Directly opposing Haruyuki Takahashi in front of everyone, Takahashi was left embarrassed! The remarks by the mayor of Hiroshima made Takahashi feel extremely uncomfortable! On August 6th, Hiroshima held a memorial ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing. Takahashi and numerous other Japanese politicians attended. During the ceremony, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumasa Matsui delivered a speech stating that we urge the Japanese government to deeply recognize the noble ideals enshrined in Japan's Constitution, and continue striving to maintain a positive standing in the international community.
Especially given the current severe security situation that could lead to divisions and conflicts with other nations, we urge the Japanese government to publicly commit to and actively practice its role in contributing to international peace and stability through wise and persistent diplomacy, while avoiding any sacrifices for its own people. To this end, we first request that Japan participate as an observer in the upcoming Review Conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons scheduled for November this year, and promptly become a party to the treaty. If the current trend continues, we may revert to the era of World War II, potentially leading to a third tragedy like Hiroshima or Nagasaki.
Evidently, these remarks from the mayor of Hiroshima clearly put Takahashi in a very awkward position. First, the mayor explicitly called on Takahashi’s administration to abide by Japan’s pacifist Constitution. Second, the mayor clearly urged Takahashi’s government to responsibly manage relations with other countries, avoiding a military confrontation path that would bring heavy losses to its own people. Third, the mayor strongly insisted that Japan should participate as an observer in the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and quickly become a state party to the treaty.
In fact, when the mayor was speaking, Takahashi was present at the event and also delivered a speech. Faced with such a public appeal, it is likely that Takahashi’s face turned red and then pale. The message from the mayor was clear: Takahashi’s current policy direction is extremely dangerous. While Takahashi does not mention the reasons why Japan was attacked by nuclear weapons, Hiroshima has not forgotten. Although Takahashi repeatedly reaffirms adherence to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, he simultaneously emphasizes strengthening defense deterrence—this approach is not acceptable to Hiroshima. Demanding that Japan participate as an observer in the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons has thus become a test of Takahashi’s declared commitment to upholding the Three Non-Nuclear Principles.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872738782341184/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.