Nihon Hidankyo celebrates 50th founding anniversary

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Nihon Hidankyo celebrates 50th founding anniversary

Commemorating its 50th founding anniversary, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) on October 17 held a ceremony and reception in Tokyo with about 200 persons from various circles attending.

Following a performance on a piano that was found in the debris of atom-bombed Hiroshima, Nihon Hidankyo Co-Chair Tsuboi Sunao stated, "Let us work hard to achieve the Hibakusha's original aim of eliminating nuclear weapons and establishing Hibakusha relief based on state compensation."

Guests from political parties included Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Ichida Tadayoshi and JCP House of Representatives member Kasai Akira.

Ichida in his speech criticized cabinet ministers and the Liberal Democratic Party leaders who are calling for debates on Japan's nuclear armament in response to the North Korean nuclear test.

Ichida stated, "Hibakusha have been wishing not to resort to retaliation but to prevent humankind from repeating the tragedy of nuclear war. Your movement to speak of your hardships has greatly influenced world opinion to favor a nuclear-free world and the peaceful resolution of international conflicts."

Quoting Nihon Hidankyo's inaugural declaration, "Let us save humankind from crises by making use of our own experiences," Nihon Hidankyo Co-Chair Tohei Nori outlined the organization's 50 year history in which it has overcome countless difficulties.

An 83-year old Hibakusha, Sugiyama Hideo, in a wheelchair said, "I have had three surgeries this year, but I'm determined to continue my struggle for the elimination of nuclear weapons as long as I am alive." Even in hospital, Sugiyama collected signatures calling for a complete ban on nuclear weapons.

Anzai Ikuro, director of Ritsumeikan University's Kyoto Museum for World Peace, made a commemorative speech.

Participants adopted with applause a declaration marking the 50th anniversary, stating, "We will pass a world free from nuclear weapons and wars to our children and grandchildren."
- Akahata, October 18, 2006