Tanaka Terumi on the Importance of the Peace Prize
In a recent interview with NHK, Tanaka Terumi, one of the co-chairs of the anti-nuclear organization ni on hido, shared his reflections on the significance of the Peace Prize. As he prepares to speak at an upcoming award ceremony before heading to Norway, Tanaka expresses an urgency for the world to recognize the ongoing threat of nuclear weapons and the need for their abolition.
Tanaka's journey as an advocate against nuclear weapons is deeply personal. Having been just 13 years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, he faced the harrowing loss of five family members that day. These tragic experiences propelled him into activism among other hibakusha—survivors of the bomb. After completing his education, he dedicated two decades serving as Secretary General of ni on hido, which involved extensive travel across Japan and internationally to raise awareness about the horrors of nuclear warfare.
At 92, Tanaka stands as the eldest executive of ni on hido, and he conveys a grave concern regarding the rise of nuclear threats globally. Despite decades of advocacy, he feels that efforts to abolish nuclear weapons have seen little success. Tanaka emphasizes the crucial need for people to reflect on the firsthand testimonies of survivors. "Hope," he states, "for a long time we have not only called for nuclear weapons to not be used; we've said they should be abolished," highlighting the chasm between the call for disarmament and the reality of ongoing nuclear proliferation.
A vital part of Tanaka's message is directed towards the youth of today, who he believes hold the potential to prevent history from repeating itself. He points to the extensive collection of firsthand testimonies the hibakusha have amassed over the years and urges the younger demographic to ensure these stories are heard beyond Japan. “I hope the younger generation will be able to accomplish what we hibakusha could not,” he conveys, underlining a sense of hope and empowerment for future generations to take up the mantle of advocacy and activism.
As Tanaka prepares for his speech, he stresses the imperative of sharing the stories of those impacted by nuclear violence. His resolve serves as a reminder that the fight for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons is ongoing. With every generation, there lies a chance for progress, and Tanaka's words aim to inspire actionable change that could lead to a world free of the threats posed by nuclear arms. In a world increasingly uncertain, his message is not just one of remembrance but also one of potential and hope for a safer future.
Part 1/5:
Tanaka Terumi on the Importance of the Peace Prize
In a recent interview with NHK, Tanaka Terumi, one of the co-chairs of the anti-nuclear organization ni on hido, shared his reflections on the significance of the Peace Prize. As he prepares to speak at an upcoming award ceremony before heading to Norway, Tanaka expresses an urgency for the world to recognize the ongoing threat of nuclear weapons and the need for their abolition.
The Personal Cost of Nuclear Warfare
Part 2/5:
Tanaka's journey as an advocate against nuclear weapons is deeply personal. Having been just 13 years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, he faced the harrowing loss of five family members that day. These tragic experiences propelled him into activism among other hibakusha—survivors of the bomb. After completing his education, he dedicated two decades serving as Secretary General of ni on hido, which involved extensive travel across Japan and internationally to raise awareness about the horrors of nuclear warfare.
A Call to Action Against Nuclear Arsenals
Part 3/5:
At 92, Tanaka stands as the eldest executive of ni on hido, and he conveys a grave concern regarding the rise of nuclear threats globally. Despite decades of advocacy, he feels that efforts to abolish nuclear weapons have seen little success. Tanaka emphasizes the crucial need for people to reflect on the firsthand testimonies of survivors. "Hope," he states, "for a long time we have not only called for nuclear weapons to not be used; we've said they should be abolished," highlighting the chasm between the call for disarmament and the reality of ongoing nuclear proliferation.
Inspiring the Younger Generation
Part 4/5:
A vital part of Tanaka's message is directed towards the youth of today, who he believes hold the potential to prevent history from repeating itself. He points to the extensive collection of firsthand testimonies the hibakusha have amassed over the years and urges the younger demographic to ensure these stories are heard beyond Japan. “I hope the younger generation will be able to accomplish what we hibakusha could not,” he conveys, underlining a sense of hope and empowerment for future generations to take up the mantle of advocacy and activism.
Conclusion: The Fight for Peace Continues
Part 5/5:
As Tanaka prepares for his speech, he stresses the imperative of sharing the stories of those impacted by nuclear violence. His resolve serves as a reminder that the fight for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons is ongoing. With every generation, there lies a chance for progress, and Tanaka's words aim to inspire actionable change that could lead to a world free of the threats posed by nuclear arms. In a world increasingly uncertain, his message is not just one of remembrance but also one of potential and hope for a safer future.