🌍 Protest Letter in Response to President Trump's Hiroshima-Nagasaki Remarks【English version】

June 26, 2025

I Was Shocked by This Morning’s News

This morning, I was shocked to hear the news.
President Trump compared the recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, saying:

Hearing this, I felt a wave of anger and sorrow.
I realized I must express my protest—clearly and firmly.

I Recognized My Own Mistake

But as I began to put my thoughts into words, I came to a painful realization:
What I wrote just yesterday may unintentionally align with and endorse President Trump’s recent statement.

I had said that bombing nuclear facilities is, in essence, the same as dropping atomic bombs.
And yet, I failed to reflect deeply enough on what that truly means — the human suffering, the survivors’ voices, and the long-lasting pain.
I did not think it through. That was my fault. I sincerely apologize.

To take responsibility, I did not delete or quietly revise my previous article.
Instead, I added a clear and honest postscript, as a reminder not to forget my own oversight — and to ensure I never repeat it.

Now, Let Me Speak from the Heart

From here on, I would like to speak plainly, from my heart.
This may not be perfect, and I may again need to correct myself someday.
If so, I will do so openly, as I am doing now.

This is my way of being honest and respectful — my own humble form of sincerity.

🌸 To President Trump

I appreciate your efforts to stop the conflict between Iran and Israel.
Trying to save lives is something that deserves recognition.

However, the method you chose — the bombing of nuclear facilities — and the remarks you made afterward about Hiroshima and Nagasaki,
are absolutely unacceptable.

As a private citizen, and as someone who lives in the country that suffered the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki,
I express my strongest protest, and I ask that you retract your statement.

And above all, I sincerely ask you to listen quietly and deeply to the pain of the survivors who heard your words.

The Atomic Bomb Is Not a Justified Means to an End

The atomic bomb is a weapon that took hundreds of thousands of lives in a single moment,
and then continued to destroy human lives through radiation for decades.

It targeted and killed civilians indiscriminately,
and caused long-lasting suffering to people who were never involved in combat.

Although the victors of war were never held accountable,
even under international law at the time, the atomic bombings violated the rules of war and constituted a war crime.

For this reason, no matter the circumstances, this act must never be justified.

Nuclear Weapons Hurt All Humanity

I understand that even within the United States,
there are people — military personnel, indigenous communities, and others —
who have suffered from the effects of nuclear testing and development.

Nuclear weapons harm people, regardless of nationality.
So as not just a Japanese citizen, but as a fellow human being,
I protest against the justification of nuclear attacks.

One Simple Question

If your own family had been in Hiroshima or Nagasaki that day—
could you still say, “It was necessary”?

How we remember and talk about history is a responsibility to the future.
Please, come to Japan.
Listen to the stories of the survivors.
Open your heart to their pain.

I Still Believe in Your Potential

Acknowledging a mistake and correcting it takes tremendous courage.
But I believe you have that courage.

You are someone who has already made decisions no other U.S. president dared to make.
And because of that,
I still believe you may be able to do what no one else has —
to offer hope where it is most needed.

You have the power to inspire such a dream.
Please, use that power once again —
this time, to protect human lives.

June 26, 2025
A citizen, in pursuit of peace

✨ To Readers

If you have thoughts or feelings after reading this,
please share them.
Your words can help shape a better future.