Japan marks Hiroshima bomb anniversary with low-key ceremonies

Just ahead of the Olympic games this year, Japan has been struggling to control the&nbsp;infections. On Friday, the country further expanded a coronavirus state of emergency from the previous six areas to nine.

The three new additions are Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, where the Olympic marathon will be held, and Hiroshima and Okayama in western Japan. This has come as&nbsp;the Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga repeated his determination to hold the Olympics in just over two months.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-widens-covid-19-emergency-to-three-more-prefectures-385087">Japan widens COVID-19 emergency to three more prefectures</a>

The three additional areas will join Tokyo, Osaka and four other prefectures already under the emergency coronavirus restrictions till May 31, Suga announced at a government taskforce meeting on Friday. Bars, karaoke parlours and most entertainment facilities are required to close.

Despite the worsening infections, Suga stressed his commitment to holding the games safely and securely while protecting the Japanese population by strictly controlling the movements of foreign participants, including possibly expelling journalists covering the event if they defy regulations.

"I understand there are various difficulties, but the priority is to stop the further spread of infections and protect the people's lives and health," Suga said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japanese-towns-drop-plans-to-host-olympic-athletes-nikkei-384920">Japanese towns drop plans to host Olympic athletes: Nikkei</a>

While the Japanese PM and Tokyo's organising committee president Seiko Hashimoto and Bach have repeatedly said the games will go on as scheduled, an online petition calling for the Tokyo Olympics to be cancelled was submitted to the Tokyo government with over 350,000 signatures.

As per a recently conducted poll, 70-80 per cent of Japanese citizens say they want the Olympics cancelled or postponed. However, till now, there is no indication this will happen.

In the worst-hit Osaka area, hospitals are overflowing with COVID-19 patients. Many are waiting at home or hotels with oxygen, and more than a dozen have died without being able to get a hospital room. Coronavirus treatment in Japan is largely limited to public or university hospitals, where treatment of non-COVID-19 patients has been largely curtailed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sebastian-coe-says-covid-19-vaccine-a-big-factor-in-making-tokyo-games-happen-385179">Sebastian Coe says COVID-19 vaccine a big factor in making Tokyo Games happen</a>

Less than 2 per cent, of the public, has been fully vaccinated in Japan, making it one of the world's least inoculated nation.

The expansion of the state of emergency is a major shift from the government's initial plan that relied on less stringent measures.

On Thursday, Japan reported 6,800 new coronavirus cases, increasing its total to 665,547 with 11,255 deaths.

Just ahead of the Olympic games this year, Japan has been struggling to control the infections. On Friday, the country further expanded a coronavirus state of emergency from the previous six areas to nine.

Just ahead of the Olympic games this year, Japan has been struggling to control the infections. On Friday, the country further expanded a coronavirus state of emergency from the previous six areas to nine. The three new additions are Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, where the Olympic marathon will be held, and Hiroshima and Okayama in western Japan. This has come as the Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga repeated his determination to hold the Olympics in just over two months. Also read | Japan widens COVID-19 emergency to three more prefectures The three additional areas will join Tokyo, Osaka and four other prefectures already under the emergency coronavirus restrictions till May 31, Suga announced at a government taskforce meeting on Friday. Bars, karaoke parlours and most entertainment facilities are required to close. Despite the worsening infections, Suga stressed his commitment to holding the games safely and securely while protecting the Japanese population by strictly controlling the movements of foreign participants, including possibly expelling journalists covering the event if they defy regulations. "I understand there are various difficulties, but the priority is to stop the further spread of infections and protect the people's lives and health," Suga said. Also read | Japanese towns drop plans to host Olympic athletes: Nikkei While the Japanese PM and Tokyo's organising committee president Seiko Hashimoto and Bach have repeatedly said the games will go on as scheduled, an online petition calling for the Tokyo Olympics to be cancelled was submitted to the Tokyo government with over 350,000 signatures. As per a recently conducted poll, 70-80 per cent of Japanese citizens say they want the Olympics cancelled or postponed. However, till now, there is no indication this will happen. In the worst-hit Osaka area, hospitals are overflowing with COVID-19 patients. Many are waiting at home or hotels with oxygen, and more than a dozen have died without being able to get a hospital room. Coronavirus treatment in Japan is largely limited to public or university hospitals, where treatment of non-COVID-19 patients has been largely curtailed. Also read | Sebastian Coe says COVID-19 vaccine a big factor in making Tokyo Games happen Less than 2 per cent, of the public, has been fully vaccinated in Japan, making it one of the world's least inoculated nation. The expansion of the state of emergency is a major shift from the government's initial plan that relied on less stringent measures. On Thursday, Japan reported 6,800 new coronavirus cases, increasing its total to 665,547 with 11,255 deaths.

Japan raises state of emergency as covid worsens ahead of Tokyo Olympics

The Japanese city of Nagasaki on Sunday marked the 75th anniversary of the US atomic bombing. To this end, the city's mayor and dwindling survivors of the tragedy have urged world leaders to do more for a nuclear weapons ban.

Nagasaki survivors and other participants stood in a minute of silence to honour more than 70,000 dead at 11:02 am -- the moment the B-29 bomber Bockscar dropped a 4.5-tonne plutonium bomb dubbed "Fat Man". Sunday's ceremony was, however, scaled down because of a rise in coronavirus cases in Japan.

The August 9, 1945, bombing came three days after the United States dropped its first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, the world's first ever nuclear attack that killed 140,000.&nbsp;

On August 15, Japan surrendered, ending World War II.

Many survivors developed cancer or other illnesses due to their exposure to radiation and suffered discrimination.

During Sunday's ceremony, Nagasaki Mayor Tomihisa Taue read a peace declaration in which he raised concern about a growing global opinion supportive of nuclear deterrence. Taue also urged Japan's government and lawmakers to quickly sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. 
&nbsp;

The Japanese city of Nagasaki on Sunday marked the 75th anniversary of the US atomic bombing. To this end, the city's mayor and dwindling survivors of the tragedy have urged world leaders to do more for a nuclear weapons ban.

The Japanese city of Nagasaki on Sunday marked the 75th anniversary of the US atomic bombing. To this end, the city's mayor and dwindling survivors of the tragedy have urged world leaders to do more for a nuclear weapons ban. Nagasaki survivors and other participants stood in a minute of silence to honour more than 70,000 dead at 11:02 am -- the moment the B-29 bomber Bockscar dropped a 4.5-tonne plutonium bomb dubbed "Fat Man". Sunday's ceremony was, however, scaled down because of a rise in coronavirus cases in Japan. The August 9, 1945, bombing came three days after the United States dropped its first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, the world's first ever nuclear attack that killed 140,000. On August 15, Japan surrendered, ending World War II. Many survivors developed cancer or other illnesses due to their exposure to radiation and suffered discrimination. During Sunday's ceremony, Nagasaki Mayor Tomihisa Taue read a peace declaration in which he raised concern about a growing global opinion supportive of nuclear deterrence. Taue also urged Japan's government and lawmakers to quickly sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Nagasaki urges nuke ban on 75th anniversary of US atomic bombing

'Unspeakable horror': The tale of attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will refrain from visiting the Yasukuni shrine for war dead on the 75th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War Two, Jiji news agency said on Sunday, but will make an offering on the emotive day, as he has done in the past.

The shrine, dedicated to Japanese who have died during past wars including World War Two, is seen as a potent symbol of the controversy that persists over the conflict’s legacy in East Asia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/unspeakable-horror-the-tale-of-attacks-on-hiroshima-and-nagasaki-318534">Have a look|&nbsp;'Unspeakable horror': The tale of attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki</a>

“He will make a ritual offering to the shrine out of his personal expenses as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as he has done in previous years,” sources close to the matter said, according to the report.

Since 1978, the shrine has also honoured leaders convicted as “Class A” war criminals at an allied tribunal in 1948, making it deeply controversial at home and abroad.

Abe’s last visit to the shrine, shortly after he took office in December 2013, caused outrage in China and South Korea, who see the visits as a sign that Japan has not repented for its militarist past and war atrocities.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will refrain from visiting the Yasukuni shrine for war dead on the 75th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War Two, Jiji news agency said on Sunday, but will make an offering on the emotive day, as he has done in the past.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will refrain from visiting the Yasukuni shrine for war dead on the 75th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War Two, Jiji news agency said on Sunday, but will make an offering on the emotive day, as he has done in the past. The shrine, dedicated to Japanese who have died during past wars including World War Two, is seen as a potent symbol of the controversy that persists over the conflict’s legacy in East Asia. Have a look| 'Unspeakable horror': The tale of attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki “He will make a ritual offering to the shrine out of his personal expenses as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as he has done in previous years,” sources close to the matter said, according to the report. Since 1978, the shrine has also honoured leaders convicted as “Class A” war criminals at an allied tribunal in 1948, making it deeply controversial at home and abroad. Abe’s last visit to the shrine, shortly after he took office in December 2013, caused outrage in China and South Korea, who see the visits as a sign that Japan has not repented for its militarist past and war atrocities.

Japan's Abe to avoid visit to war-linked shrine on 75th war anniversary: Jiji

Atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima have spoken of painful memories and a desire to "abolish any kind of war," almost 75 years after the U.S. bomb devastated the city and killed 140,000 people.

Hiroshima survivors worry that world will forget

It's been 75 years since America dropped the world's first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. For survivors, the war isn't over yet. Discarded N-treaties, faster missiles, cyber-attacks, and artificial intelligence - the new nuclear threats are greater than before. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why the world isn't any wiser.

Gravitas: 75 Years After Hiroshima | Will new tech raise the threat of nuke war?

