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NHK
17-05-2025
- Politics
- NHK
Survivor of Hiroshima atomic bombing exchanges views with scientists in France
A survivor of the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima has appealed to scientists in France to conduct research that will lead to the elimination of nuclear weapons. Tanaka Satoshi visited the University of Montpellier in southern France on Friday and exchanged views with the university's Vice President Francois Pierrot, physicists and other scientists. Tanaka is a senior official of Nihon Hidankyo. The organization, which represents survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, was awarded last year's Nobel Peace Prize. Tanaka was a one-year-old child when the atomic bomb was dropped. During the discussion, Tanaka said 80 years have passed since the atomic bombings but there are still people who are only now being recognized as A-bomb survivors. He said that in the meantime, the number of people who are engaged in peace research has been decreasing. A mathematician at the meeting said that research in his specific field has been used for nuclear development. He said scientists need to consider to what end they are conducting their research. Pierrot noted that people from his generation were taught that possessing nuclear weapons could serve as a deterrent. He said many people may have embraced this view after Russia brought up a threat. He pointed out that in order to abolish nuclear weapons in France, French people's mindsets need to be changed. After the meeting, Tanaka told NHK that he believes scientists can influence politicians toward abolishing nuclear arms. He said after returning to Japan, he wants to present requests for nuclear powers and scientists to take action for eliminating nuclear weapons.
NHK
14-05-2025
- Politics
- NHK
Survivor of Hiroshima atomic bombing speaks at event in France
A survivor of the 1945 atomic bombing in Hiroshima has expressed concerns about the possibility that nuclear weapons could be used again at any time. Tanaka Satoshi spoke about his past experiences during an event in the southeastern French city of Grenoble on Tuesday. Tanaka is a representative director of Nihon Hidankyo. The organization received last year's Nobel Peace Prize. It represents survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Tanaka was living in Hiroshima when the city was bombed. He was a one-year-old child at the time. He said four members of his family died soon after the attack. Tanaka said he has been diagnosed with multiple forms of cancer since he entered his 50s. He added that he is still receiving medical treatment. He noted that atomic bombings are not things of the past, but rather ongoing problems that will continue into the future. He stressed that what happened in Hiroshima is not a fairy tale. Tanaka mentioned French President Emmanuel Macron's suggestion that his country could consider expanding its nuclear deterrent to protect Europe. Macron made the suggestion because Russia made repeated nuclear threats after it invaded Ukraine. Tanaka said he hopes France will serve as a bridge between nuclear powers and try to reduce nuclear risks. An elementary school teacher who heard Tanaka's speech said she was deeply moved by it. She said Tanaka pointed to a direction that French citizens and politics can go in. Tanaka spoke to reporters after the speech. He said that pursuing defensive measures, without pursuing diplomacy and nuclear disarmament at the same time, will only lead to an arms race. The survivor said that he intends to reach out to nuclear powers this year. He noted that the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings will be marked in August.
