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Hiroshima : 70 Years After the A-bombing

Messages from Mayors for Peace: 22 Mayors from Hiroshima Prefecture

The message from the mayor of Hiroshima, who serves as the president of Mayors for Peace, appears separately.

Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima City President of Mayors for Peace

Though nearly 70 years have passed since atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, there are still more than 16,000 nuclear weapons in the world.

Mayors for Peace, of which I serve as president, has more than 6,400 member cities at home and abroad. In cooperation with these cities, their citizens and non-governmental organizations, we are working to realize our “2020 Vision,” the elimination of nuclear weapons by the year 2020.

The atomic bomb survivors believe that no one must ever again be made to experience what they did. The people of the world must embrace this desire and take action, pledging that they will “not repeat the evil.” Above all, we must respect human life, make the pain of others our own, and take action to break the cycle of distrust.

This year, the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings, we will enlist even more people in our cause and step up our efforts to bring about “a world without nuclear weapons.”

1. Kazuyoshi Hamada, Mayor of Akitakata City, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

As a municipality in Hiroshima Prefecture, the first location in the world to experience an atomic bombing, the city of Akitakata understands the dignity of life, hopes that Japan will maintain the three non-nuclear principles, and desires the abolition of nuclear weapons and a lasting peace in the world at the earliest possible date. Under the leadership of the president of Mayors for Peace, arm in arm with other member cities, we will continue to appeal to the world to prevent the horror of the atomic bombing from being repeated on this earth. Let us act for peace.

2. Tatsumi Tanaka, Mayor of Etajima City, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

The year 2015 marks the milestone 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings and the end of World War II. As a result of these bombings, so many people lost their lives, and even today, so many more are still suffering from the aftereffects of the atomic bombs.

But even now, there are conflicts in many parts of the world and large nuclear arsenals continue to exist.

We must carry on with our efforts to convey this tragedy to the next generation so that the precious sacrifices made by so many will not be forgotten and the tragedy will not be repeated.

The city of Etajima, along with its citizens, will continue to call for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of lasting peace in the world.

3. Yoshiro Iriyama, Mayor of Otake City, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

Nearly 70 years have passed since the tragic first nuclear attack in human history on August 6, 1945 at 8:15 a.m. The city of Otake lost a number of its local citizens who were in Hiroshima at the time, as members of the Volunteer Army Corps and students mobilized to support the war effort. We, who have suffered the tragedy of the atomic bombing through firsthand experience, have the obligation to work hard so that nuclear weapons are never used again. By sending appeals for peace from Hiroshima to the rest of Japan, and to the world at large, I sincerely hope that the day will soon come when the abolition of nuclear weapons and a lasting peace in the world are achieved.

4. Yuko Hiratani, Mayor of Onomichi City, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

This is now the 70th year since scores of precious lives were tragically lost in the atomic bombing. With the A-bomb survivors aging, the opportunity for people to listen firsthand to their experiences and the horrific consequences of the bombing is being lost. The atomic bombing, however, is not an event merely of the past. Even today, the survivors continue to be haunted by deep anxieties in their hearts and bodies.

We must keep their experiences alive, and convey these terrible events to future generations, so the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki do not simply become part of history.

In war, human beings deprive each other of their lives. Wishing for the day when the world realizes a peaceful and abundant civilization without nuclear weapons and war, and beyond national borders and generations, the city of Onomichi will continue to make appeals in the spirit of the A-bombed place of Hiroshima.

5. Kazutoshi Komura, Mayor of Kure City, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

Nearly 70 years have passed since the tragedy of the atomic bombings.

But despite the lessons of these tragic events, nuclear weapons still exist in this world and wars continue to be endlessly fought, bringing sorrow and hatred to humanity.

We who live in the present day have a duty to convey to future generations the profound pain wrought by war and the atomic bombings, though the memories fade with the passage of time.

In this 70th year since the atomic bombings, we seek to help achieve a lasting peace by reflecting once again on the bombings, on war and on peace, and joining our hands to cut the chain of sorrow and hatred caused by war.

6. Kozo Kiyama, Mayor of Shobara City, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

Nearly 70 years have passed since the atomic bombings, which took the lives of so many innocent people. Even today, the aftereffects of the bombings still torment the survivors. Such tragedies must never be repeated. It is vital to continue conveying the horror of war in order to realize a society where everyone can live happily.

We will continue making efforts to help realize a peaceful world without nuclear weapons, in line with our belief that this desire can surely be achieved.