It has been 75 years since the United States dropped the world's first atomic bomb on Hiroshima.&nbsp;

Has the world learnt any lessons?

Nuclear war remains the single biggest threat to humanity.

As many as 30 years ago, the Cold War ended with the US and Russia agreeing to reduce their nuclear arsenal by 90 per cent.&nbsp;

But those agreements are being discarded one by one. China is scaling up its small nuclear arsenal. US and Russia are modernising their nuclear weapons and non-nuclear nations are not happy.

The 1968 treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons allows the nuclear powers, US, Britain, China, France and Russia to maintain nuclear weapons. This has been allowed in exchange for a commitment of total nuclear disarmament.&nbsp;

In pics |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/unspeakable-horror-the-attacks-on-hiroshima-and-nagasaki-318534">'Unspeakable horror': The attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki</a>

Other nuclear states, like India, Pakistan and Israel have not signed this treaty. North Korea, a former signatory, broke away and developed nuclear warheads.&nbsp;

This treaty failed and was replaced by another agreement in 2017 prohibits building, possessing and testing of nuclear weapons. So far, only 40 countries have signed it and as a result of this, the world has 13,410 nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

The nuclear treaties are not the only deals that have been discarded.

The Trump administration has pulled out the Iran Nuclear deal in 2018. The US has exited the intermediate-range nuclear forces treaty too.&nbsp;

Now the deal, that the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia may fail if China remains adamant on not joining it. This could have serious implications as America, Russia and China hold more than 90 per cent of the world's nuclear arsenal.

Technology has brought in a new threat, faster missiles, cyber warfare and artificial intelligence.

The US and Israel have targeted Iran's nuclear program with a computer worm. Hackers in Russia have probed US nuclear plants and Chinese hackers conducted cyber espionage on the US military.

The use of AI increases the prospects of accidents and unintentional use of nuclear weapons. An automated system can make a mistake and that mistake can wipe out the world.&nbsp;

Nuclear weapons that made us suffer for decades still exists and therefore to say the war is over, would be very much an exaggeration.&nbsp;

It has been 75 years since the United States dropped the world's first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Has the world learnt any lessons? Nuclear war remains the single biggest threat to humanity.

It has been 75 years since the United States dropped the world's first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Has the world learnt any lessons? Nuclear war remains the single biggest threat to humanity. As many as 30 years ago, the Cold War ended with the US and Russia agreeing to reduce their nuclear arsenal by 90 per cent. But those agreements are being discarded one by one. China is scaling up its small nuclear arsenal. US and Russia are modernising their nuclear weapons and non-nuclear nations are not happy. The 1968 treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons allows the nuclear powers, US, Britain, China, France and Russia to maintain nuclear weapons. This has been allowed in exchange for a commitment of total nuclear disarmament. In pics | 'Unspeakable horror': The attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki Other nuclear states, like India, Pakistan and Israel have not signed this treaty. North Korea, a former signatory, broke away and developed nuclear warheads. This treaty failed and was replaced by another agreement in 2017 prohibits building, possessing and testing of nuclear weapons. So far, only 40 countries have signed it and as a result of this, the world has 13,410 nuclear weapons. The nuclear treaties are not the only deals that have been discarded. The Trump administration has pulled out the Iran Nuclear deal in 2018. The US has exited the intermediate-range nuclear forces treaty too. Now the deal, that the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia may fail if China remains adamant on not joining it. This could have serious implications as America, Russia and China hold more than 90 per cent of the world's nuclear arsenal. Technology has brought in a new threat, faster missiles, cyber warfare and artificial intelligence. The US and Israel have targeted Iran's nuclear program with a computer worm. Hackers in Russia have probed US nuclear plants and Chinese hackers conducted cyber espionage on the US military. The use of AI increases the prospects of accidents and unintentional use of nuclear weapons. An automated system can make a mistake and that mistake can wipe out the world. Nuclear weapons that made us suffer for decades still exists and therefore to say the war is over, would be very much an exaggeration.

75th anniversary of Hiroshima bombing: Has the world learnt any lessons?

Hiroshima marks 75 years since atomic bombing in scaled-back ceremony

Bells tolled in Hiroshima on Thursday for the 75th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bombing, with ceremonies downsized due to the novel coronavirus and the mayor urging nations to reject selfish nationalism and unite to fight all threats.

Though thousands usually pack the Peace Park in central Hiroshima to pray, sing and lay paper cranes as a symbol of peace, entrance was sharply limited and only survivors and their families could attend the memorial ceremony itself.

The city said that given the significance of the 75th anniversary of the bombing, that killed 140,000 people before the end of 1945, they had decided to hold the ceremony despite the spread of coronavirus, but with strict precautions in place.

“On August 6, 1945, a single atomic bomb destroyed our city. Rumor at the time had it that ‘nothing will grow here for 75 years,’” said mayor Kazumi Matsui.

“And yet, Hiroshima recovered, becoming a symbol of peace.”

At 8:15 a.m. on Aug 6, 1945, U.S. B-29 warplane Enola Gay dropped a bomb nicknamed “Little Boy” and obliterated the city, killing 140,000 of an estimated population of 350,000, with thousands more dying later of injuries and radiation-related illnesses.

On Thursday, at the exact time the bomb exploded, the crowd stood for a moment of silence in the heavy summer heat while cicadas shrilled and the Peace Bell rang.

“When the 1918 flu pandemic attacked a century ago, it took tens of millions of lives and terrorised the world because nations fighting World War I were unable to meet the threat together,” Matsui added.

“A subsequent upsurge in nationalism led to World War II and the atomic bombings. We must never allow this painful past to repeat itself. Civil society must reject self-centered nationalism and unite against all threats.”

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended as usual, but the number of foreign visitors was down. Overall attendance was scaled back to less than 10 percent of usual, with chairs spaced far apart and most attendees wearing masks.

The bombing of Hiroshima was followed by the bombing of Nagasaki on Aug. 9, instantly killing more than 75,000 people. Japan surrendered six days later, ending World War Two.

Bells tolled in Hiroshima on Thursday for the 75th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bombing, with ceremonies downsized due to the novel coronavirus and the mayor urging nations to reject selfish nationalism and unite to fight all threats.

Bells tolled in Hiroshima on Thursday for the 75th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bombing, with ceremonies downsized due to the novel coronavirus and the mayor urging nations to reject selfish nationalism and unite to fight all threats. Though thousands usually pack the Peace Park in central Hiroshima to pray, sing and lay paper cranes as a symbol of peace, entrance was sharply limited and only survivors and their families could attend the memorial ceremony itself. The city said that given the significance of the 75th anniversary of the bombing, that killed 140,000 people before the end of 1945, they had decided to hold the ceremony despite the spread of coronavirus, but with strict precautions in place. “On August 6, 1945, a single atomic bomb destroyed our city. Rumor at the time had it that ‘nothing will grow here for 75 years,’” said mayor Kazumi Matsui. “And yet, Hiroshima recovered, becoming a symbol of peace.” At 8:15 a.m. on Aug 6, 1945, U.S. B-29 warplane Enola Gay dropped a bomb nicknamed “Little Boy” and obliterated the city, killing 140,000 of an estimated population of 350,000, with thousands more dying later of injuries and radiation-related illnesses. On Thursday, at the exact time the bomb exploded, the crowd stood for a moment of silence in the heavy summer heat while cicadas shrilled and the Peace Bell rang. “When the 1918 flu pandemic attacked a century ago, it took tens of millions of lives and terrorised the world because nations fighting World War I were unable to meet the threat together,” Matsui added. “A subsequent upsurge in nationalism led to World War II and the atomic bombings. We must never allow this painful past to repeat itself. Civil society must reject self-centered nationalism and unite against all threats.” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended as usual, but the number of foreign visitors was down. Overall attendance was scaled back to less than 10 percent of usual, with chairs spaced far apart and most attendees wearing masks. The bombing of Hiroshima was followed by the bombing of Nagasaki on Aug. 9, instantly killing more than 75,000 people. Japan surrendered six days later, ending World War Two.

Bells tolled in Hiroshima on Thursday (August 6) for the 75th anniversary of the world's first atomic bombing, with ceremonies downsized due to the coronavirus and the city's mayor urging nations to reject selfish nationalism and unite to fight all threats.

August 6 in history: World's first execution by electric chair, US drops atomic bomb on Hiroshima and more

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in his speech at the ceremony, said Japan is committed to nuclear weapons ban but said a nuclear-free world could not be achieved overnight and that it has to start from dialogue between opposite sides.

Japan: 75 years since first atomic bombing | Hiroshima Bombing Anniversary | Shinzo Abe

Japan marks 75th anniversary of Hiroshima atomic bombing | World War 2 | WION | World News

A Hiroshima court issued a rare ruling Wednesday expanding the designation of atomic bomb survivors to include more people hit by radioactive "black rain", 75 years after the US nuclear attack on Japan at the end of World War II. 
 
The Hiroshima District Court said all 84 plaintiffs, aged from their 70s through 90s, should be granted medical benefits given to the victims of the attack, known locally as "hibakusha". 
 
After the war, the central government designated certain areas as having been significantly impacted by the bombing, and offered free medical care to those who were there at the time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hiroshima-high-court-overrules-go-ahead-for-restarting-nuclear-plant-near-fault-line-275510" hreflang="en">Hiroshima High Court overrules go-ahead for restarting nuclear plant near fault line</a> 
 
The plaintiffs were in areas outside that zone but that were showered in radioactive "black rain" following the August 6, 1945 attack, and argued that they suffered health effects similar to those inside the government-designated areas. 
 
