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Hiroshima mayor urges Japan to join nuclear ban treaty; Abe declines

64 Comments
By Keita Nakamura

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Abe and others have used the suffering of the atomic bombings countless times on the international stage to get something, but when it comes to banning the weapons that caused that suffering? Nope.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

wait a sec, doesn't Japan want DPRK to get rid of its nukes and stop developing more?

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@Kazuaki Shimazaki

Japan started the war, invaded many countries, committed atrocities there, then the US came to save those countries, and you're calling US a criminal?????? US even gave your country back and you're calling them criminal????? You guys wanted to conquer the world and you would've if you could, and you got your ass saved and you call your savior criminal????

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Man,Abe is going to be insufferable next August 6th when the eyes of the world will be on Japan because of Tokyo 2020 and the 75th anniversary of Hiroshima at the SAME time.He will milk it big time.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

LB315Today 04:21 am JSTOK, a little too much to read but, did you know that Japan, was also trying to develop the atomic bomb?? They had scientists working on it, even know the name. Basically the world was trying to see who will get there first. Japan, would have used the bomb on the US or wherever had they been the first to develop it. And you know they would have had no reservation whatsoever in using it.

starpunkToday  10:45 am JST: Are you sure of that? Germany certainly was working on it, Einstein wrote to FDR warning abut it.

Okay, @Starpunk, et al, FYI:

Japan's atomic bomb program during World War II was headed by Dr. Yoshio Nishina. There were two parallel programs: Ni-Go and F-Go.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_nuclear_weapon_program https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-japan-bomb-20150805-story.html https://www.atomicheritage.org/history/japanese-atomic-bomb-project

Then there is this interesting report that Japanese scientists in Konan (now Hungnam), North Korea secretly completed and detonated a test atomic bomb on August 12, 1945.

(http://www.reformation.org/atlanta-constitution.html)

There is plenty of evidence that Japan was pursuing an atomic bomb program during World War II. Of course the Japanese and the anti-nuclear supporters don't want this dirty little secret out as it would detract from their atomic-bomb-victim status.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@LB315Today  04:21 am JST

Everybody may be trying to procure guns, and some may share an intent to use them. But it is still the one who pulled the trigger and killed someone that is a criminal.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I found the spot

https://youtu.be/-vM0OXmYiF4?t=4784

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@starpunk

Yes, I am sure. I heard the lecture by the retired professor of Kyoto University. He gave the name and picture in the lecture. It is on youtube.

↓Here, it was probably this one. It's towards the end, but it's so long I can't find it right now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vM0OXmYiF4&t=564s

0 ( +0 / -0 )

LB315Today 04:21 am JSTOK, a little too much to read but, did you know that Japan, was also trying to develop the atomic bomb?? They had scientists working on it, even know the name. Basically the world was trying to see who will get there first. Japan, would have used the bomb on the US or wherever had they been the first to develop it. And you know they would have had no reservation whatsoever in using it.

Are you sure of that? Germany certainly was working on it, Einstein wrote to FDR warning abut it.

LB315

Today 08:17 am JST

Now, I don't really know the history of Koreans in Japan, but I have asked a Japanese this one time. She told me that they were brought to Japan as slaves, or at least forced labor, so I will go with that.

I do remember seeing on Billy Graham crusades on TV a Korean woman named Kim who said something to the same effect. She saw the atom bomb go off and it took her sight, totally. She sang (in Korean) on the show when it was aired from SK.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Now, I don't really know the history of Koreans in Japan, but I have asked a Japanese this one time. She told me that they were brought to Japan as slaves, or at least forced labor, so I will go with that.

The Koreans that suffered the atomic bombing were excluded from getting hibakusha-techo and were excluded from getting any treatment. And the Japanese 'pray for world peace'??? wth

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@oldman_13 Aug. 6  10:40 am JST

There is a monument to the Korean victims of the atomic bomb attack within the park grounds.

FYI, the monument is a kind of sidebar in the museum. They never explain why the atomic bomb attack happened, whether it is right or wrong. It is weird.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

@bjornson

That's a lot of conspiracy in one place.

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Japan has to oppose nuclear weapons ban treaty, because after doing so Japan would have to demand the US to remove nuclear weapons from the Okinawan depot, and the US won't entertain such request.

Oh here we go again...

Or maybe he's being realistic with the way things are going around Japan... Even your beloved Korea seems to be itching for war over damn smartphone screens. Abe can't rule anything out.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This was mentioned by a retired nuclear power professor of Kyoto University in his lecture. It can be found on youtube.