  7. Motoi Yoshida, Mayor of Takehara City, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

Nearly 70 years have passed since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which took so many precious lives. In order to prevent such a tragedy from ever being repeated, I believe the people of Japan, the only nation to have experienced atomic bombings, have a grave and urgent mission to convey the tragedy of war and the cruelty of nuclear weapons, and contribute to the realization of peace in the world by pursuing the abolition of nuclear arms.

By working together with Mayors for Peace and others, I am determined to continue making steady efforts with our citizens to build lasting peace on the earth.

8. Katsuhiro Shinno, Mayor of Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

We have arrived at the 7oth year since the atomic bombings, which deprived so many of their precious lives. Reflecting on the sorrow of the victims of the bombings, I have renewed my pledge that we must not repeat this evil.

Currently, the average age of the A-bomb survivors is almost 80, and their numbers have dropped to under 200,000. The window of opportunity for Japan, the only nation to have suffered nuclear attack, to appeal for the abolition of nuclear weapons based on the voices of eyewitnesses, is closing further year by year. Still, we will continue pursuing activities aimed at conveying the preciousness of peace to the next generation in order to help build a peaceful world without nuclear weapons.

9. Yoshio Kurata, Mayor of Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

It has been nearly 70 years since the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, causing the loss of so many precious lives in an instant. Even today, people continue to suffer from the damage wrought by the atomic bombings.

This year the city of Higashihiroshima is marking the 30th anniversary of its “Peace Nuclear-Free City Declaration,” which it issued in 1985. Since that time, the city and its citizens have joined hands to pursue a variety of peace activities, including proactive work at the citizens’ level, such as running a peace education bus to Hiroshima and holding permanent exhibitions of materials related to the atomic bombings.

Our city, and our people, will continue making efforts to send out peace message from Japan, the only country to have experienced atomic bombings.

           10. Akira Hada, Mayor of Fukuyama City, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

Nearly 70 years have passed since the summer of 1945 and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the first nuclear attacks in human history.

As the people who experienced the war and the atomic bombings grow older, those of us alive today must raise our voices. Without our efforts, the tragedies that took place 70 years ago will be forgotten and might even be repeated.

It is vital that we, the people of the A-bombed nation of Japan, pursue such actions as conveying to the next generation the folly of war, the preciousness of peace, and the inhumane nature of nuclear weapons in order to abolish nuclear arms and achieve a world that lives in lasting peace.

With the growing desire of our citizens for peace, in December 1984 the city of Fukuyama adopted the “Peace Nuclear-Free City Fukuyama Declaration.” In line with our declaration, we are determined to be proactive in our various efforts to advance the realization of a peaceful world without nuclear weapons.

11. Yoshinari Tonari, Mayor of Fuchu City, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

Nearly 70 years have passed since the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, depriving many people of their precious lives. But even today, civil wars and conflicts continue to be waged in the world and the existence of nuclear weapons, which is tied to the very survival of humanity, is a grave threat.

On December 24, 1984, with the determination that our city will pursue activities to advance the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of lasting peace in the world--desires shared by all human beings--the city of Fuchu adopted a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration.”

As the only country in the world to have experienced atomic bombings, Japan is charged with the mission of handing down the tragedy of war and the preciousness of human life to future generations. We are determined to make efforts to help create a peaceful world, free of nuclear arms, where people can live with a sense of security for the children, the builders of the future.

12. Yoshinori Tenma, Mayor of Mihara City, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

  I believe it is our mission, as a city in the A-bombed prefecture, to earnestly face the sad reality of the event 70 years ago, recognize anew that today’s peace and affluence in Japan were the fruits of the precious sacrifices and sufferings of so many who came before us, convey the tragedy of the atomic bombings to the world and to the next generation, and express our desire for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of lasting peace in every nation.

As a city with a “Nuclear-Free Peace City Declaration,” and a member of Mayors for Peace, the city of Mihara will continue its work to promote peace in the world.

13. Kazutoshi Masuda, Mayor of Miyoshi City, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

“What tragedies did nuclear weapons bring about in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki 70 years ago?” We must face this original point squarely once again. I believe that we can help create a peaceful world without nuclear weapons by sustaining the strong will and energy to act to “securely safeguard our children’s future,” a desire felt by us all.

As a person born in the A-bombed place of Hiroshima, with the duty to help build the future, I am determined to work hard to protect life on Earth while advancing the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of lasting peace in the world.

14. Shinji Kosaka, Mayor of Akiota Town, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

In this 70th year since the atomic bombings, please imagine the tragedies that took place seven decades ago. If we can imagine the horrific conditions in the aftermath of the bombings and the survivors who still suffer from the aftereffects, and we empathize with these people, we cannot continue to tolerate the existence of nuclear arsenals.