"There is no irrationality in the residents' statements that they were soaked in the black rain," presiding judge Yoshiyuki Takashima told the court, according to broadcaster NHK. 
 
"Medical documents show that the residents are experiencing illnesses that are believed to have links with the atomic bomb, and that fulfil legal conditions required of hibakusha," he said. 
 
Japan offers generous healthcare for the elderly. Those who are 75 or older pay 10 percent of costs, but the case also carried symbolic value for those who have argued for years that they too suffered in the horrific attack. 
 
After the verdict was announced, a man emerged from the courthouse and unfurled a banner reading "complete victory" as plaintiffs and their supporters erupted in cheers. 
 
As of March, the central government recognised 136,682 people as hibakusha, including those who lived in Nagasaki, which was the target of the second and final atomic raid on August 9, 1945.&nbsp; 
 
Around 140,000 people were killed in the Hiroshima bombing and its aftermath, and 74,000 perished in the Nagasaki attack. Japan will hold ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of the two bombings next week.

A Hiroshima court issued a rare ruling Wednesday expanding the designation of atomic bomb survivors to include more people hit by radioactive "black rain", 75 years after the US nuclear attack on Japan at the end of World War II.

A Hiroshima court issued a rare ruling Wednesday expanding the designation of atomic bomb survivors to include more people hit by radioactive "black rain", 75 years after the US nuclear attack on Japan at the end of World War II. The Hiroshima District Court said all 84 plaintiffs, aged from their 70s through 90s, should be granted medical benefits given to the victims of the attack, known locally as "hibakusha". After the war, the central government designated certain areas as having been significantly impacted by the bombing, and offered free medical care to those who were there at the time. Also read: Hiroshima High Court overrules go-ahead for restarting nuclear plant near fault line The plaintiffs were in areas outside that zone but that were showered in radioactive "black rain" following the August 6, 1945 attack, and argued that they suffered health effects similar to those inside the government-designated areas. "There is no irrationality in the residents' statements that they were soaked in the black rain," presiding judge Yoshiyuki Takashima told the court, according to broadcaster NHK. "Medical documents show that the residents are experiencing illnesses that are believed to have links with the atomic bomb, and that fulfil legal conditions required of hibakusha," he said. Japan offers generous healthcare for the elderly. Those who are 75 or older pay 10 percent of costs, but the case also carried symbolic value for those who have argued for years that they too suffered in the horrific attack. After the verdict was announced, a man emerged from the courthouse and unfurled a banner reading "complete victory" as plaintiffs and their supporters erupted in cheers. As of March, the central government recognised 136,682 people as hibakusha, including those who lived in Nagasaki, which was the target of the second and final atomic raid on August 9, 1945. Around 140,000 people were killed in the Hiroshima bombing and its aftermath, and 74,000 perished in the Nagasaki attack. Japan will hold ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of the two bombings next week.

Japan court recognises more Hiroshima bomb survivors

Six months before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-ceo-pledges-to-keep-games-costs-under-budget-270479">Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics</a>&nbsp;open, the&nbsp;Games&nbsp;are already inescapable in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-marks-us-japan-security-pact-with-call-for-stronger-deeper-alliance-275202">Japan</a>,&nbsp;including dominating Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japans-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-arrives-in-abu-dhabi-274173">Shinzo Abe</a>'s&nbsp;policy&nbsp;speech&nbsp;to parliament on Monday.

Normally a staid set-piece laying out a national&nbsp;policy, Abe this time began with an impassioned evocation of the last time Tokyo hosted the Summer&nbsp;Olympics, in 1964,&nbsp;proudly viewed as&nbsp;marking&nbsp;Japan's return to the world stage after its defeat in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-rejects-idea-of-soviet-style-lifelong-leaders-for-russia-while-addressing-war-veterans-275230">World War Two</a>.

"The first-ever live broadcast of an&nbsp;Olympics. As the entire world watched, the final runner entered the&nbsp;National Stadium, Olympic torch in hand," Abe said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japan-displays-2020-olympics-torch-at-g20-summit-venue-231031">Also read: Japan displays 2020 Olympics torch at G20 Summit venue</a>

"It was a 19-year-old youth from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/power-of-non-violence-issues-must-be-resolved-through-dialogue-and-not-violence-272577"> Hiroshima</a>, born on the day the atomic bomb fell, and his dynamic running showed that our&nbsp;nation&nbsp;had fully recovered from being flattened by bombings and, full of confidence and pride, proclaimed to the world&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;was embarking on an&nbsp;era&nbsp;of rapid growth."

In a&nbsp;speech&nbsp;that mentioned the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;and Paralympics by name more than a dozen times, Abe said this year's&nbsp;Games&nbsp;will do the same thing for a&nbsp;nation&nbsp;he said was written off after a long period of economic stagnation.

<h6><img alt="Tokyo olympic tickets" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eb799127-05c5-4f77-9943-cd06ee8db9b6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2020-01-15T060839Z_1_LYNXMPEG0E0EK_RTROPTP_3_OLYMPICS-2020-TICKETS.JPG" /> 
Image: Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

"This will bring all the people of&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;together to walk forward together into a&nbsp;new&nbsp;age," he said.

But preparations have been plagued with problems, including delays completing the&nbsp;new&nbsp;National Stadium. High levels of E. coli bacteria at the triathlon swim site last year forced the cancellation of a paratriathlon swimming segment amid concerns for athletes' health.

Though organisers have pledged to keep costs within budgeted estimates, this has not included an estimated 3 billion yen ($27 million) to move marathons and race walk events to the northern city of Sapporo to cope with Tokyo's searing summer heat - an issue soft-pedaled in Tokyo's bid.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/2020-olympic-games-can-be-springboard-to-transform-tokyo-198067">2020 Olympic Games can be springboard to transform Tokyo</a>

Also played down when Tokyo won the&nbsp;Games&nbsp;in 2013 as the "Recovery&nbsp;Olympics" for a&nbsp;nation&nbsp;rebuilding after the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster was the situation at the crippled power plant, which Abe said at the time was "under control."

In his Monday&nbsp;speech, Abe touted infrastructure recovery in the area, noting that the torch relay will kick off from the J-Village in Fukushima.

"This place, which was the centre of operations for responding to Fukushima, is now becoming a soccer mecca for our&nbsp;nation, overflowing with childrens' smiling faces," he said.

The buildup of contaminated water at Fukushima has hampered efforts for the decades-long recovery and alarmed neighbouring countries.

Athletes from at least one country, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lotte-group-founder-shin-kyuk-ho-dies-at-97-275268">South Korea</a>, are planning to bring radiation detectors and their own food this summer.

Six months before the Tokyo Olympics open, the Games are already inescapable in Japan, including dominating Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policy speech to parliament on Monday.

Six months before the Tokyo Olympics open, the Games are already inescapable in Japan, including dominating Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policy speech to parliament on Monday. Normally a staid set-piece laying out a national policy, Abe this time began with an impassioned evocation of the last time Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics, in 1964, proudly viewed as marking Japan's return to the world stage after its defeat in World War Two. "The first-ever live broadcast of an Olympics. As the entire world watched, the final runner entered the National Stadium, Olympic torch in hand," Abe said. Also read: Japan displays 2020 Olympics torch at G20 Summit venue "It was a 19-year-old youth from Hiroshima, born on the day the atomic bomb fell, and his dynamic running showed that our nation had fully recovered from being flattened by bombings and, full of confidence and pride, proclaimed to the world Japan was embarking on an era of rapid growth." In a speech that mentioned the Olympics and Paralympics by name more than a dozen times, Abe said this year's Games will do the same thing for a nation he said was written off after a long period of economic stagnation. Image: Reuters "This will bring all the people of Japan together to walk forward together into a new age," he said. But preparations have been plagued with problems, including delays completing the new National Stadium. High levels of E. coli bacteria at the triathlon swim site last year forced the cancellation of a paratriathlon swimming segment amid concerns for athletes' health. Though organisers have pledged to keep costs within budgeted estimates, this has not included an estimated 3 billion yen ($27 million) to move marathons and race walk events to the northern city of Sapporo to cope with Tokyo's searing summer heat - an issue soft-pedaled in Tokyo's bid. Also read: 2020 Olympic Games can be springboard to transform Tokyo Also played down when Tokyo won the Games in 2013 as the "Recovery Olympics" for a nation rebuilding after the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster was the situation at the crippled power plant, which Abe said at the time was "under control." In his Monday speech, Abe touted infrastructure recovery in the area, noting that the torch relay will kick off from the J-Village in Fukushima. "This place, which was the centre of operations for responding to Fukushima, is now becoming a soccer mecca for our nation, overflowing with childrens' smiling faces," he said. The buildup of contaminated water at Fukushima has hampered efforts for the decades-long recovery and alarmed neighbouring countries. Athletes from at least one country, South Korea, are planning to bring radiation detectors and their own food this summer.

In Olympics-heavy policy speech, Japan PM says Games mark new era for nation

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-arrives-in-japan-to-preach-anti-nuclear-message-264057">Pope Francis</a> expressed concern about future energy sources as he comforted victims of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear reactor disaster on Monday, noting a call by Japan's Catholic bishops to abolish nuclear power outright.

Around 18,000 people died or were classified as missing after the so-called triple disaster when a massive earthquake set off a tsunami - in some places 30 meters high - destroying a wide swath of Japan's northeastern coast and triggering a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant.

Radiation from the world's worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl forced hundreds of thousands to flee the area and thousands will never return.

"Important decisions will have to be made about the use of natural resources, and future energy sources in particular," the Pope said in an address to survivors in downtown Tokyo.

