Heading Towards 80 Years After the Atomic Bombings In August 2023, Hiroshima and Nagasaki marked the 78th anniversary of the atomic bombings. One and a half years have passed since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the threat of nuclear weapon use has suddenly escalated. We peace organizations are facing common challenges such as "aging membership" and "insufficient funding," and each organization is nearing the limit of continuing their past activities. To Sustain the Hibakusha Movement The Hibakusha（atomic bomb survivor） movement, which has persevered for years in seeking relief for survivors and ensuring that nuclear weapons are never used again, must now focus on constructing a new organizational structure and engaging the next generation to maintain and continue their activities. Conveying the Reality of the Atomic Bombings The atomic bombings took the lives of numerous innocent citizens in an indiscriminate instant, leaving those who survived to grapple with lasting repercussions, hardships in their lives, and discrimination. They have endured mental, physical, and economic suffering for many years. Furthermore, these events have had a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the next generation. Hibakusha Hope & Healing Tour Hibakusha Hope & Healing Tour is a collaborative project between survivors and the next generation. It aims to convey the reality of the atomic bombings, as well as the sentiments of the affected areas, including survivors, to people worldwide, including American citizens, and to promote the desire for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
About Tour
Tour Objectives
- Convey the voices of survivors directly to the world.
- Raise awareness for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
- Pass on the torch of the movement to the next generation, ensuring its continuity.
Participants
A total of 11 individuals, including four survivors.
Schedule
11/6: Nagasaki to Haneda
11/7: Haneda to Raleigh via New York
11/8-9: Gatherings in various locations in Raleigh (schools and public)
11/11: Raleigh to Chicago
11/13-14: Gatherings at universities such as the University of Illinois, Northwestern University, DePaul University, and a courtesy visit to the Mayor of Chicago, followed by a reception.
11/15: Chicago to Portland (Oregon)
11/16-17: Gatherings at high schools and universities, and a reception hosted by the Japanese Consulate.
11/18-20: Portland to Haneda via Los Angeles, then to Nagasaki.
*This tour is organized and managed by The Nagasaki Hibakusha Notebook Friendship Association.
Table of Contents of Lectures
・Keynote Speech by Dr. Tomonaga Masao (Survivor)
・Speech by Takesaburo Nagai
・Speeches by Survivors
・Speeches by the Next Generations
・Question and Answer Session
* Speech transcripts and materials are available for download
To all who attended the rally
Please write your thoughts and messages received from the hibakusha and the people of Nagasaki.
Reference Information Links
- NO MORE HIROSHIMA&NAGASAKI MUSEUM
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Online museum where visitors can view the A-bomb exhibitions that hibakusha have been holding at the United Nations in conjunction with the NPT Review Conference.
- Archives of Pre-A-Bomb Days
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Digital archive where visitors can view photos and documents depicting daily life in Nagasaki before the bombing, as well as an aerial photo map that compares the cityscape before and after the bombing.
About Us
The Nagasaki Hibakusha Notebook Friendship Association
・One of the Hibakusha organizations in Nagasaki
・Establishment：1967.6.18
・Members：1500（2023.3.31）