Full text of Pledge for Peace from A-bomb survivor on 81st anniv. of Nagasaki bombing
The following is a translation of the Pledge for Peace delivered by atomic bomb survivor representative Chiyoko Motomura on the 81st anniversary of th
On the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, 82 years ago, Chiyoko Motomura, an atomic bomb survivor, delivered a powerful Pledge for Peace. Today, the world stands on the cusp of a new era, with an almost complete absence of hibakusha, like Motomura herself, who was just six years old when the devastating attack occurred.
On August 9, 1945, Motomura, living in Koe-go, Fukuda Village, 4.5 kilometers from the hypocenter, witnessed the explosion of the atomic bomb. As a small child, she was playing on the porch when a massive fireball exploded, destroying their home and hurling her into the garden. Her grandmother, rushing to protect her, took her to the air-raid shelter. After the bombing, the village was engulfed in flames, and funerals were conducted in a formal manner for the deceased.
Motomura's grandmother, who suffered severe injuries protecting her granddaughter, passed away the following March. These memories, vivid from her young age, remain etched in her mind, recalling the terror of the atomic bombing 81 years ago.
Eighty-one years have passed since that fateful day. The hill in Urakami, once a charred wasteland, now stands as a testament to resilience. Yet, amidst this newfound tranquility, the world continues to be plagued by conflicts. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is a stark reminder of the suffering of millions. Can the leaders of these nations overlook the innocent lives lost and the desperate cries of young children?
In December, Motomura traveled to the United States for 14 days, visiting sites like Los Alamos National Laboratory. There, she met a guide who emphasized that no one there wishes for nuclear weapons as a means of warfare. Motomura's response was clear: nuclear energy must never be used as a weapon.
In Pearl Harbor, Motomura reflected on the war that had claimed so many lives. She questioned the necessity of the conflict and the loss of innocent lives. For her, peace means protecting life, regardless of all else. Motomura vows to continue advocating for peace and praying for an end to war, dedicating her life to the memory of those lost in the atomic bombing.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
