Survivor of Hiroshima atomic bombing exchanges views with scientists in France

A survivor of the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima has appealed to scientists in France to conduct research that will lead to the elimination of nuclear weapons.

Tanaka Satoshi visited the University of Montpellier in southern France on Friday and exchanged views with the university’s Vice President Francois Pierrot, physicists and other scientists.

Tanaka is a senior official of Nihon Hidankyo. The organization, which represents survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, was awarded last year’s Nobel Peace Prize.

Tanaka was a one-year-old child when the atomic bomb was dropped.

During the discussion, Tanaka said 80 years have passed since the atomic bombings but there are still people who are only now being recognized as A-bomb survivors.

He said that in the meantime, the number of people who are engaged in peace research has been decreasing.

A mathematician at the meeting said that research in his specific field has been used for nuclear development.

He said scientists need to consider to what end they are conducting their research.

Pierrot noted that people from his generation were taught that possessing nuclear weapons could serve as a deterrent.

He said many people may have embraced this view after Russia brought up a threat.
He pointed out that in order to abolish nuclear weapons in France, French people’s mindsets need to be changed.

After the meeting, Tanaka told NHK that he believes scientists can influence politicians toward abolishing nuclear arms.

He said after returning to Japan, he wants to present requests for nuclear powers and scientists to take action for eliminating nuclear weapons.

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