Pacifism plea in Japan during atomic attack tributes
HIROSHIMA: Bells tolled and thousands bowed their heads in prayer in Hiroshima yesterday at ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bombing, while survivors warned about Japan’s moves away from its pacifist constitution.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his government are pushing security bills through parliament that could send Japanese troops into conflict for the first time since World War II, sparking countrywide protests.
Many scarred by the war and its aftermath are scathing about Abe as he steps away from Japan’s pacifist constitution in pursuit of a more robust security stance, and survivors of the bombing lambasted Abe at a meeting after the commemoration.
“These bills will bring the tragedy of war once again,” said Yukio Yoshioka, 86. “They must be withdrawn.”
In a speech at the ceremony calling for the abolishing of nuclear weapons, Abe replied by repeating his view that the legislation was essential to ensure Japan’s safety.
At 8.15am – the exact time the bomb exploded on August 6, 1945 – the crowd stood for a moment of silence in the heavy summer heat while cicadas shrilled, the Peace Bell rang and doves were released into the sky.
Hiroshima mayor Kazumi Matsui urged that nuclear weapons be abolished and demanded the creation of security systems that do not rely on military might.
“Working with patience and perseverance to achieve these systems will be vital, and will require that we promote throughout the world the path to true peace revealed by pacifism of the Japanese constitution,” he said.
Many of those gathered for the ceremony renewed their calls for peace.
The Hiroshima bombing, which killed 140 000 by the end of the year, was followed by the atomic bombing of Nagasaki three days later, which killed about 40 000 instantly. The war ended on August 15. – Reuters