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OK, a little too much to read but, did you know that Japan, was also trying to develop the atomic bomb?? They had scientists working on it, even know the name. Basically the world was trying to see who will get there first. Japan, would have used the bomb on the US or wherever had they been the first to develop it. And you know they would have had no reservation whatsoever in using it.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The single most important thing to observe about the Hiroshima atrocity are the original U.S. documents posted on the walls of the museum, albeit I haven't been there since it was redone. What you will discover in those documents is that HIROSHIMA WAS JUST A TEST!. Neither strategically nor tactically did we need to do that. The Japanese government had been trying to arrange surrender talks for months but were being ignored until we could test our new baby on living people, Human trials, as they were. America wanted to show the world who was now the NEW BOSS! Uranium for Hiroshima. Plutonium for Nagasaki, which KILLS the BEST?...The cities were spared conventional bombing so that the bomb effects would be 'pure' and high hills surround both so calculations of energy dispersal would be easier. The Big Lie for the operation was "A million men will die on Okinawa!!" if we didn't. I, myself, have great respect for the dominated Okinawans who fought for their Japanese masters with a ferocity still remarked upon today and in return, Tokyo uses them as a political BENJO. ....When I begin to think of Hiroshima, growing up as a child as I and so many others did in America EXPECTING such a death, because It wasn't IF in America, it was WHEN. Maybe it was our consciences but death by Nuclear War was coming SOME TIME SOON. I lived in Hiroshima for four years to try to figure out how America, MY America, had done to these people what I had spent my entire childhood, as did so many other Americans, expecting and chronically terrified would be done to us. What I found in the documents was that anything would have been better than the cold, implacable psychopathy of all involved. And maybe if we hadn't had a complete rural fool as POTUS, picked for being too dumb to be a problem as ViceP, we wouldn't have committed such an historically profound crime against humanity. We did. We essentially said to the NAZIs, "HERE"S YOUR SINS AND WE'LL RAISE YA TWO!". I get a little 'upset' when I think of the young children out in the hot morning sun, old people, women, mothers, all terrified for their men off who knows where being murdered by Americans and their own officers. I sob as i am now. I can't help it...Japan has been America's tool for TOO LONG. First the manipulations and lie of Pearl Harbor to shock the pacifist American People so America could go to war in Europe, then the absolute bestial way we compound our sin against the world by using our prostrate, exhausted victim as a test animal for our new political toys. And now, 74 years later, STILL our boot upon Okinawa. If the Main Islands still want America's boot up their tuchas that's fine with me, BUT U.S. OUT OF OKINAWA NOW! Those people deserve FREEDOM from both the U.S. AND Japan, who appreciates them not at all. On this terrible anniversary, please say no to Human psychopathy and to the psychopaths who sow war among us.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Some Japanese elderlies knows and remembers what their country did. But they are the silent minority.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

There is a monument to the Korean victims of the atomic bomb attack within the park grounds. In addition, inside the museum, there is a section of the museum that references Japanese campaigns abroad, including the Nanjing Massacre

Hold on a minute! That Korean monument came way afterwards. Japanese originally excluded the Koreans, who also wanted a memorial on the grounds. They had to have theirs outside the park. Japanese did not allow them inside the park!

I distinctly remember watching a documentary on Japanese TV, may have been in the 80s or 90s, where the Koreans were campaigning to get their memorial inside the park. Japanese must've finally gave in reluctantly. That's the real Japanese.

Also, there was a big riot at the memorial when one time, Nanjing Massacre photos were displayed. Japanese protested for them to be taken down. That was on TV, too. If there's a section for it right now, it must be tiny. Because when my Indonesian friend visited the memorial a few years ago, he was appalled at how one-sided the whole memorial was.

Now get this. When I told that to an elderly Japanese friend of mine, he was so apologetic, and asked me to relay his apologies to my Indonesian friend, on behalf of the Japanese people, he said.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

@extanker

Unfortunately, it really is this simple. As nice as it would be, the rest of the world isn't ready yet.

Japan has to oppose nuclear weapons ban treaty, because after doing so Japan would have to demand the US to remove nuclear weapons from the Okinawan depot, and the US won't entertain such request.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

But Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declined to accept the request, saying the treaty does not reflect the reality of security.

Unfortunately, it really is this simple. As nice as it would be, the rest of the world isn't ready yet.

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@sf2K

Meanwhile Abe overturned the ban on arms sales in April of 2014 so Japan could be an arms dealer.

And Japan had zero success in selling weapons overseas since, no one wants Japanese weapons.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

There is literally no basis for this claim.

Actually, there is.

Please post it. Numbers would be useful.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

There is literally no basis for this claim.

