Japan, the singular nation to have experienced the ravages of atomic devastation. What does Hiroshima and Nagasaki signify to you, dear interlocutor?

On the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the atomic bombings, a Japanese woman’s thoughtful words emerge.

I do not hold a military rank, nor do I possess any official governmental position. I am but a simple Japanese woman. As we mark 78 years since the devastating atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the history of dropping bombs upon civilian individuals like myself remains indelible. No justification can validate such actions. I simply wish to express that, in the pursuit of coexistence upon our shared planet, it is imperative for humanity to uphold a universal consciousness, cherishing the dignity of every individual, and cease immediately from extinguishing the existence of others through the flames of hatred.

Furthermore, I firmly advocate for a return to an era where we foster a collective awareness of mutual assistance, a prerequisite for humanity to coexist harmoniously upon this Earth.

2023.8.6. Hiroko Konishi