On the 29th of September, during the public symposium: “Advancing to the ideal of a world free of nuclear weapons and wars” organised by Pugwash Japan, Religions for Peace Japan, the Nagasaki University Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition, and the Meijigakuin University International Peace Research Institute, the Japanese language version of The Beginning of the End of Nuclear Weapons was premiered in Kyoto, Japan. The venue was a stunning 450-years-old building in the middle of a 1340-years-old Buddhist temple where young priests would read and study in front of the statue of the Buddhas (“Monju Bosatsu” and “Fugen Bosatsu”) which respectively represent “deep wisdom” and “right action”; a fine location to be discussing the nuclear question in the 21st century!
Prof. Mitsuru Kurosawa, Professor at Osaka Jogakuin University and a Professor Emeritus at Osaka University, presented a brief history of nuclear disarmament and arms control treaties, and explained how the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is different. He then emphasized how dangerous the situation today is under the very self-centred and unsustainable policies of the US.
Akira Kawasaki, Executive Committee member of Peace Boat and member of the International Steering Group of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), reviewed current ICAN strategies to counter the current peril we face, and elaborated his thoughts on the action required from Japanese citizens. A lively panel discussion and Q&A session followed.
The documentary, which was shown at the very beginning of the event, received encouraging comments, such as: “It was powerful.” “It concisely depicted the nuclear history appropriately.” “It conveyed our (hibakushas’) feelings well.”
Japanese is the 8th language in which the film has been prepared, joining English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, Greek and French. Arabic and Russian versions are in the pipeline.
Pressenza is making the video freely available to any activist, organisation, network or educational institution that wishes to organise presentations. Please visit www.theendofnuclearweapons.com for more information, or contact tony.robinson@pressenza.com.
Based on text sent by: Takao Takahara, photo credits: Takao Takahara and Akira Kawasaki
