My name is Koizumi, and I am the Chairperson of Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation. I would like to say a few words on the occasion of the appointment of atomic bomb survivors and legacy successors. Like the saying "Winter will always turn to spring," after a harsh winter, we are now in the midst of a cherry blossom-filled spring. I am very pleased that we are able to meet again in this way.

Last fiscal year, 580 A-bomb survivor testimonies and 617 lectures by A-bomb legacy successor were given, including the daily lectures that were resumed in October last year, delivering the message of peace to many people in and outside of the prefecture even in the midst of the pandemic. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of you for taking your precious time and energetically carrying out your testimonials and communication activities, despite the difficult circumstances of the pandemic and the fact that some of you may not be in perfect physical condition. Thank you very much.

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　It is now clear that Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine has escalated and that many atrocities against innocent civilians, including children, have been committed. This is a totally unforgivable act and makes me extremely angry. President Putin has also hinted at the use of nuclear weapons, an unbecoming statement for the leader of a nuclear superpower. The president himself has made it clear that nuclear deterrence, which is the reason given for possessing nuclear weapons, is nothing more than a threat to those who do not possess nuclear weapons. We are witnessing what self-righteous politicians, enchanted by the magic of nuclear weapons, will do. We can only pray that they will never actually be used.

As the world faces this grave crisis of international peace and security, a series of conferences on nuclear disarmament that have been postponed many times will be held this summer. In June, the First Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons will be held in Vienna, followed by the International Governmental Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons, and in August, the 10^th NPT (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons) Review Conference will be held in New York. Representatives of the hibakusha will be invited to each of the events and will speak about the reality of the atomic bombings.
　In light of the situation over Ukraine, some experts believe that the future of nuclear disarmament is bleak and that the NPT regime has already collapsed, but I disagree. It is precisely at times such as these that momentum toward nuclear abolition can be generated at a stroke.

Furthermore, I feel that expectations for the role of A-bomb survivors and those who have passed on the A-bomb experience are continually increasing. This is because I believe that your testimonies and legacies can drive a wedge of hope for peace into the hearts and minds of those who hear them. Whether it is an elementary school student, an elderly person, or someone who values normal everyday life, I believe that they can receive straight from the hibakusha the message that "no one else should ever suffer as we have." Just like it is said that "There is no way to establish peace without war except by establishing it in the heart of each individual," we believe that such steady activities are the direct path to peace.

I hope that you will take care of yourselves and continue to appeal for the abolition of nuclear weapons and for lasting peace throughout the world through your testimonies and activities to pass the message on to others, both at home and abroad. I sincerely wish each and every one of you good health and a long life.

Thank you very much.

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