yet it is increasing its nuclear-related budget. “The increase in the budget is actually allocated to nuclear tests. The international community must make the U.S. change its overall nuclear strategy,” added Professor Mizumoto.
(Originally published on August 21, 2013)
