A-bomb survivors in Hiroshima, who have been calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons for more than half a century, told countries that did not participate in the treaty that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons had come into effect. I want you to tilt it. "
A-bomb survivor in Hiroshima, 93-year-old Shizuko Abe, was exposed at the age of 18 at a location 1.5 km from the hypocenter and has been appealing for the abolition of nuclear weapons at home and abroad for more than half a century while suffering from sequelae and discrimination. I will.
Mr. Abe, who lives in a facility for the elderly, responded to an interview over the phone because visits are restricted due to the effects of the new coronavirus.
Mr. Abe said, "I experienced that day, and I think that the atomic bomb is a weapon that should never be used on this earth. The treaty has come into effect one step or two, but the nuclear powers are in step with each other. If you don't have all of them, it won't be a "great march." I hope the people of the nuclear-weapon states will listen and act together without thinking that it is a thing. "
He said to the Japanese government, "I know that there are victims of nuclear weapons around me and I am suffering. Please look sideways, do not pretend to be blind, and refrain from anyone. I want Japan to take the initiative in participating in the treaty, saying, "I want you to make the loudest voice to tell the nuclear-weapon states about the ugliness of the victims and the danger of having nuclear weapons." I appealed for it.
A group of A-bomb survivors "I am truly pleased with the entry into force"
Nao Tsuboi, Chairman of the Hiroshima Prefectural Atomic Bomb Victims Association, which is made up of atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima, said, "I am delighted that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons will come into effect. "In the future, we must increase the number of signing and ratifying countries and expand to nuclear-weapon states. First, we ask for the participation of the Japanese government. The same suffering as us must never be repeated, and the atomic bomb survivors are nuclear weapons. I long to get rid of this from the world. It's a never give up. "
Governor Yuzaki of Hiroshima "Expectations for the Realization of a Peaceful World"
Following the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, Governor Yuzaki of Hiroshima Prefecture said, "The" illegality of nuclear weapons "has been recognized by the international community, and it is very significant toward a" peaceful world without nuclear weapons. " It is deep. I hope that the international momentum toward the abolition of nuclear weapons will increase again, leading to the signing and approval of more countries including nuclear-weapon states, and the realization of a peaceful world without nuclear weapons will steadily progress. The prefecture will continue to strengthen its efforts to compile policy proposals based on a security approach that does not rely on nuclear deterrence and to increase the number of supporters of peace efforts. "
Special class to learn peace at Hiroshima Elementary School
A special class was held at an elementary school in Hiroshima City to learn about peace.
In the 5th grade class of Higashino Elementary School in Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima City, a special class was held to think about peace in line with the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
At the beginning, the teacher in charge explained the contents of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, saying, "The treaty that came into effect today is a promise between countries that prohibits the making, possession, and use of nuclear weapons dropped on Hiroshima."
The children then put together their thoughts on paper and announced their opinions, "I don't think dangerous nuclear weapons are necessary for peace. All countries, including Japan, should ratify the treaty." He deepened his understanding of peace by exchanging opinions such as "I think there is some reason for a country that does not lose nuclear weapons."
The girls who participated said, "I would like to continue learning by listening to people who have experienced the atomic bomb in Hiroshima so that they can firmly convey the importance of peace."
Mr. Masashi Shioda, the homeroom teacher, said, "Because of the land of Hiroshima where the atomic bomb was dropped, I would like children to think about peace again today when the treaty comes into effect and continue to learn."
Nagasaki Congratulations on the entry into force Renewed determination to abolish nuclear weapons
A-bomb survivors gathered in front of the Peace Statue in Nagasaki City to celebrate the entry into force of the treaty and renewed their determination to abolish nuclear weapons.
On the 22nd, about 100 A-bomb survivors and citizens who have been conducting signature activities aiming at the realization of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons for five years gathered in front of the Peace Statue in Nagasaki City.
First, Masao Tomonaga, co-representative of the Nagasaki Prefectural Citizens' Association, which promotes the international signature of Hibakusha, said, "The road to a world without nuclear weapons has started today. To aim for a world without nuclear weapons, nuclear-weapon states and Japan will sign a treaty. We need to seek approval. I think it will be more difficult than ever, but I would like to start today as the second stage. "
Koichi Kawano, chairman of the "Nagasaki Peace Movement Center A-bomb Survivor Liaison Council," said, "The real fight is yet to come. I want to work on the treaty to be effective while the A-bomb survivors are alive."
The bell was then rang at 11:02 am when the atomic bomb exploded in Nagasaki, and the participants offered silence.
Participants cut out a total of 140 balloons tied with strings with scissors one after another as a performance imagining the abolition of nuclear weapons, and squeezed them one by one.
When the last balloon deflated, the participants gave a big applause and renewed their determination to abolish nuclear weapons.