Remarks at the Second International Forum
Takashi Hiraoka
I’m the previously introduced Takashi Hiraoka. Actually, the person who first reported on Korean Atomic Bomb victims in 1965 was me. And after that in 1970, the person who began the campaign to support Jin-doo Son in court was also actually me. In that sense, I have a considerable connection with Korean Atomic Bomb Victims. However, because I have gotten older I have stepped back from frontlines, and Junko Ichiba has been continuing the work behind me and expending great effort, for which I am always grateful.
Anyway, what I wanted to say is about what was said earlier, about how the U.S. is justifying the dropping of the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Although the U.S. says that for various reasons the detonations brought about an early end to the war, and that they saved lots of lives, etc., I do not think that the dismantling of nuclear weapons will occur if the U.S. does not clearly take responsibility for the atomic bombings.
In other words, if that act is justified, there can be no blaming of countries who may use nuclear weapons in the future.
Therefore, I am constantly thinking that the U.S. needs to be held accountable for the atomic bombings. The Korean atomic bomb victims are taking the lead so that this can happen. And I want to absolutely support their efforts.
I will be rooting for you. If the U.S.’ excuse is forgiven then Russia’s President Putin can say, “Didn’t the U.S. also use them?”, “So what’s so bad about me using them too?”. This kind of dodging of accountability is what will be allowed.
Therefore, we need to make very clear that the use of nuclear weapons is absolutely not allowed. That is what I think will be the first step in destroying all nuclear weapons.
Remarks at the Second International Forum
Takashi Hiraoka
I’m the previously introduced Takashi Hiraoka. Actually, the person who first reported on Korean Atomic Bomb victims in 1965 was me. And after that in 1970, the person who began the campaign to support Jin-doo Son in court was also actually me. In that sense, I have a considerable connection with Korean Atomic Bomb Victims. However, because I have gotten older I have stepped back from frontlines, and Junko Ichiba has been continuing the work behind me and expending great effort, for which I am always grateful.
Anyway, what I wanted to say is about what was said earlier, about how the U.S. is justifying the dropping of the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Although the U.S. says that for various reasons the detonations brought about an early end to the war, and that they saved lots of lives, etc., I do not think that the dismantling of nuclear weapons will occur if the U.S. does not clearly take responsibility for the atomic bombings.
In other words, if that act is justified, there can be no blaming of countries who may use nuclear weapons in the future.
Therefore, I am constantly thinking that the U.S. needs to be held accountable for the atomic bombings. The Korean atomic bomb victims are taking the lead so that this can happen. And I want to absolutely support their efforts.
I will be rooting for you. If the U.S.’ excuse is forgiven then Russia’s President Putin can say, “Didn’t the U.S. also use them?”, “So what’s so bad about me using them too?”. This kind of dodging of accountability is what will be allowed.
Therefore, we need to make very clear that the use of nuclear weapons is absolutely not allowed. That is what I think will be the first step in destroying all nuclear weapons.