"Until social bonds in local communities are re-established, and people can once more enjoy safe and stable lives, the Fukushima accident will not be fully resolved," Francis said.

"This involves, as my brother bishops in Japan have emphasized, concern about the continuing use of nuclear power; for this reason, they have called for the abolition of nuclear power plants," he said.

In a statement released following the Fukushima disaster, Japan's Catholic Bishops Conference said the cessation of all nuclear power generation in the country was "imperative" given the country was disaster prone.

Resource-poor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-bid-to-repair-ties-japan-and-south-korea-agree-to-summit-next-month-264060">Japan </a>has long pushed nuclear power as a solution despite being one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations. All nuclear power plants were shut after 2011 but several have since been re-opened.

Francis listened intently as Toshiko Kato, the head of a Catholic kindergarten in Miyako City, told him: "Along with the rest of the town, my home was swept away by the tsunami."

Several Japanese Catholic officials at the meeting said Francis had repeatedly expressed a desire to go to see the disaster zone first-hand, but scheduling would not permit the trip so they brought some survivors to Tokyo to meet the pontiff.

Teenager Matsuki Kamoshita, who was eight years old at the time of the accident, said radiation was still being emitted and demanded the truth from adults about the long-term effects of radiation.

"It will take many times longer than my lifetime to restore the contaminated land and forests. So, for us who live there, adults have a responsibility to explain without concealing anything about radioactive contamination, exposure, and possible damage in the future. I don’t want them to die before us, having lied or not admitting the truth," he said.

Despite the sombre nature of the meeting, held in a convention centre in downtown Tokyo, a chamber orchestra played a tango in honour of the Argentinian-born pope to greet him as he walked in and he later thanked them for it.

Francis, who is making the first trip by a pontiff to Japan since 1981, used visits over the weekend to the only cities ever hit by atomic bombs - Hiroshima and Nagasaki - to underscore his campaign to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-urges-abolition-of-nuclear-weapons-at-nagasaki-ground-zero-264149">abolish nuclear weapons</a>. He reiterated his belief that their possession is indefensibly perverse and immoral and their use a crime against mankind and nature.

After meeting with the Fukushima survivors, Francis met with Emperor Naruhito. He is also scheduled to talk with Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prime-minister-abes-approval-rating-sags-due-to-accusations-of-violating-laws-for-political-spending-262813">Shinzo Abe</a> later in the day.

Pope Francis expressed concern about future energy sources as he comforted victims of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear reactor disaster on Monday, noting a call by Japan's Catholic bishops to abolish nuclear power outright.

Pope Francis expressed concern about future energy sources as he comforted victims of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear reactor disaster on Monday, noting a call by Japan's Catholic bishops to abolish nuclear power outright. Around 18,000 people died or were classified as missing after the so-called triple disaster when a massive earthquake set off a tsunami - in some places 30 meters high - destroying a wide swath of Japan's northeastern coast and triggering a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant. Radiation from the world's worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl forced hundreds of thousands to flee the area and thousands will never return. "Important decisions will have to be made about the use of natural resources, and future energy sources in particular," the Pope said in an address to survivors in downtown Tokyo. "Until social bonds in local communities are re-established, and people can once more enjoy safe and stable lives, the Fukushima accident will not be fully resolved," Francis said. "This involves, as my brother bishops in Japan have emphasized, concern about the continuing use of nuclear power; for this reason, they have called for the abolition of nuclear power plants," he said. In a statement released following the Fukushima disaster, Japan's Catholic Bishops Conference said the cessation of all nuclear power generation in the country was "imperative" given the country was disaster prone. Resource-poor Japan has long pushed nuclear power as a solution despite being one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations. All nuclear power plants were shut after 2011 but several have since been re-opened. Francis listened intently as Toshiko Kato, the head of a Catholic kindergarten in Miyako City, told him: "Along with the rest of the town, my home was swept away by the tsunami." Several Japanese Catholic officials at the meeting said Francis had repeatedly expressed a desire to go to see the disaster zone first-hand, but scheduling would not permit the trip so they brought some survivors to Tokyo to meet the pontiff. Teenager Matsuki Kamoshita, who was eight years old at the time of the accident, said radiation was still being emitted and demanded the truth from adults about the long-term effects of radiation. "It will take many times longer than my lifetime to restore the contaminated land and forests. So, for us who live there, adults have a responsibility to explain without concealing anything about radioactive contamination, exposure, and possible damage in the future. I don’t want them to die before us, having lied or not admitting the truth," he said. Despite the sombre nature of the meeting, held in a convention centre in downtown Tokyo, a chamber orchestra played a tango in honour of the Argentinian-born pope to greet him as he walked in and he later thanked them for it. Francis, who is making the first trip by a pontiff to Japan since 1981, used visits over the weekend to the only cities ever hit by atomic bombs - Hiroshima and Nagasaki - to underscore his campaign to abolish nuclear weapons. He reiterated his belief that their possession is indefensibly perverse and immoral and their use a crime against mankind and nature. After meeting with the Fukushima survivors, Francis met with Emperor Naruhito. He is also scheduled to talk with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe later in the day.

Until social bonds in local communities is re-established, Fukushima accident will not be fully resolved: Pope Francis

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-departs-thailand-for-japan-bringing-anti-nuclear-message-263984">Pope Francis</a> arrived in Japan on Saturday, where he is expected to deliver a robust anti-nuclear message of peace in the only country to have suffered an atomic bomb attack.

The 82-year-old Argentine is fulfilling a long-cherished ambition to preach in Japan, where years ago he hoped to be a missionary.

He arrived in Tokyo in heavy rain and high winds, the white cape of his papal outfit blowing up around his face as he stepped gingerly down the staircase from the Thai Airways plane that carried him from the first stop of his tour in Thailand.

His four-day trip will begin with visits to Nagasaki and Hiroshima, cities forever associated with the nuclear bombs dropped on them at the end of World War II, killing at least 74,000 people and 140,000 people respectively.

In a video message to the Japanese people before he left the Vatican, Francis railed against the "immoral" use of nuclear weapons.

"Together with you, I pray that the destructive power of nuclear weapons will never be unleashed again in human history," said the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics.

Francis <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-urges-respect-for-prostitutes-at-crowded-bangkok-mass-263707">arrives from Thailand</a>, where he preached a message of religious tolerance and peace.

He is expected to do the same in Japan, a country with only approximately 440,000 Catholics out of a population of 126 million.

The majority of Japanese practise a mixture of Shinto and Buddhism, two closely intertwined faiths based on the worship of nature and spirits, but many in Japan also observe Christian festivals such as Christmas.

Christians endured centuries of bloody repression in Japan after the religion was introduced to the country by a Spanish Jesuit priest in 1549.

In the 17th century, Japan was closed to the outside world and Christians were persecuted, tortured, crucified and drowned as they were forced to recant their faith.

When Japan reopened to the world in the mid-19th century and the missionaries returned, they were astonished to find an estimated 60,000 who had secretly kept the faith alive and followed a unique version of Catholicism blended with Japanese culture and religious rites.

Francis is expected to pay tribute to these so-called "hidden Christians", or "kakure kirishitan" in Japanese,&nbsp;during his trip on Sunday to Nagasaki, where they were discovered.

Francis will also visit Hiroshima and deliver remarks at the world-famous peace memorial that marks the day on August 6, 1945 when the atomic bomb was dropped.

Father Yoshio Kajiyama, director of the Jesuit social centre in Tokyo, was born in Hiroshima shortly after the war and is eagerly awaiting the pope's anti-nuclear speech.

"My grandfather died the day of the bomb in Hiroshima, I never knew him. Four days later my aunt died when she was 15 years old," said the 64-year-old.

"If you grow up in Hiroshima, you can't forget the bomb."

In Tokyo on Monday, Francis will met victims of the "triple disaster", the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown in 2011 that devastated large swathes of north-eastern Japan.

His trip will also include meetings with the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/symbolic-night-with-goddess-to-wrap-up-japan-emperors-accession-rites-261259">Emperor Naruhito</a> and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as well as delivering a mass in a Tokyo baseball stadium.

On the first leg of his latest Asian tour, Francis spent three nights in Buddhist-majority Thailand, another country where just a sliver of the population is Catholic.

Also watch:&nbsp;Pope Francis on Asian tour

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He met with Thai King Vajiralongkorn and also sat down with the Buddhist Supreme Patriarch,&nbsp;the head of Thailand's Buddhists,&nbsp;readily taking off his shoes during the visit to adhere to local customs.

His cousin Sister Ana Rosa, who has worked as a missionary in Thailand since 1966, was a near constant presence by his side during the visit, serving as his interpreter.

In his final public address in Bangkok, the pontiff expressed gratitude to the small Catholic community for the warm welcome he received.&nbsp;

"I am leaving you with a task: do not forget to pray for me!"

Pope Francis arrived in Japan on Saturday, where he is expected to deliver a robust anti-nuclear message of peace in the only country to have suffered an atomic bomb attack.

