Before this project, I had heard of Shinso Hamai, but I did not know a lot about him. During the translation process, I gained a lot of respect for him. After such a tragic experience, it must have been difficult to move forward. It must have taken a lot of strength to start reconstruction projects and hold the Peace Ceremony. Correctly translating his descriptions of the blast destroying his house and the people he saw with horrific injuries was very important to me. The atomic bomb survivors’ testimonies are evidence that only harm can come from using nuclear weapons. Mr. Hamai taught us how we can work towards peace and use devastation as a way to rebuild.

In working on this translation project, I gained more personalized perspective into the aftermath of the bombing, and how the citizens of Hiroshima and all of Japan responded after. Considering the destruction caused by the atomic bomb while looking at the current conflicts occurring throughout the world, I believe it is more important than ever to remember the consequences of warfare getting out of control. I believe that sharing the stories of the survivors, both of their struggles and of how they were able to come together and rebuild after such a catastrophe, are extremely important in remembering the consequences should something like that ever happen again.

I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to help translate these broadcasts, as this endeavor was not only an exercise in which I could strengthen my language skills, but a meaningful effort to spread information and perspectives. The act of creating art to memorialize our experiences as people is integral to being human. Thus, I am glad I was able to help translate a broadcast of just that being done, as doing so further strengthened my resolve to improve global communication, empathy, and solidarity. Even though the subject matter can be uncomfortable and even scary, it is crucial we remember these aspects of history, so that we may work to build a brighter future.

Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the public land-grant research university with the main campus in Moscow, Idaho. As the state’s top research institution, the university fosters the education of top students and innovation through over 200 areas of study for undergraduate and graduate students.

Hiroshima is a city that seeks absolute peace for humanity and the world beyond national borders. I believe that the path to prevent repeating mistakes is not through nationalistic peace but through the peace on a global scale.
I think there are limits to globalizing the idea of Hiroshima’s peace through leaders of the nations because inevitably, it turns to nuclear deterrence. Although they claim to reduce nuclear weapons while deterring them, the reality is that the number of nuclear weapons is increasing. Some countries are even threatening to use nuclear weapons. The only remaining path is to appeal directly to the citizens of all the nations, to spread the idea of peace in Hiroshima beyond national borders and establish a common perspectives of world peace.
The true idea of peace in Hiroshima is found in the first Peace Declaration (1947). The thoughts, wishes, mission and aspirations of the survivors of the atomic bomb are all there. This declaration shows the pure thoughts and words of survivors who stood up and spoke to the world on behalf of the philosophy of peace. For world peace without war and nuclear weapons, I believe that it is important to return to the origin, where Hiroshima became a symbol of peace. We need to spread the awareness that nuclear weapons are not something that can coexist with humanity. We need to create a shared value of peace beyond national borders.
In this sense, the efforts of students at the University of Idaho are at the forefront of peace transcending national boundaries. I would like to express my respect and gratitude for all your hard work. Please continue to strive and spread your messages of peace to the world.