Even the people who were exposed to the atomic bombings when they were small are now over 70 years old. We must keep their memories alive and hand down these horrific experiences to the next generation. In our local community, elementary school students continue to pick mountain lilies to offer them to A-bomb survivors at the Atomic Bomb Survivors Hospital.

Please come to Hiroshima and Nagasaki to grasp the tragedy that took place 70 years ago. And please encourage others to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki, too.

15. Yukinori Takata, Mayor of Osakikamijima Town, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

  The year 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As a town in Japan, the only country to have experienced atomic bombings, and a city in Hiroshima Prefecture, Osakikamijima will continue conveying the horror of war, the preciousness of life, and the importance of peace to the next generation. Our town, with the cooperation of our communities and citizens, will continue sending out sincere prayers and messages for the realization of a world without nuclear arms and the fulfillment of a genuine and lasting peace.

16. Kanji Yamaoka, Mayor of Kaita Town, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

The abolition of nuclear weapons and world peace are desires shared by all human beings.

The town of Kaita adopted a nuclear-free declaration in 1991. Since then we have steadily pursued activities to advance the abolition of nuclear weapons, such as sending letters of protest when nuclear tests are conducted abroad.

The 70th anniversary of the end of World War II is approaching, but there are people who still suffer from the scars left by nuclear weapons and war. I intend to make efforts to promote lasting peace by keeping the cruel memories of the war in mind while making fresh appeals to create a safe and livable community.

17. Hiroshi Mino, Mayor of Kitahiroshima Town, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

Seventy years have passed since the atomic bombings.

Today, the greenery and vitality of life have recovered, but there remain A-bomb survivors who continue to suffer.

People in some parts of the world still engage in armed conflict.

We must once again realize how much destruction is wrought by war and how many people have lost their lives in this world as a consequence.

It is time to renew our determination and our efforts to bring about a peaceful world by learning from the tragedies in our past.

18. Hiroshi Mimura, Mayor of Kumano Town, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

I make it a rule to read one book about the atomic bombings each year. As a person born and raised in Hiroshima, I believe it is our duty, as people of Hiroshima, to reflect on the atomic bombings and convey this information to future generations.

Nuclear weapons are an absolute evil and must be abolished.

Nearly 70 years have passed since the atomic bombings, but there are people who still suffer from their experience of that time.

As a member of Mayors for Peace, I am determined to make efforts to advance the abolition of nuclear weapons and provide support so that the experiences of the damage wrought by the atomic bombings can be conveyed more widely.

19. Takayuki Yoshida, Mayor of Saka Town, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

The 70th year since that unforgettable day, when the first atomic bomb in human history was dropped on a city and so many precious lives were lost in an instant, is approaching.

Let us, who understand the ongoing sufferings of the A-bomb survivors and the tragedy of the atomic bombings, continue working hard for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of lasting peace in the world.

20. Yuukou Makino, Mayor of Jinsekikougen Town, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

In this milestone year of the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings and the end of World War II, I express my heartfelt condolences to the A-bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the people who lost their precious lives in the war.

   The town of Jinsekikougen renews its determination to continue promoting peace activities, arm in arm with our citizens, expressing our desire for lasting peace in the world and the wish to hand down to our children a peaceful future without nuclear weapons and war.

21. Masakazu Okuda, Town of Sera, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

As a municipality in Hiroshima Prefecture, the A-bombed site, and in Japan, the only country in the world to have experienced nuclear attack, we will strengthen our ties with the world to advance the abolition of nuclear weapons. Even today, there are so many who lose their lives because of conflict and terrorism. When our town was merged, we adopted a “Nuclear-Free Municipality Declaration.” Since then, we have pursued activities to help realize a lasting peace in the world and free us from the menace of nuclear weapons. We are determined to strengthen our efforts for a peaceful world, joining hands with the other members of Mayors for Peace in this 70th year since the atomic bombings.

22. Yoshiyuki Watari, Mayor of Fuchu Town, Hiroshima PrefecturePeace

This year marks the milestone 70th year since the atomic bombings.

The town of Fuchu, adjacent to the city of Hiroshima, endured many sacrifices as a consequence of the atomic bombing. Many victims of the blast who had fled from Hiroshima died despite the earnest care given by our citizens. Their bodies were cremated in holes dug on the riverbanks. It was such a tragic scene that, even today, the memory haunts me.

Since then, peace has been maintained for 70 years. We must not use nuclear weapons on this earth. The town of Fuchu has made efforts to keep the memories of the past alive by holding a peace memorial ceremony in our town every year.