Pope Francis arrived in Japan on Saturday, where he is expected to deliver a robust anti-nuclear message of peace in the only country to have suffered an atomic bomb attack. The 82-year-old Argentine is fulfilling a long-cherished ambition to preach in Japan, where years ago he hoped to be a missionary. He arrived in Tokyo in heavy rain and high winds, the white cape of his papal outfit blowing up around his face as he stepped gingerly down the staircase from the Thai Airways plane that carried him from the first stop of his tour in Thailand. His four-day trip will begin with visits to Nagasaki and Hiroshima, cities forever associated with the nuclear bombs dropped on them at the end of World War II, killing at least 74,000 people and 140,000 people respectively. In a video message to the Japanese people before he left the Vatican, Francis railed against the "immoral" use of nuclear weapons. "Together with you, I pray that the destructive power of nuclear weapons will never be unleashed again in human history," said the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. Francis arrives from Thailand, where he preached a message of religious tolerance and peace. He is expected to do the same in Japan, a country with only approximately 440,000 Catholics out of a population of 126 million. The majority of Japanese practise a mixture of Shinto and Buddhism, two closely intertwined faiths based on the worship of nature and spirits, but many in Japan also observe Christian festivals such as Christmas. Christians endured centuries of bloody repression in Japan after the religion was introduced to the country by a Spanish Jesuit priest in 1549. In the 17th century, Japan was closed to the outside world and Christians were persecuted, tortured, crucified and drowned as they were forced to recant their faith. When Japan reopened to the world in the mid-19th century and the missionaries returned, they were astonished to find an estimated 60,000 who had secretly kept the faith alive and followed a unique version of Catholicism blended with Japanese culture and religious rites. Francis is expected to pay tribute to these so-called "hidden Christians", or "kakure kirishitan" in Japanese, during his trip on Sunday to Nagasaki, where they were discovered. Francis will also visit Hiroshima and deliver remarks at the world-famous peace memorial that marks the day on August 6, 1945 when the atomic bomb was dropped. Father Yoshio Kajiyama, director of the Jesuit social centre in Tokyo, was born in Hiroshima shortly after the war and is eagerly awaiting the pope's anti-nuclear speech. "My grandfather died the day of the bomb in Hiroshima, I never knew him. Four days later my aunt died when she was 15 years old," said the 64-year-old. "If you grow up in Hiroshima, you can't forget the bomb." In Tokyo on Monday, Francis will met victims of the "triple disaster", the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown in 2011 that devastated large swathes of north-eastern Japan. His trip will also include meetings with the new Emperor Naruhito and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as well as delivering a mass in a Tokyo baseball stadium. On the first leg of his latest Asian tour, Francis spent three nights in Buddhist-majority Thailand, another country where just a sliver of the population is Catholic. Also watch: Pope Francis on Asian tour × He met with Thai King Vajiralongkorn and also sat down with the Buddhist Supreme Patriarch, the head of Thailand's Buddhists, readily taking off his shoes during the visit to adhere to local customs. His cousin Sister Ana Rosa, who has worked as a missionary in Thailand since 1966, was a near constant presence by his side during the visit, serving as his interpreter. In his final public address in Bangkok, the pontiff expressed gratitude to the small Catholic community for the warm welcome he received. "I am leaving you with a task: do not forget to pray for me!"

Pope Francis arrives in Japan to preach anti-nuclear message

When the voice of Humanity is silenced, the voice of Violence is heard for ages.

Violence plagues the world and has plagued the world through all history. Structural Violence may last for a specific period. Experience has established that the after-effects of Structural Violence linger on for generations. It destroys the very fabric of society.

The ghastly atomic attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki produced huge numbers of casualties. There is no doubt that the physical and psychological impacts of the atomic attacks continued for generations long after the actual attack. Similarly, the disruption caused in society continues for generations long after the active phase of the structural violence.

From the United Nations to the leading think tanks, as well as several nations, are struggling to deal with the violence at the physical violence, and in many cases, the physical violence has been controlled. However, the aftermath of the Violence has not been extensively studied. The present writer portrays the aftermath of Structural Violence.

By the term ‘Structural Violence’, I refer to the following:

<ul>
	<li>Militancy</li>
	<li>Terrorism</li>
	<li>Insurgency</li>
	<li>Maoism</li>
</ul>

When I speak about Structural Violence, I include the Economics and Sociology of the violence.

Will the dark clouds of Structural Violence ever be dispelled by the golden rays of Peace? This is a question we all need to seriously think about.

The Cycle of Violence

Unfortunately, India is perhaps unique in the world today in that it faces all four types of Structural Violence. There is Militancy in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, insurgency in Northeast, Maoist violence in many parts of the country, and until recently there was terrorism in Punjab,

History shows us that violence follows a vicious cycle. It is commonly said that ‘violence breeds violence’. The perpetrators are very easy to manipulate into violence – they mostly fall into three categories:

1. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Socially deprived

2. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Economically deprived

3. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Sexually deprived

There is a period of intense violence – which maybe for days or months or years. Yet, when this intense period ends, the cycle of violence is not over. Experience from Ground Zero has revealed that 15 years of violence result in around 150 years of disruption for Humanity. Violence is a phenomenon which lingers on far longer than when peace has supposedly dawned.

I have spent more than two decades in many of the strife-torn regions of India and its neighbourhood. While working for peace, I have interacted with many people, both perpetrators and the affected. On the basis of this, I wish to share my observations.

The collapse of values &amp; the trust-deficit syndrome

The moral fabric of society has been disrupted. People who are economically and sexually deprived are obsessed with material gains and indulgence in sensual pleasures. This, in turn, leads to a disregard for human life and dignity, which in turn leads to violence.

Violence leads to a culture of despondency, of helplessness, and resignation. When citizens lose their self-esteem and confidence to change society for the better, evil elements dominate society. No one is there to oppose them.

The first indication of a violence-prone area is the Trust-Deficit Syndrome among the people. Every society has citizens who appreciate the futility of violence and wish to work for peace. Their voices are stifled. They are branded as informers and government agents and even attacked.

Wherever Structural Violence begins, a significant percentage of the people extend moral and material support. However, these same supporters get victimised by the perpetrators.

Research shows that while we have progressed greatly materially, educationally, and infrastructure-wise, but psychologically we are not able to reap the fruits of this progress. &nbsp;Research also shows only 25% of millennials have trust in others. This results in fear and mental constraints in the minds of people. This leads to violence, that is invisible but endemic.

An environment of fear

Structural Violence results in long-lasting Physical, Mental, and Emotional Trauma in the general population of the affected region. Psychomatic illnesses and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are widespread.

This is revealed by something as simple as how day-to-day greetings have changed in Kashmir. People now greet each other by expressing concern about health and well-being. If a family member leaves the house for daily chores, and more than an hour elapses without his or her return, the family is greatly worried!

This environment of fear results in widespread health issues in the general population. Pregnant women are particularly affected, with resultant complications.

In this scenario, economic and social revival becomes difficult, even with extensive Government funding.

The epidemic of drugs

It has been observed that it is this endemic fear and mental constraints that leads to the epidemic of drugs. It has been said that a drug is a substitute for love. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also observed where the institution of the family has declined and the trust-deficit in society has risen, drug addiction takes root.

Structural Violence has an international dimension, which provides infrastructural support. Sponsors of Violence provide support initially.

These international agencies supply the perpetrators with drugs, to enable them to generate their own resources. After a passage of time, they often withdraw their support. Instead, they encourage the perpetrators to take up drug cultivation and distribution.

It is no secret that drugs are a potent cause of violence, in all its manifestations. Drug addictions result in sociopathic tendencies and apathy amongst the general public. The families of drug addicts are severely affected. The inability to bear stress results in a significant percentage of society turning to drugs for solace, with catastrophic results. Once drug addiction gets embedded in a region, its impact lasts long. I have sadly observed this in Kashmir, Northeast India, and Nepal. Middle and lower-middle&nbsp;classes have become trapped in drug addiction, and these see no way to escape from this disastrous situation.

The drug trade results in huge profits for the kingpins, and in turn profits from the drug trade are poured into the purchase of armaments, sponsoring terror camps, and disseminating malicious propaganda.

The status of women

Mahatma Gandhi said that the value of a society is shown by how it treats its women. He also said – ‘Educate a man, and you educate a person. Educate a woman, and you educate a family’

Experience has conclusively established that where violence rules, the status of women is low. This results in widespread trafficking in and crimes against women and girls. Prostitution and trafficking of young women and girls have become accepted as a normal activity by society.

Structural Violence has robbed society of its soul.

My experience shows that perpetrators of Structural Violence seek shelter in the homes of people. They have been known to exploit the womenfolk in these homes. When the same people come to realise the actual character of these perpetrators, they plead with security forces to protect their homes and families from terrorists – this is unacceptably not highlighted in media. Amongst these people, they also take up arms themselves to protect their family’s honour and property.

Now, in one of the regions, I have observed a different tragedy unfolding. Militancy developed in the 1990s. Many male students dropped out of colleges to become terrorists. The female students largely continued with their education, and several obtained higher degrees. These educated women were unwilling to marry men less educated and indulging in terrorism. They chose to remain single, despite family pressure and social condemnation. These ladies are now holding teaching or clerical jobs at a mere pittance. I asked some of them, as why they worked long hours for such low pay. They replied that at work, they secured a few hours of solace from family pressures.

The result of the above phenomena is that the self-esteem of both individuals and the whole of society become low. When self-esteem is low, entrepreneurship and innovation diminishes. All the development and infrastructure work of the Government has no effect.

Violence as an industry

Structural violence functions like a corporation. There are many national and international stakeholders who do not wish see the depreciation of the share value!

Further, a small but significant percentage of those involved in violence create a livelihood from Extortion, Protection Rackets, the Rigging of Contracts, as Informers, etc. These individuals have a vested interest in continuing the cycle of violence in perpetuity!

Also, the destruction of the economy is most obvious after-effect of Structural Violence. A violence-ravaged region or country is not one where investments and jobs flow. And idle youth are the seeds of repeated violence.

Holistic solutions are needed

A violence-ravaged region is like a human with a deep wound. Mere ointments applied will not work, intense treatment will be needed. Similarly, the opening of hospitals and schools, the release of monetary compensation, etc. are superficial measures. &nbsp;Rebuilding Physical Infrastructure and Economic Infrastructure are of course vital. However, these will have superficial results, unless the Social Infrastructure is not rebuilt too.

