Die-Ins Held To Commemorate Hiroshima

Here is a TV news report about a “die-in” held in Sapporo this morning to commemorate the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima:

Mainichi also reports than a similar die-in was held in front of the A-bomb dome in Hiroshima:

HIROSHIMA — About 200 people took part in a ‘die-in’ in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima on Monday, the 62nd anniversary of the U.S. atomic bomb attack on the city, praying for the elimination of nuclear weapons.

The participants lay on the ground pretending to be dead during the gathering, which began at 8:15 a.m., the time that the atomic bomb was dropped over the city. Lying on the asphalt, which had been dampened by morning rain, they quietly prayed for the elimination of nuclear weapons.

8 comments - What do you think? Posted by James - August 6, 2007 at 4:23 pm

Categories: General Japan Tags:

Overthinker

Not sure what they’re so upset about: in the sixty-plus years since they were first developed, they have never been used after the first two times, three days apart. I would say their prayers have worked pretty well – can’t think of too many more weapons that were never used again, despite very good at their job.

Lauren

they still exist.

that’s what we should all be upset about.

http://slashandburn.typepad.com/slash_and_burn/ Adam Douglas

As I was reading this, I looked at the computer on my clock and it said 8:15, August 6. Spoooooooky. Oh, and Overthinker, they’re upset about being BOMBED.

Overthinker

They say they are praying for the elimination of nukes. Since no nukes have been used in war since August 1945, I’d say they don’t have a lot to get upset about. It’s not just about being bombed (where are the die-ins for March 10th, for example, where over 100,000 died in Tokyo?). It’s about making a political statement using victimhood to press for results. But the results have to all intents and purposes happened – for the past 60 years, nuclear weapons HAVE been eliminated as weapons or war (though their threat value remained, and still does today, they were never actually deployed).

jeff

One reason nuclear weapons haven’t been used is probably because of ordinary citizens voicing there concerns in Japan and around the world. Here’s hoping it keeps working…

wes

i’d say it’s more about fears from Mutually Assured Destruction with russia during the cold war

Overthinker

In agreement. The bombs were just TOO powerful, and their effects had been graphically demonstrated in Japan. Sure, civilian protests might have helped, and for example moral considerations might have prevented their use in the Korean War, but the sheer danger of letting even one go off on your own soil was most likely the prime factor.

http://www.keepingpaceinjapan.com Turner

“Interesting game. It seems the only way to win is not to play.”

Die-Ins Held To Commemorate Hiroshima

Recent Comments

Further Reading

Videos: Solar Eclipse Over Japan

Japanese H-IIA Rocket Carries South Korean Satellite into Space

Takeshi Kitano Compares Homosexuality to Bestiality?

Detective Conan Statues Vandalized

BBC Global Poll: Japan Has Most Positive Influence in the World

Photo: Tommy Lee Jones as General Douglas MacArthur

Tokyo Disney Resort Allows Gay Weddings

Sea Shepherd Leader Paul Watson Detained in Germany

Japanese Woman Opens Cat Cafe in Vienna

Misquoting Charlie Chaplin in Japan

Categories

Subscribe

Japan Blogs

Korea Blogs

Linkroll

Other Asia Blogs