Kazuko Ito

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As the only country to have suffered nuclear atrocity in war and as the home of atomic bombing survivors, or hibakusha, who continue to bear witness to the inhumanity of nuclear weapons, Japan is expected to play a leading role in preventing the growing threat of nuclear war and achieving a nuclear-free world. As a key initiative, Japanese civil society, led by A-bomb survivors, has strongly urged the Japanese government to join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) or at least become an observer state. Although it claimed to have seriously considered this possibility, Japan was absent from the Third Meeting of States Parties of the TPNW held at the U.N. Headquarters earlier this month.

The Japanese government's decision not to even participate as an observer has generated strong criticism from the Japanese public, including hibakusha. Although Japan’s foreign minister explained the reasons for this decision, the logic was widely regarded as unconvincing.

First, the government argues that the security environment surrounding Japan is extremely severe; however, this is precisely why it is necessary to ease tensions and promote nuclear disarmament. The attitude of Japan in turning its back on the TPNW will instead encourage nuclear arms proliferation by other nations........

© The Korea Times