What is absolutely essential is that we study the long-term consequences of Structural Violence. And devise innovative solutions to address these consequences. This is the need of the hour for India and the world in general.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

When the voice of Humanity is silenced, the voice of Violence is heard for ages. Violence plagues the world and has plagued the world through all history. Structural Violence may last for a specific period.

When the voice of Humanity is silenced, the voice of Violence is heard for ages. Violence plagues the world and has plagued the world through all history. Structural Violence may last for a specific period. Experience has established that the after-effects of Structural Violence linger on for generations. It destroys the very fabric of society. The ghastly atomic attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki produced huge numbers of casualties. There is no doubt that the physical and psychological impacts of the atomic attacks continued for generations long after the actual attack. Similarly, the disruption caused in society continues for generations long after the active phase of the structural violence. From the United Nations to the leading think tanks, as well as several nations, are struggling to deal with the violence at the physical violence, and in many cases, the physical violence has been controlled. However, the aftermath of the Violence has not been extensively studied. The present writer portrays the aftermath of Structural Violence. By the term ‘Structural Violence’, I refer to the following: Militancy Terrorism Insurgency Maoism When I speak about Structural Violence, I include the Economics and Sociology of the violence. Will the dark clouds of Structural Violence ever be dispelled by the golden rays of Peace? This is a question we all need to seriously think about. The Cycle of Violence Unfortunately, India is perhaps unique in the world today in that it faces all four types of Structural Violence. There is Militancy in Jammu & Kashmir, insurgency in Northeast, Maoist violence in many parts of the country, and until recently there was terrorism in Punjab, History shows us that violence follows a vicious cycle. It is commonly said that ‘violence breeds violence’. The perpetrators are very easy to manipulate into violence – they mostly fall into three categories: 1. Socially deprived 2. Economically deprived 3. Sexually deprived There is a period of intense violence – which maybe for days or months or years. Yet, when this intense period ends, the cycle of violence is not over. Experience from Ground Zero has revealed that 15 years of violence result in around 150 years of disruption for Humanity. Violence is a phenomenon which lingers on far longer than when peace has supposedly dawned. I have spent more than two decades in many of the strife-torn regions of India and its neighbourhood. While working for peace, I have interacted with many people, both perpetrators and the affected. On the basis of this, I wish to share my observations. The collapse of values & the trust-deficit syndrome The moral fabric of society has been disrupted. People who are economically and sexually deprived are obsessed with material gains and indulgence in sensual pleasures. This, in turn, leads to a disregard for human life and dignity, which in turn leads to violence. Violence leads to a culture of despondency, of helplessness, and resignation. When citizens lose their self-esteem and confidence to change society for the better, evil elements dominate society. No one is there to oppose them. The first indication of a violence-prone area is the Trust-Deficit Syndrome among the people. Every society has citizens who appreciate the futility of violence and wish to work for peace. Their voices are stifled. They are branded as informers and government agents and even attacked. Wherever Structural Violence begins, a significant percentage of the people extend moral and material support. However, these same supporters get victimised by the perpetrators. Research shows that while we have progressed greatly materially, educationally, and infrastructure-wise, but psychologically we are not able to reap the fruits of this progress. Research also shows only 25% of millennials have trust in others. This results in fear and mental constraints in the minds of people. This leads to violence, that is invisible but endemic. An environment of fear Structural Violence results in long-lasting Physical, Mental, and Emotional Trauma in the general population of the affected region. Psychomatic illnesses and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are widespread. This is revealed by something as simple as how day-to-day greetings have changed in Kashmir. People now greet each other by expressing concern about health and well-being. If a family member leaves the house for daily chores, and more than an hour elapses without his or her return, the family is greatly worried! This environment of fear results in widespread health issues in the general population. Pregnant women are particularly affected, with resultant complications. In this scenario, economic and social revival becomes difficult, even with extensive Government funding. The epidemic of drugs It has been observed that it is this endemic fear and mental constraints that leads to the epidemic of drugs. It has been said that a drug is a substitute for love. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also observed where the institution of the family has declined and the trust-deficit in society has risen, drug addiction takes root. Structural Violence has an international dimension, which provides infrastructural support. Sponsors of Violence provide support initially. These international agencies supply the perpetrators with drugs, to enable them to generate their own resources. After a passage of time, they often withdraw their support. Instead, they encourage the perpetrators to take up drug cultivation and distribution. It is no secret that drugs are a potent cause of violence, in all its manifestations. Drug addictions result in sociopathic tendencies and apathy amongst the general public. The families of drug addicts are severely affected. The inability to bear stress results in a significant percentage of society turning to drugs for solace, with catastrophic results. Once drug addiction gets embedded in a region, its impact lasts long. I have sadly observed this in Kashmir, Northeast India, and Nepal. Middle and lower-middle classes have become trapped in drug addiction, and these see no way to escape from this disastrous situation. The drug trade results in huge profits for the kingpins, and in turn profits from the drug trade are poured into the purchase of armaments, sponsoring terror camps, and disseminating malicious propaganda. The status of women Mahatma Gandhi said that the value of a society is shown by how it treats its women. He also said – ‘Educate a man, and you educate a person. Educate a woman, and you educate a family’ Experience has conclusively established that where violence rules, the status of women is low. This results in widespread trafficking in and crimes against women and girls. Prostitution and trafficking of young women and girls have become accepted as a normal activity by society. Structural Violence has robbed society of its soul. My experience shows that perpetrators of Structural Violence seek shelter in the homes of people. They have been known to exploit the womenfolk in these homes. When the same people come to realise the actual character of these perpetrators, they plead with security forces to protect their homes and families from terrorists – this is unacceptably not highlighted in media. Amongst these people, they also take up arms themselves to protect their family’s honour and property. Now, in one of the regions, I have observed a different tragedy unfolding. Militancy developed in the 1990s. Many male students dropped out of colleges to become terrorists. The female students largely continued with their education, and several obtained higher degrees. These educated women were unwilling to marry men less educated and indulging in terrorism. They chose to remain single, despite family pressure and social condemnation. These ladies are now holding teaching or clerical jobs at a mere pittance. I asked some of them, as why they worked long hours for such low pay. They replied that at work, they secured a few hours of solace from family pressures. The result of the above phenomena is that the self-esteem of both individuals and the whole of society become low. When self-esteem is low, entrepreneurship and innovation diminishes. All the development and infrastructure work of the Government has no effect. Violence as an industry Structural violence functions like a corporation. There are many national and international stakeholders who do not wish see the depreciation of the share value! Further, a small but significant percentage of those involved in violence create a livelihood from Extortion, Protection Rackets, the Rigging of Contracts, as Informers, etc. These individuals have a vested interest in continuing the cycle of violence in perpetuity! Also, the destruction of the economy is most obvious after-effect of Structural Violence. A violence-ravaged region or country is not one where investments and jobs flow. And idle youth are the seeds of repeated violence. Holistic solutions are needed A violence-ravaged region is like a human with a deep wound. Mere ointments applied will not work, intense treatment will be needed. Similarly, the opening of hospitals and schools, the release of monetary compensation, etc. are superficial measures. Rebuilding Physical Infrastructure and Economic Infrastructure are of course vital. However, these will have superficial results, unless the Social Infrastructure is not rebuilt too. What is absolutely essential is that we study the long-term consequences of Structural Violence. And devise innovative solutions to address these consequences. This is the need of the hour for India and the world in general. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Violence never abates – it resounds for ages

The mayor of Hiroshima urged Japan to sign a landmark UN treaty banning nuclear weapons as the city Tuesday marked 74 years since being targeted in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hiroshima-marks-73rd-anniversary-of-atomic-bombing-in-wwii-157247">world's first atomic attack</a>.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe led commemorations at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima as residents offered silent prayers, lit candles and placed wreathes to remember those killed in the August 6, 1945 bombing.

And mayor Kazumi Matsui used the occasion to push the Abe administration to sign the UN treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons (TPNW), approved by more than 120 nations, but rejected by the US and other nuclear armed countries.

"I call on the government of the only country to experience a nuclear weapon in war to accede to the hibakusha's (atomic bomb victims) request that the TPNW be signed and ratified," said Matsui.

"I urge Japan's leaders to manifest the pacifism of the Japanese constitution by displaying leadership in taking the next step towards a world free from nuclear weapons."

The mayor urged world leaders to come to the city to see the memorial for themselves, amid expectations that Pope Francis will visit later this year.

The ongoing threat from atomic weapons in the region was demonstrated as nuclear-armed North Korea fired off two "unidentified projectiles" off its eastern coast -- the latest in a series of tests.

Meanwhile, the US and Russia failed to renew a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-formally-withdraws-from-1987-nuclear-pact-with-russia-mike-pompeo-240169"> Cold War-era nuclear pact </a>last week, triggering renewed fears of an arms race.

Japan remains the only country to have experienced atomic attack -- against Hiroshima and Nagasaki, days ahead of the country's surrender on August 15, 1945 to end World War II.

For his part, Abe reiterated a pledge to serve as a "bridge" between nations with and without nuclear weapons to rid the world of them.

"With help from both sides, I will patiently encourage them to engage in dialogue and I am resolved to lead international efforts towards this end," he said.&nbsp;

The mayor of Hiroshima urged Japan to sign a landmark UN treaty banning nuclear weapons as the city Tuesday marked 74 years since being targeted in the world's first atomic attack.

