In August 1945, atomic bombs instantaneously reduced our cities to utter ruin and took over 200,000 precious lives. Those who managed to survive have since suffered the devastating aftereffects of radiation, the peculiar horror of a nuclear weapon. Even today, the full scope of radiation effects has yet to be elucidated, and survivors still live in dread.
Based on our atomic bomb experience 67 years ago, Hiroshima and Nagasaki have consistently followed the lead of our survivors, who arose from the depths of despair to entreat the world to abolish nuclear weapons. Through the efforts of many, we have thus far prevented a third use of nuclear weapons, but sadly, our cherished hope of eliminating nuclear weapons in the 20th century was unfulfilled.
Through this atomic bomb exhibition, we hope you will encounter the reality of the terrible damage wrought by nuclear weapons, and that this encounter will deepen your understanding that nuclear weapons are an absolute evil leading the human race toward extinction. We hope you will then be inspired to take new steps to ensure that the 21st is a century of peace. We firmly believe that each individual step taken increases momentum and strengthens international public demand for a peaceful world and the abolition of nuclear weapons.
In closing, we express our profound admiration and gratitude to those whose selfless devotion made this exhibition possible.
Mr. Kazumi Matsui
Mayor of Hiroshima
Mr. Tomihisa Taue
Mayor of Nagasaki