On this day 79 years ago, the USA dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, instantly murdering over 100,000 people, and forever changing the lives of countless more.
Yoshiatsu Takamura survived the bombing as a young child, and sends us this message today:
“On this solemn Hiroshima Day, we are reminded of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare and the urgent need to advocate for peace.
Today, the confrontation between war and peace is intensifying. The war forces in Russia and Israel openly speak of using nuclear weapons. It is proving that modern warfare and the use of nuclear weapons are inseparable.
This is precisely why the forces advocating for peace are calling for the signing and ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to prevent war and safeguard peace. At their second meeting held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York last December, nuclear deterrence was directly criticized as a policy tool that “not only fails to protect peace but also serves as a means of coercion, intimidation, and escalating tensions.”
The peace-seeking forces are becoming increasingly powerful in the face of actions by Russia and Israel. With confidence in the achievements of the December meeting, let’s increase the signatures and ratifications of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and let’s add countries like Japan and the United Kingdom.
Let us stand united in our commitment to this cause. By working together, we can pave the way towards a world free from the threat of nuclear warfare, ensuring a safer and more peaceful future for all.
Let’s cooperate and strive together.
Thank you
Yoshiatsu Takamura”