The mayor of Hiroshima urged Japan to sign a landmark UN treaty banning nuclear weapons as the city Tuesday marked 74 years since being targeted in the world's first atomic attack. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe led commemorations at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima as residents offered silent prayers, lit candles and placed wreathes to remember those killed in the August 6, 1945 bombing. And mayor Kazumi Matsui used the occasion to push the Abe administration to sign the UN treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons (TPNW), approved by more than 120 nations, but rejected by the US and other nuclear armed countries. "I call on the government of the only country to experience a nuclear weapon in war to accede to the hibakusha's (atomic bomb victims) request that the TPNW be signed and ratified," said Matsui. "I urge Japan's leaders to manifest the pacifism of the Japanese constitution by displaying leadership in taking the next step towards a world free from nuclear weapons." The mayor urged world leaders to come to the city to see the memorial for themselves, amid expectations that Pope Francis will visit later this year. The ongoing threat from atomic weapons in the region was demonstrated as nuclear-armed North Korea fired off two "unidentified projectiles" off its eastern coast -- the latest in a series of tests. Meanwhile, the US and Russia failed to renew a Cold War-era nuclear pact last week, triggering renewed fears of an arms race. Japan remains the only country to have experienced atomic attack -- against Hiroshima and Nagasaki, days ahead of the country's surrender on August 15, 1945 to end World War II. For his part, Abe reiterated a pledge to serve as a "bridge" between nations with and without nuclear weapons to rid the world of them. "With help from both sides, I will patiently encourage them to engage in dialogue and I am resolved to lead international efforts towards this end," he said.

Mayor urges Japan to sign UN nuke ban on Hiroshima anniversary

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will become the first sitting Japanese leader to visit Pearl Harbor, as he announced on Monday a symbolic visit this month to the site of the Japanese attack 75 years ago that pulled the United States into World War II.

Abe said in a news conference that he would travel to the American naval base with outgoing US President Barack Obama during a trip to Hawaii on December 26 and 27, reports the New York Times.

By visiting Pearl Harbor, Abe will be reciprocating a trip President Obama made in May to the Japanese city of Hiroshima, where the United States dropped a nuclear bomb at the end of the war with Japan in 1945.

&quot;We must never repeat the horror of war. I want to express that determination as we look to the future, and at the same time send a message about the value of US-Japanese reconciliation,&quot; said Abe.

Abe&#39;s visit will come just a few weeks after the 75th anniversary of the attack, which occurred on December&nbsp;7, 1941.

Carried out by Japanese bombers and fighter planes launched from aircraft carriers that had quietly slipped within striking distance of Hawaii, the attack killed more than 2,000 Americans and sank a number of United States warships, including the battleship Arizona, whose wreck has become a memorial to the battle.

Obama&#39;s trip to Hiroshima this year was also a first by any sitting American president. In a statement, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said that the two leaders would visit the Arizona memorial together to honour those killed at Pearl Harbor.

(ANI)

Abe will be reciprocating a trip President Obama made in May to the Japanese city of Hiroshima

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will become the first sitting Japanese leader to visit Pearl Harbor, as he announced on Monday a symbolic visit this month to the site of the Japanese attack 75 years ago that pulled the United States into World War II. Abe said in a news conference that he would travel to the American naval base with outgoing US President Barack Obama during a trip to Hawaii on December 26 and 27, reports the New York Times. By visiting Pearl Harbor, Abe will be reciprocating a trip President Obama made in May to the Japanese city of Hiroshima, where the United States dropped a nuclear bomb at the end of the war with Japan in 1945. "We must never repeat the horror of war. I want to express that determination as we look to the future, and at the same time send a message about the value of US-Japanese reconciliation," said Abe. Abe's visit will come just a few weeks after the 75th anniversary of the attack, which occurred on December 7, 1941. Carried out by Japanese bombers and fighter planes launched from aircraft carriers that had quietly slipped within striking distance of Hawaii, the attack killed more than 2,000 Americans and sank a number of United States warships, including the battleship Arizona, whose wreck has become a memorial to the battle. Obama's trip to Hiroshima this year was also a first by any sitting American president. In a statement, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said that the two leaders would visit the Arizona memorial together to honour those killed at Pearl Harbor. (ANI)

Shinzo Abe to be first Japanese leader to visit Pearl Harbor

Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro revived old enmities with the United States as he celebrated his 90th birthday today, skewering Havana&#39;s Cold War foe for its repeated attempts on his life. 
 
Castro, who retired from public life in 2006 due to ill health and appointed his brother Raul in his place, criticised US President Barack Obama for failing to explicitly apologise during his historic visit to Japan in May for Washington&#39;s decision to drop the atomic bomb. 
 
&quot;The US president&#39;s speech in Japan lacked the words to apologise for the killing of hundreds of thousands of people in Hiroshima, even though they (the United States) knew the effects of the bomb,&quot; the ex-leader said in an article published by official media. 
 
(In his speech, Obama did decry the resort to war and called for a world without nuclear weapons.) 
 
Castro condemned as &quot;equally criminal&quot; the bombing of Nagasaki three days later on August 9, 1945. 
 
&quot;That&#39;s why you have to stress the need to preserve peace and that no power has the right to kill millions of people,&quot; Castro said. 
 
Castro recalled his own youth and confrontation with the United States while he headed the communist island. 
 
&quot;I almost laughed at the Machiavellian plans of US presidents,&quot; Castro said in the article published late yesterday. 
 
According to Cuban intelligence services, Castro faced 634 plots between 1958 and 2000. Several of those have been substantiated by US officials; some reportedly involved slipping poisoned or explosive cigars to the cigar-loving Cuban leader. 
 
Castro&#39;s brother Raul restored diplomatic relations with Washington last year. 
 
Castro warned in his article about the risks of global overpopulation, calling it &quot;the greatest threat in the history of mankind.&quot; 
 
He singled out China and Russia as &quot;great powers that cannot be subjected to threats of deploying nuclear weapons.&quot; 
 
Castro was last seen in public on April 19 at the close of the Cuban Communist Party Congress. 
 
Dressed in a blue tracksuit and speaking in a trembling voice, he seemed to say goodbye. 
 
&quot;Soon I&#39;ll be like all the rest,&quot; he said. &quot;Everyone&#39;s turn comes.&quot; 
 
After Barack Obama visited Cuba in March, Fidel Castro recalled the island&#39;s long enmity with the US, including Washington&#39;s backing for the failed invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs in 1961. 
 
His bitterness over that botched CIA plot played a part in pushing the world to the brink of nuclear war during the Cuban missile crisis the following year. 
 
The Soviet Union agreed to his request to send ballistic missiles to Cuba, and removed them only after a tense standoff with the United States. 
 
(AFP)

Fidel Castro recalled his own youth and confrontation with the United States while he headed the communist island of Cuba

Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro revived old enmities with the United States as he celebrated his 90th birthday today, skewering Havana's Cold War foe for its repeated attempts on his life. Castro, who retired from public life in 2006 due to ill health and appointed his brother Raul in his place, criticised US President Barack Obama for failing to explicitly apologise during his historic visit to Japan in May for Washington's decision to drop the atomic bomb. "The US president's speech in Japan lacked the words to apologise for the killing of hundreds of thousands of people in Hiroshima, even though they (the United States) knew the effects of the bomb," the ex-leader said in an article published by official media. (In his speech, Obama did decry the resort to war and called for a world without nuclear weapons.) Castro condemned as "equally criminal" the bombing of Nagasaki three days later on August 9, 1945. "That's why you have to stress the need to preserve peace and that no power has the right to kill millions of people," Castro said. Castro recalled his own youth and confrontation with the United States while he headed the communist island. "I almost laughed at the Machiavellian plans of US presidents," Castro said in the article published late yesterday. According to Cuban intelligence services, Castro faced 634 plots between 1958 and 2000. Several of those have been substantiated by US officials; some reportedly involved slipping poisoned or explosive cigars to the cigar-loving Cuban leader. Castro's brother Raul restored diplomatic relations with Washington last year. Castro warned in his article about the risks of global overpopulation, calling it "the greatest threat in the history of mankind." He singled out China and Russia as "great powers that cannot be subjected to threats of deploying nuclear weapons." Castro was last seen in public on April 19 at the close of the Cuban Communist Party Congress. Dressed in a blue tracksuit and speaking in a trembling voice, he seemed to say goodbye. "Soon I'll be like all the rest," he said. "Everyone's turn comes." After Barack Obama visited Cuba in March, Fidel Castro recalled the island's long enmity with the US, including Washington's backing for the failed invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs in 1961. His bitterness over that botched CIA plot played a part in pushing the world to the brink of nuclear war during the Cuban missile crisis the following year. The Soviet Union agreed to his request to send ballistic missiles to Cuba, and removed them only after a tense standoff with the United States. (AFP)

Castro lashes out at US on 90th birthday, says Obama's speech lacked apology for Japan nuclear bombing

Japan, on Saturday, marked 71 years since the city of Hiroshima was destroyed by a US atomic bomb, as its mayor urged the world to unite in abolishing nuclear weapons. 
 
The annual ceremony came just months after Barack Obama became the first sitting US president to visit the city, paying moving tribute to victims of the first atomic bomb. 
 
American B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped its deadly payload, dubbed &quot;Little Boy&quot;, on the western Japanese city at 8:15 am local time on August 6, 1945.&nbsp;Much of the city was incinerated by a wall of heat up to 4,000 degrees Celsius (7,232 Fahrenheit), hot enough to melt steel, killing tens of thousands. 
 
