nuclear-news

Hiroshima, Nagasaki request Trump visit to teach ‘reality’

THE ASAHI SHIMBUN, January 21, 2025,  https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15593546?fbclid=IwY2xjawH-kw1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWQj2ot0ghPWLSQohYVpcrIV882O59BHkl0uht0iBsjnLw2qXSEFsC2wtA_aem_GPd2Oltqb_ec9tqxNwFwAw

HIROSHIMA–Hiroshima Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki has invited new U.S. President Donald Trump to visit the prefectural capital in an effort toward nuclear disarmament and world peace. 

In a letter dated Jan. 20, Yuzaki urged Trump to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and engage in dialogue with the survivors of the U.S. atomic bombing of the city in 1945.

Yuzaki highlighted the significant influence the United States, a major nuclear superpower, holds over global security.

He emphasized that Trump’s visit to the city would help him understand the reality of the atomic bombing, sending a powerful message of peace that encourages political leaders to make decisions and take actions toward a world free of nuclear weapons.

A similar request was also sent to Vice President JD Vance.

The prefecture’s call comes amid increasing international tensions over nuclear issues and as 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing.

A similar request was made during the inauguration of President Joe Biden four years ago. President Barack Obama was the first sitting U.S. president to visit Hiroshima in 2016.

In a separate development, Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki has also announced plans to invite Trump to the city, the second and final location to be targeted by a nuclear attack.

“Leaders of nuclear powers have significant influence on nuclear disarmament efforts,” Suzuki said on Jan. 20, adding that he would closely watch Trump’s nuclear policies.

Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui will co-sign a letter to Trump, which calls for a presidential visit to both cities.

(This article was compiled from reports by Yuhei Kyono and Takashi Ogawa.)

January 24, 2025 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics international