BikiniDay

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Gensuikyo rally calls for development of anti-nuclear signature campaign

On February 28, the Japan Council against A & H Bombs (Japan Gensuikyo) held the Bikini Day National Rally in Shizuoka City, calling for a swift abolition of nuclear weapons.

Gensuikyo Secretary General Taka Hiroshi in the keynote speech pointed out that by clinging to its nuclear strategy in disregard of the development of the worldwide movement against nuclear weapons, the U.S. has isolated itself in the world. He stated that the new anti-nuclear movement is emerging domestically and internationally in order to block such an adverse current, and stressed the need for Japan to increase its domestic movement as the only nuclear bombed nation. He emphasized the decisive importance of turning the tide against forces defending nuclear weapons, and called for an effort to carry out the international signature campaign "For a Swift Abolition of Nuclear Weapons." He stressed the need to push forward the campaign working together with struggles against the U.S. military realignment and in defense of Article 9 of the Constitution.

Speakers at the rally included representatives of Yokosuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture where the U.S. forces are planning to homeport a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. A representative of the New Japan Women's Association expressed determination to collect a half million signatures by the start of the 2006 World Conference against A & H Bombs in August and 1 million signatures by the start of the U.N. General Assembly this fall.

Ogata Yasuo, Japanese Communist Party vice-chair and House of Councilors member, said in his speech that the 50 years of efforts that Gensuikyo has made in cooperation with many governments and NGOs around the world have played a significant role in heightening world opinion against nuclear weapons.
- Akahata, March 1, 2006