Hiroshima mayor Kazumi Matsui recalled the visit by Obama in his peace declaration during the solemn ceremony.&nbsp;&quot;(His visit) was the proof that Hiroshima&#39;s strong wish not to tolerate the &#39;absolute evil&#39; was shared by President Obama,&quot; he said. &quot;It is the time for us to make actions towards the abolition of the &#39;absolute evil&#39;, the ultimate form of inhumanity, united and with passion.&quot; 
 
The bombing claimed the lives of 140,000 people. Some died immediately while others succumbed to injuries or radiation-related illnesses weeks, months and years later. 
 
A second bomb destroyed the city of Nagasaki three days later. Japan announced its surrender in World War II on August 15. 
 
Many in Japan feel the attacks amount to war crimes and atrocities because they targeted civilians and due to the unprecedented destructive nature of the weapons.&nbsp;But many Americans believe they hastened the end of a bloody conflict, and ultimately saved lives, thus justifying the bombings. 
 
Obama, in May, embraced survivors as he made his historic visit to the city and its Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. 
 
&quot;71 years ago, death fell from the sky and the world was changed,&quot; he said of the bomb, adding it &quot;demonstrated that mankind possessed the means to destroy itself&quot;. 
 
Obama offered no apology for the bombings, having insisted he would not revisit decisions made by then president Harry Truman.&nbsp;But his moving tribute and brief conversations with elderly atom bomb survivors, which included an unexpected embrace with one of them, profoundly impressed most Japanese. 
 
Since Obama went to Hiroshima the park and accompanying memorial museum have witnessed an increase in visitors. 
 
But an association of atomic bomb survivors has criticised his speech, saying he failed to explicitly mention US responsibility for the bombing.&nbsp;Abe, who also attended the service, faced harsh criticism last year, especially from A-bomb survivors, for his policy of expanding the role of Japan&#39;s military and opening the door to possibly sending troops into combat for the first time since the war. 
 
(AFP)

Much of the city was incinerated by a wall of heat up to 4,000 degrees Celsius. 140,000 died, some immediately, some weeks and years later

Japan, on Saturday, marked 71 years since the city of Hiroshima was destroyed by a US atomic bomb, as its mayor urged the world to unite in abolishing nuclear weapons. The annual ceremony came just months after Barack Obama became the first sitting US president to visit the city, paying moving tribute to victims of the first atomic bomb. American B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped its deadly payload, dubbed "Little Boy", on the western Japanese city at 8:15 am local time on August 6, 1945. Much of the city was incinerated by a wall of heat up to 4,000 degrees Celsius (7,232 Fahrenheit), hot enough to melt steel, killing tens of thousands. Hiroshima mayor Kazumi Matsui recalled the visit by Obama in his peace declaration during the solemn ceremony. "(His visit) was the proof that Hiroshima's strong wish not to tolerate the 'absolute evil' was shared by President Obama," he said. "It is the time for us to make actions towards the abolition of the 'absolute evil', the ultimate form of inhumanity, united and with passion." The bombing claimed the lives of 140,000 people. Some died immediately while others succumbed to injuries or radiation-related illnesses weeks, months and years later. A second bomb destroyed the city of Nagasaki three days later. Japan announced its surrender in World War II on August 15. Many in Japan feel the attacks amount to war crimes and atrocities because they targeted civilians and due to the unprecedented destructive nature of the weapons. But many Americans believe they hastened the end of a bloody conflict, and ultimately saved lives, thus justifying the bombings. Obama, in May, embraced survivors as he made his historic visit to the city and its Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. "71 years ago, death fell from the sky and the world was changed," he said of the bomb, adding it "demonstrated that mankind possessed the means to destroy itself". Obama offered no apology for the bombings, having insisted he would not revisit decisions made by then president Harry Truman. But his moving tribute and brief conversations with elderly atom bomb survivors, which included an unexpected embrace with one of them, profoundly impressed most Japanese. Since Obama went to Hiroshima the park and accompanying memorial museum have witnessed an increase in visitors. But an association of atomic bomb survivors has criticised his speech, saying he failed to explicitly mention US responsibility for the bombing. Abe, who also attended the service, faced harsh criticism last year, especially from A-bomb survivors, for his policy of expanding the role of Japan's military and opening the door to possibly sending troops into combat for the first time since the war. (AFP)

Japan observes 71st anniversary of Hiroshima nuclear bombing

United States President Barack Obama became the first American leader to visit Hiroshima, one of the two cities &mdash; the other was Nagasaki &mdash; to have been destroyed by an atom bomb in August, 1945. It was an event that had shaken people all over the world, and made many of them into militant peaceniks. Their mission in life became to bury the nuclear weapons of all the countries. Pugwash and Conference of Nuclear Disarmament (CND) became the ardent champions of nuclear disarmament. In the real world, nuclear weapons did not disappear. The two super-powers and ideological rivals &mdash; the United States and the Soviet Union &mdash; piled up nuclear stocks.
Though there was the constant apprehension of a nuclear war, the Cold War passed.

It was only Japan that had remained a pacifist country because of the atom bomb trauma, more at the level at the people even as many countries tested nuclear weapons, including United Kingdom and France, followed by China and then by India and Pakistan. The irony could not be hidden that while Japan opposed nuclear weapons anywhere in the world, it had accepted the nuclear umbrella provided by the US.

Apart from the strategic and political aspects, there were the unresolvable moral dilemmas. The Chinese media had acerbically reminded that Japan is trying to be the victim in the case of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Chinese harbour bitter memories of Japanese aggression and cruelty through the Second World War. The question of Japan being aggressor/victim comes in the wake of the demand and expectation that President Obama would apologise to the people of Japan, especially to the dead and survivors of the two ill-fated cities for the overwhelming devastation caused by the dropping of the atomic bombs. But Obama did not apologise and instead spoke of the two cities being a reminder of the need to abolish nuclear weapons, which was an evasive homily if there was one.

Of course, Obama must have consulted experts in the matter and he must have taken the historical, political and moral implications of an apology if ever he thought of offering one. The decision to use the bomb was a momentous one taken by then President Harry S Truman. But it was a well-considered move, which is believed to have hastened the Japanese surrender. Military historians and others have questioned the logic of it and cited counter-evidence that it was a gratuitous use of force, and therefore it was immoral. Obama and his advisers must have pondered over the issue and they did not feel convinced that pleading guilty would undo the whole principle behind fighting the war.

Japan had been forced to admit the war guilt, but the people from South Korea and China through south-east Asia have neither forgiven or forgotten Japan&rsquo;s war crimes against the people of this region. It remains an indelible scar in their collective memory. But there&rsquo;s no taking away the fact that the destruction that was visited on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was no ordinary event. It was apocalyptic. It should make anyone anywhere shudder at the destructive potential of mankind. It poses a moral dilemma to every people and every leader and not just to the Americans and the Japanese. That is why, Hiroshima and Nagasaki should trouble every thinking person across the world. It goes much beyond Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, or even the Chinese. It cannot be confined to a local grouse among the apparent stakeholders in the region.

The US remains the only power to have ever used a nuclear weapon and Japan the only country to have suffered the frightening devastation

United States President Barack Obama became the first American leader to visit Hiroshima, one of the two cities — the other was Nagasaki — to have been destroyed by an atom bomb in August, 1945. It was an event that had shaken people all over the world, and made many of them into militant peaceniks. Their mission in life became to bury the nuclear weapons of all the countries. Pugwash and Conference of Nuclear Disarmament (CND) became the ardent champions of nuclear disarmament. In the real world, nuclear weapons did not disappear. The two super-powers and ideological rivals — the United States and the Soviet Union — piled up nuclear stocks. Though there was the constant apprehension of a nuclear war, the Cold War passed. It was only Japan that had remained a pacifist country because of the atom bomb trauma, more at the level at the people even as many countries tested nuclear weapons, including United Kingdom and France, followed by China and then by India and Pakistan. The irony could not be hidden that while Japan opposed nuclear weapons anywhere in the world, it had accepted the nuclear umbrella provided by the US. Apart from the strategic and political aspects, there were the unresolvable moral dilemmas. The Chinese media had acerbically reminded that Japan is trying to be the victim in the case of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Chinese harbour bitter memories of Japanese aggression and cruelty through the Second World War. The question of Japan being aggressor/victim comes in the wake of the demand and expectation that President Obama would apologise to the people of Japan, especially to the dead and survivors of the two ill-fated cities for the overwhelming devastation caused by the dropping of the atomic bombs. But Obama did not apologise and instead spoke of the two cities being a reminder of the need to abolish nuclear weapons, which was an evasive homily if there was one. Of course, Obama must have consulted experts in the matter and he must have taken the historical, political and moral implications of an apology if ever he thought of offering one. The decision to use the bomb was a momentous one taken by then President Harry S Truman. But it was a well-considered move, which is believed to have hastened the Japanese surrender. Military historians and others have questioned the logic of it and cited counter-evidence that it was a gratuitous use of force, and therefore it was immoral. Obama and his advisers must have pondered over the issue and they did not feel convinced that pleading guilty would undo the whole principle behind fighting the war. Japan had been forced to admit the war guilt, but the people from South Korea and China through south-east Asia have neither forgiven or forgotten Japan’s war crimes against the people of this region. It remains an indelible scar in their collective memory. But there’s no taking away the fact that the destruction that was visited on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was no ordinary event. It was apocalyptic. It should make anyone anywhere shudder at the destructive potential of mankind. It poses a moral dilemma to every people and every leader and not just to the Americans and the Japanese. That is why, Hiroshima and Nagasaki should trouble every thinking person across the world. It goes much beyond Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, or even the Chinese. It cannot be confined to a local grouse among the apparent stakeholders in the region.

Obama in Hiroshima

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