Actually, there is.

There is literally no basis for this claim.

Ok, The usual empty baseless and unproven accusations, nope, not surprised.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Most conservative books are best sellers, most liberal books are....very cheap

There is literally no basis for this claim.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

YubaruToday 01:42 pm JSTWith Japan leading the way, the world will learn from the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and one day be free of all nuclear weapons.

Then pray tell after all these years, why hasn't Japan been "leading the way" and signed and ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons?

THAT would show the world the sincerity of Japan.

Japan was under a totalitarian fascist regime at the time. In a college world history class we read a (translated) book by a Japanese author who lived during that time, describing how the people were deceived and lied to by their war criminal government. The people found out after Hideiki Tojo's regime was toppled.

Japan has learned its lesson from the evils of national chauvinism and fascism. So has Germany and most of the other nations that had fascist regimes then - and since.

So when will the American people learn? I hope it's not by war.

'Wars don't make one great' - YODA

2 ( +3 / -1 )

And Japan keeps on producing plutonium

1 ( +1 / -0 )

How about urging Japan not to get involved in future World Wars. Then you won't have to worry about being the victim of nuclear weapons.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Liberals and conservatives write good and bad books.

Most conservative books are best sellers, most liberal books are....very cheap

Nobody has a monopoly here. No need for meaningless partisan statements with no basis in reality. 

No, it has basis, because liberals are on a warpath trying to constantly whitewash history.

What’s the last book you read?

A ship of fools.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

I think liberals destroyed them and replaced them with PlayStation’s sadly. And when you go to the universities, all the teachers liberal indoctrination all day, so No thank you.

Liberals and conservatives write good and bad books. Nobody has a monopoly here. No need for meaningless partisan statements with no basis in reality.

What’s the last book you read? Was it a non-partisan historian outlining how Bush 2 was a success?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

How can Abe agree when there are nuclear weapons on his land?

I think Abe is being realistic, as long as China and NK are as unpredictable as they are, Abe doesn’t want to take a chance, I understand that. Abe is not the problem, China and NK are.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

A couple of books taking a look at history through the mirror. You know what books are, yes?

I think liberals destroyed them and replaced them with PlayStation’s sadly. And when you go to the universities, all the teachers liberal indoctrination all day, so No thank you.

But it's ok when the US wages war, eh?

Depends

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Toasted heretic:

I do call out us' foreign policy and war, and hypocrisy. I try to be as tactful and respectful as possible as you don't win people over by calling them names and being nasty. I try my best.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

What?

A couple of books taking a look at history through the mirror. You know what books are, yes?

Anyway, war is bad, some are necessary, but some not and we should try to avoid it as much as possible.

But it's ok when the US wages war, eh?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

How can Abe agree when there are nuclear weapons on his land?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Indeed, sounds a bit like The Man in the High Castle. Roth's The Plot Against America is another alt-history worth reading. And scarily apt for this era we find ourselves hostage to.

What? Anyway, war is bad, some are necessary, but some not and we should try to avoid it as much as possible.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

I like some alt-history as it reverses the situation making people look at their own beliefs (someone else's shoes).

Indeed, sounds a bit like The Man in the High Castle. Roth's The Plot Against America is another alt-history worth reading. And scarily apt for this era we find ourselves hostage to.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Pretty sure there was an alt-history book where the US joined the Axis under President Pelley (American Nazi and white supremacist) and Japan joined allies as they had during ww1. Japan dropped biological weapons on LA and New York, firebombed others. US surrendered and biological weapons became legal while chemical and nuclear were banned (winner writes rules). And many Japanese said dropping biological weapons on innoceng american civilians was necessary to bring the war to a swift end. I like some alt-history as it reverses the situation making people look at their own beliefs (someone else's shoes).

1 ( +1 / -0 )

How can abe stops when he has to please big brother trump , who are selling them ???.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

The firebombings of Tokyo, Osaka and dozens of other cities were way worse, killing and maiming way more people. War is a real bitch. We should try to avoid it.

Agreed.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

It was absolute horror what happened there.

The firebombings of Tokyo, Osaka and dozens of other cities were way worse, killing and maiming way more people. War is a real bitch. We should try to avoid it.

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Before going there I was in favour of dropping the bombs.

After... I honestly don't know.

Good on you for your honesty. Such monuments to man's inhumanity are meant to challenge long held beliefs.

I have visited the Hiroshima Museum, Anne Frank's House, Auschwitz, Pearl Harbour and the Chiran Peace Museum. All eye opening and all infused with horror, tragedy and in some strange way - hope.

Hope that we can learn from the past.

