Hiroshima survivors warn against Japan's rearmament
On the anniversary of the atomic bombings, survivors and activists tell DW Japan's military buildup risks eroding its longstanding commitment to pacifism.
On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, killing nearly 80,000 people. Three days later, another bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. Japan pledged never to wage war again, following the war, and was trusted by the international community. However, recent years have seen the country increase defense spending, ease restrictions on weapons exports, and expand its military, citing potential threats from China, North Korea, and Russia.
This shift in policy has alarmed Hiroshima survivors, who warn against Japan's rearmament. Masashi Ieshima, an 84-year-old survivor, underwent surgery for thyroid cancer after the bombing and fears a nuclear war if Japan's military buildup continues. Wada, a 73-year-old second-generation survivor, urges the world to recognize that nuclear dangers are not in the past but present.
She does not seek sympathy but empathy, hoping people will see the issue as their own. Despite Japan's recent military buildup and easing of arms export restrictions, many survivors and activists argue that Japan should responsibly pursue disarmament and engage in meaningful dialogue with China.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
