Nagasaki Survivor Warns of Increasing Nuclear Threats During Spanish Tour

Shigemitsu Tanaka, an 84-year-old survivor of the Nagasaki atomic bombing, spoke out against the rising dangers of nuclear weapons during his recent visit to Spain. Tanaka, co-president of Nihon Hidankyo, the organization awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for its advocacy against nuclear weapons, shared his personal experiences with students and officials in Madrid, Zaragoza, and Barcelona.

In a poignant demonstration, Tanaka presented a charred piece of roof tile from Nagasaki, emphasizing the devastating impact of the 1945 nuclear explosion. He described how the incident forever altered his life, leading him to become an activist after suffering a heart attack in 2000. “For 25 years, I have worked to expose the effects of the atomic bomb, stressing the importance of banning nuclear weapons,” he declared.

During his tour, Tanaka urged Spain to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which has been adopted by 94 nations. He expressed concern that nations not party to the treaty might still endorse the use of nuclear weapons, stating, “Those who have nuclear power are not afraid to threaten to use it.”

Tanaka's visit included discussions about the current geopolitical climate, particularly conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, highlighting the potential consequences of nuclear escalation. He called for younger generations to engage with anti-nuclear movements, emphasizing their role in preventing future tragedies.

Tanaka's activism aims to raise awareness and ensure that the memories of the hibakusha, the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, serve as a testament to the horrors of nuclear warfare. "The world must remember the past," he urged, "to ensure it is never repeated."