This is why education, especially history, is so very important.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Visited Hiroshima A-bom museum twice and also the museum in Nagasaki. Each time I was deeply impressed.

Before going there I was in favour of dropping the bombs.

After... I honestly don't know.

It was absolute horror what happened there.

Although I understand the US didn't want to risk having countless more casualties.

War is horror. Only fools start one

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Agreed. That is why the USA is such a strong and brave country along with the other allied countries of WW2.

So brave it came late to the war and then acted like it won the whole damn mess by itself.

Japan has the moral victory when it comes to the atomic genocide.

Just as well that the allies developed it first. I'm sure that Japan (who were also developing such a weapon) would not have hesitated to use it. (along with their human experiments).

0 ( +4 / -4 )

I'm curious as to whether the Hiroshima mayor also calls for the banning of a Japanese military force: they caused the deaths of far more innocent people than did the atomic bomb.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Agreed. That is why the USA is such a strong and brave country along with the other allied countries of WW2.

So brave it came late to the war and then acted like it won the whole damn mess by itself.

Japan has the moral victory when it comes to the atomic genocide.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

We all pray for peace that flows from within. I've to countries whose people's aura is radiating ( no pun ) peace. They don't have to talk much less scream about it, you'll just feel it.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Hiroshima mayor urges Japan to join nuclear ban treaty; Abe declines

Maybe the Hiroshima mayor should urge china, Russia, Iran, N. Korea, et al, to give up their nuclear arms first. If your unfriendly neighbors have guns, AND they have a reputation for NOT following International Rules of Law ( such as building fake islands & oil rigs in other people's waters) it doesn't make sense to give up your own guns. You are inviting these unfriendly neighbors to kill you.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

It takes a very brave and strong nation to be able to forgive. I'm not sure I could, personally.

Agreed. That is why the USA is such a strong and brave country along with the other allied countries of WW2.

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

The photo is thought provoking, toddlers and the youngest in J-society are unaware of the historic realities of war and the technology that develops weapons of mass destruction.

It is through the education system that this could be achieved.

The question remains, how does A lead to B?

A, an Imperial army, the clear political and military involvement in atrocities.

B that army and responsibilities of war construed as a perceived disendowment of current twenty first century need to ascertain responsibility?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

oldman_13: "May we never forget."

That's not what you say about other massacres.

In any case, I agree, we should never forget this, or Nagasaki, or any other atrocity committed by any nation on any other or even on itself, regardless of how long ago it happened. There should be no, "Well, that happened a long time ago" on one issue, and "May we never forget" on this. Forgetting ANY of it is what allows for many of prevailing attitudes and hatred of today.

12 ( +14 / -2 )

With Japan leading the way, the world will learn from the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and one day be free of all nuclear weapons. Its what we all pray for.

How about for not starting wars of aggression that resulted in atomic bombs being dropped on your country?

-1 ( +9 / -10 )

With Japan leading the way, the world will learn from the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and one day be free of all nuclear weapons.

Then pray tell after all these years, why hasn't Japan been "leading the way" and signed and ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons?

THAT would show the world the sincerity of Japan.

12 ( +14 / -2 )

It takes a very brave and strong nation to be able to forgive. I'm not sure I could, personally.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

With Japan leading the way, the world will learn from the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and one day be free of all nuclear weapons. Its what we all pray for.

-8 ( +4 / -12 )

Hope the world gives up nuclear weapons..

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Meanwhile Abe overturned the ban on arms sales in April of 2014 so Japan could be an arms dealer. Maybe they can discuss arms sales during the ceremonies.

Whoopsies

1 ( +6 / -5 )

In Japan, there is no education that hates the United States forever.

Compared to that, neighboring countries ...

3 ( +11 / -8 )

It's a powerful reminder that children are also the victims.

They are also hope.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

May those souls rest in peace.

As an aside, great picture for this JT article. I really like the 2 kids holding hands in front of the memorial. Kudos to the photographer and the editorial team for choosing this photo. It's a powerful reminder that children are also the victims. They shouldn't have to pay for the folly of adults.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Let’s pray for the poor souls of the innocent victim of human ambition and cruelty.

No more war between us.

12 ( +12 / -0 )

A sobering reminder of the power of nuclear weapons. May we never forget.

Also, there is a lot of misinformation being spread out there by people who have never stepped foot in Japan, let alone visited Hiroshima or the peace museum and park.

There is a monument to the Korean victims of the atomic bomb attack within the park grounds. In addition, inside the museum, there is a section of the museum that references Japanese campaigns abroad, including the Nanjing Massacre.

17 ( +24 / -7 )

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