Photo Exhibition of HIibakusha of the World


◆A Message from the Hiroshima Mayor◆

Hiroshima, the first city in history to suffer atomic bombing, has since continually appealed for the abolition of nuclear weapons and lasting peace. Despite the desire for peace of so many around the world, vast stockpiles of nuclear weapons remain on the Earth, the path to breaking chains of hatred, violence and retaliation has been largely forgotten, and the logic of power holds sway.

For the sake of the children, we must get ourselves off the road to human annihilation without delay and open up a bright future. We wish to work continuously with cities and individuals around the world to persuade world leaders to open their hearts to the memories, voices, and prayers of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We must urge them to genuinely work toward a peaceful global community, which will entail forging the powerful will needed to abolish nuclear weapons and the courage to value reconciliation and humanity.

From my heart, I hope the No More Hibakusha exhibition will serve to expand the ring of solidarity among peace seekers, and that we can, working together, make the 21st century one of peace and humanity.

Tadatoshi Akiba
Mayor
The City of Hiroshima
January 2003