Hiroshima Governor Calls for Urgent Nuclear Disarmament

Hiroshima officials have called on world leaders to abandon reliance on nuclear weapons as a deterrent and to take immediate steps toward their abolition. This plea comes as the city commemorates the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombing that devastated Hiroshima at the end of World War II. Hiroshima Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki emphasized the urgent need to address the risks posed by nuclear weapons, stating, “As long as nuclear weapons exist, they will surely be used again someday.” He highlighted the pressing nature of this issue in light of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as escalating tensions in East Asia. Mayor Kazumi Matsui echoed these sentiments, noting that the current geopolitical climate, marked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Palestine conflict, is fostering distrust among nations and perpetuating the belief that military force is necessary for conflict resolution. The atomic bombing on August 6, 1945, resulted in the deaths of approximately 140,000 people and marked a pivotal moment in history, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of its wartime aggression. Despite these calls for disarmament, critics argue that Japan's reliance on the U.S. nuclear umbrella undermines its commitment to nuclear abolition. The nation has been increasing its military capabilities, raising concerns about its true intentions. Additionally, Hiroshima officials have urged the Japanese government to enhance support for atomic bomb survivors, many of whom are aging and still lack adequate assistance, particularly those affected by the radioactive fallout known as "black rain."