広島ひろしまへの原爆げんばく投下とうかから80年はちじゅうねん 核兵器かくへいき廃絶はいぜつの声こえを強つよく訴うったえる1日ついたちに

Its been 80 years in six days since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

As the atomic bomb survivors age and it becomes increasingly difficult to hear their experiences firsthand, the international situation surrounding nuclear weapons is becoming more severe.

Hiroshima, the city that suffered the atomic bombing, will once again strongly appeal to Japan and the world for the abolition of nuclear weapons—a call that survivors have consistently repeated—on the 6th.

On the 6th, marking 80 years since the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, survivors and bereaved families visited Hiroshima Peace Park from early in the morning to offer prayers.

A 94-year-old atomic bomb survivor who lost his parents, two older sisters, and grandparents in the bombing said, When I remember that day, I feel so sad and frustrated that I cant even talk about it to my children or grandchildren.

I hope that no one will ever have to go through what I did again, so I want nuclear weapons to be eliminated from this earth, they said.

Also, a 90-year-old female atomic bomb survivor who lost two older sisters and one younger brother said, I cant put into words the scene at the time of the bombing.

I never wanted to think about the atomic bomb, but now that I’m 90 years old, I came here thinking this would be my last time.

I prayed with the hope that something could be done about the current situation where so many wars are happening around the world, they said.

The Peace Memorial Ceremony, which will be held at Hiroshima Peace Park from 8 a.m., is scheduled to be attended by representatives of atomic bomb survivors and bereaved families, as well as ambassadors from a record 120 countries and regions, including nuclear-armed nations such as the United States and the United Kingdom.

At the ceremony, the register of atomic bomb victims, which now includes the names of 4,940 people who were exposed to the bomb in Hiroshima and either passed away or were confirmed dead in the past year, bringing the total to 349,246, was placed in the Atomic Bomb Memorial Monument. At 8:15 a.m., the exact time the bomb was dropped, all attendees observed a moment of silence to mourn the victims.

The average age of atomic bomb survivors nationwide has surpassed 86 this year, and for the first time, the number has fallen below 100,000, making it increasingly difficult to hear firsthand accounts of their experiences.

Amidst this, last year, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations Nihon Hidankyo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and in the atomic-bombed areas, there were hopes that momentum toward the abolition of nuclear weapons would increase.

On the other hand, in the international community, the situation surrounding nuclear weapons is becoming increasingly severe, with repeated threats from nuclear-armed countries and moves to strengthen nuclear deterrence.

On the 6th, Hiroshima, which experienced the tragedy of nuclear weapons for the first time in human history, will once again strongly appeal to both Japan and the world for the abolition of nuclear weapons—a call that the hibakusha have consistently repeated—while also mourning the victims.

The scene at the time of the bombing is beyond words.

Right now, there are many wars happening around the world. Isnt there something that can be done about this situation?

I offered my prayers with those feelings, he said.

The man said, I was outside Hiroshima city due to student mobilization, and when I returned to the city the next day, I saw many people who had died in the river. I thought they must have died while searching for water.

When I remember that day, I feel so sad and frustrated that I cant even talk about it with my children or grandchildren.

I hope that no one will ever have to go through what I did again, so I want nuclear weapons to be eliminated from this earth, they said.

I am a second-generation atomic bomb survivor, and my life has been held back and filled with suffering because of the atomic bomb.

I absolutely believe that nuclear weapons should never be used, and that issues should be resolved through dialogue.

I am concerned that politicians who advocate for nuclear deterrence are emerging.

Our generation, which has received peace education, wants to actively engage in activities for peace, they said.

I never want war to happen again.

I think the best thing is not to use nuclear weapons, he said.

When I see the situation between Ukraine and Russia, I feel sad that newborn children are dying, and I dont know where to direct my anger, he said.

Also, The resilience of the people of Hiroshima has inspired the world for 80 years, and their spirit of reconciliation has strengthened the alliance with the United States.

For 80 years, the United States and Japan have stood side by side, safeguarding peace and prosperity in the Pacific region.

Today, the two countries stand together as close allies, facing the future.

The U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Ms. Glass, is scheduled to attend the ceremony held in Hiroshima on the 6th and the ceremony held in Nagasaki on Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Day on the 9th of this month as a representative of the U.S. government.

Ambassador Glass said before attending, It is an honor to be able to attend the ceremony.

The message of peace and hope from the people and citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki serves as a lasting reminder of the power of reconciliation, he commented.

Approximately 7,000 seats have been set up in Peace Park, the venue for the ceremony, for atomic bomb survivors, bereaved families, and general attendees. In addition, many police officers are on alert in the surrounding area, and baggage inspections are being conducted at the entrance.

Last year, attendees had to wait for a long time under the scorching sun, and there were cases where elderly atomic bomb survivors gave up entering. Therefore, for the first time, the city of Hiroshima set up five priority entrances for atomic bomb survivors, bereaved families, as well as elderly and disabled people.

When admission began at 6 a.m., the atomic bomb survivors and bereaved families went through the baggage check and entered the venue with almost no waiting.

An 82-year-old male atomic bomb survivor said, Last year, there was already a huge line at 6 a.m., and I had to wait for about one to two hours, getting drenched in sweat.

It was tough for the elderly and atomic bomb survivors, so Im glad it has improved, they said.

It is expected that the temperature will rise during the day around the venue on the 6th, so, as with last year, the city has installed mist-spraying devices, is lending out wet towels, and has increased the number of water stations to two as measures against the heat.