Antinuclear Exhibition Opens in Shibuya

The SGI/ICAN antinuclear exhibition “Everything You Treasure—For a World Free From Nuclear Weapons” opened for the first time in Tokyo on September 21 at the Shibuya Tobu Hotel. The showing is one of SGI’s events in the run-up to the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons on September 26.

Mr. Kazuo Ishiwatari, SGI Executive Director of Peace and Global Issues, welcomed the distinguished guests and introduced a message from Ms. Beatrice Fihn, Executive Director of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), stressing the importance of the early entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).

Ambassador Seiko Ishikawa of Venezuela delivered remarks on behalf of his colleagues of diplomatic corps in Japan, saying “This exhibition in Shibuya is very timely and meaningful, just as Shibuya is the gathering place of young people. We need to educate and engage the next generations on the moral imperative for nuclear disarmament. Working across generations is our immediate challenge. The very existence of humanity depends on it.”

Ms. Masako Wada, Assistant Secretary-General of the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo), said that people should unite for a world free from nuclear weapons as a common good. Sharing her thoughts and feelings as a hibakusha, she stressed that, far from assuring security, the continued possession of nuclear weapons leads to catastrophic humanitarian consequences.

The opening welcomed many distinguished guests including Shibuya Mayor Ken Hasebe and representatives of twelve diplomatic delegations in Tokyo who are supportive of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The “Everything You Treasure” exhibition has been held in 88 cities in 20 countries since its launch in Hiroshima in 2012.