Bearing Witness: Hibakusha to Embark on UK Tour

In a powerful initiative aimed at fostering global peace and nuclear disarmament, a delegation of atomic bomb survivors, known as Hibakusha, from Nagasaki, Japan, are scheduled to visit the United Kingdom starting May 11th. This significant tour, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings, seeks to convey the profound realities of nuclear warfare and advocate for a world free of nuclear weapons.

The Hibakusha Mirai Project: Inheriting a Legacy

The visit is organized under the auspices of the Hibakusha Mirai Project, an initiative dedicated to preserving and passing on the testimonies of atomic bomb survivors to future generations. The delegation includes Asanaga Manzao, President of the Prefectural Atomic Bomb Survivors’ Notebook Friends Association, Motomura Chiyoko, also a member of the association, and Otaki Tomoko, a second-generation atomic bomb survivor.

A Message Across Borders: Lectures in London, Cambridge, and Edinburgh

The group will deliver lectures in three prominent UK cities: London, Cambridge, and Edinburgh. These sessions will provide firsthand accounts of the devastation caused by the atomic bombing and offer a platform for dialog on the urgent need for nuclear disarmament. this tour marks the second overseas engagement for the group, following a similar visit to the United States.

Echoes of the Past, visions for the Future

At a recent press conference, the survivors articulated their unwavering commitment to sharing the enduring physical and psychological consequences of the atomic bomb, emphasizing the inherent inhumanity of nuclear weapons. Their message transcends geographical boundaries, resonating with individuals and communities worldwide.

The UK is also the one who dropped the atomic bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. I would like to know how the UK thinks that the young people (local) in the future will become a nuclear-free world.

Asanaga Manzao, President of the Prefectural atomic Atomic Survivors’ Notebook Friends Association

We have experienced the threat of the atomic bomb. That’s why we have to talk about it.all we can do is talk about is that we have lived with this kind of thought for 80 years and living in this kind of health.

Motomura Chiyoko, Prefectural Atomic Atomic Survivors’ Notebook Friends Association

The Enduring Impact of Nuclear Weapons: A Global Concern

the survivors’ visit comes at a crucial time, as global concerns about nuclear proliferation and the potential for nuclear conflict continue to escalate. According to the International Campaign to abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), nuclear weapons pose an existential threat to humanity, and their elimination is essential for ensuring a safe and sustainable future. The Hibakusha‘s testimonies serve as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear war and the urgent need for international cooperation to achieve a world free of these devastating weapons.

Engage and Witness: live Streaming Available

For those unable to attend the lectures in person, live streaming options will be available, allowing a global audience to witness these powerful testimonies and participate in the dialogue on peace and nuclear disarmament.