Atomic bomb survivors look to G7 summit in Hiroshima as a 'sliver of hope' for nuclear disarmament
Holding this week’s Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima, the site of the world’s first atomic bomb attack, is an attempt by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to promote an anti-nuclear message
HIROSHIMA, Japan (AP) — This weekend's Group of Seven leading industrial nations summit in Hiroshima provides a rare — and possibly final — chance for survivors of the atomic bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to push for nuclear disarmament before a global audience.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who has roots in Hiroshima, chose the city in part to highlight their nuclear nonproliferation efforts, which have been shaken by Russia’s nuclear threats against Ukraine and rising aggression from nuclear-armed China and North Korea. He greeted leaders from the G7 on Friday at the city's Peace Memorial Park and escorted them to pay respects to those who died from the attack after seeing exhibits at a museum dedicated to them, and met with a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bombing. On Sunday, Kishida will also do the same for leaders from guest nations.
Kishida has pledged to act as a bridge between nuclear and non-nuclear states, but some critics say his disarmament goals are hollow. Japan relies on the United States nuclear umbrella for protection and has been rapidly expanding its military.
Sueichi Kido, a 83-year-old “hibakusha” or survivor of the Nagasaki explosion, says he is skeptical about whether the prime minister can convince G7 leaders — including nuclear states the U.S., the United Kingdom and France — to make real disarmament progress.
