78th Anniversary of the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

August 6 and 9 mark 78 years since the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Amid Russia's military invasion of Ukraine and the increasing global nuclear threat, the G7 summit held in Hiroshima in May witnessed leaders visiting the Peace Park, Peace Memorial Museum, and meeting with Hibakusha. However, the G7 Leaders' Hiroshima Vision for Nuclear Disarmament and the Leaders' Declaration lacked a commitment to achieve nuclear abolition or a clear statement against the use or threat of nuclear weapons, instead justifying their possession.

In August, the first Preparatory Committee for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference is taking place in Vienna, followed by the Second Conference of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in November.

Peace Boat will organize activities in August to emphasize the inhumanity of nuclear weapons to Japan and the world, aiming to raise public opinion for their abolition.

Live streaming in English from Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the world

The atomic bombs dropped on Japan in 1945 caused immense suffering, and their impact persists to this day. To honor the victims and ensure history is not repeated, Peace Memorial Ceremonies are held annually in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. With Covid-19 restrictions lifted, many people can now visit these cities to pay their respects. To reach a global audience, Peace Boat and ICAN will host live online broadcasts from the sites on August 6 and 9. Join us to experience the atmosphere in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, reflect on the significance of this anniversary, and observe a moment of silence together. It is an opportunity to come together to remember and advocate for a nuclear-free world.

Hiroshima Moment of Silence & A-bombed piano performance

August 06, 2023 at 8:10am - 8:30am

| virtual | Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture Japan

The August 6th stream will include an exclusive performance on an A-bombed (or Hibaku) piano. The piano, which survived the blast, when its young owner Kawamoto Akiko did not, travels around to play concerts of peace. Hosted by Hiroshima native, singer-songwriter and nuclear disarmament activist Seto Mayu, the stream will also introduce the HOPE project.

It will be broadcast on ICAN’s website as well as Peace Boat and ICAN’s social media channels.

Nagasaki Moment of Silence Livestream

August 09, 2023 at 10:50am - 11:10am

| virtual | Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture Japan

The August 9 stream will include a unique series of historic photos of some of the people whose lives were lost due to the atomic bombing, and take you back to what daily life was actually like at the time. The hosts will also show you the Sanno shrine, a site heavily marked the atomic blast in Nagasaki, despite being 900m from the hypocenter, its surviving camphor trees and the one-legged Torii have become monuments to what was lost.  It will be broadcast on ICAN’s website as well as Peace Boat and ICAN’s social media channels.

The livestreams are free, and will remain online to accommodate people across different time zones.

NPT Preparatory Committee and Parliamentary Debate

The Japan NGO Network for Nuclear Weapons Abolition, of which Peace Boat is a member, is currently holding a "World Live Report Summer 2023 - Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Vienna," connecting online with Vienna, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki to provide updates on the ground, including reports  on the NPT Preparatory Committee, which began on 31 July, and other high-profile events. This report is in Japanese.

On August 5, the Japan NGO Network for Nuclear Weapons Abolition will host a Diet Members' Debate titled "What Should Japan Do Now to Abolish Nuclear Weapons?". Parliamentarians from various political parties, including party leaders, will discuss Japan's actions to abolish nuclear weapons, considering the G7 Hiroshima Summit, the NPT Review Process, and the Second Conference of the Parties to the Nuclear Weapons Convention, with a focus on the situations in Ukraine and East Asia. Ms Nakamitsu Izumi, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, and Ms Setsuko Thurlow, an A-bomb survivor, will also participate. Peace Boat is supporting the organization of this debate. A video recording in Japanese will be available to the public on the evening of August 5th.

For more information about the activities taking place in Japanese visit our Japanese website.

Fukushima Youth Ambassadors Study Programme in Hiroshima

From August 3 to 7, the Fukushima Youth Ambassadors Study Programme will take place in Hiroshima. Since 2011, Peace Boat and the Peace Boat Disaster Relief Centre (PBV) have been running this project to support the physical and mental well-being of Fukushima's children affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear disaster. The programme enables them to experience international exchange and activities outside their hometowns, expanding their future opportunities. This summer, in collaboration with Minami Soma Kodomo no Tsubasa, Peace Boat will organize a study programme in Hiroshima for junior high school students. The itinerary includes peace education visits to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and listening to survivor testimonies. Students will also participate in fieldwork and hands-on classes on the nature-rich Nijima Island. The experience aims to enrich their lives and cultivate a broader perspective on peace and the world.

Please note that all dates and events are subject to change depending on circumstances. For more information and to watch the events, follow ICAN and Peace Boat’s social media channels.