Two forums will be held next week examining the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the impact on the survivors.
“Shadows for Peace, for the Sake of the Children: The Hiroshima and Nagasaki Experience” forum will take place on Thursday, March 19, at Chapman University’s Fish Interfaith Center, and on Saturday, March 21, at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo.
This forum is in remembrance of the 250,000 who died instantly or as the result of radiation poisoning. Hear personal stories from the Hiroshima and Nagasaki hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) and listen to guest speakers from Hiroshima and Nagasaki as they share how these cities recovered and speak to the movements that were inspired by these devastating explosions.
Attendees will gain historical insight into “Fat Man” and “Little Boy,” as the bombs were referred to, the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the research advancements that impact society today.
The forum is organized by artist Richard Fukuhara, who will be showcasing his artistic interpretations of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and his hopes for world peace.
The international panel of speakers will include:
- Tomoko Maekawa, educator, author, president of the Never Again Nagasaki Campaign, executive member of the Nagasaki Global Citizens’ Assembly for the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, and executive member of the International Exchange Division of Nagasaki Foundation for the Promotion of Peace.
- Dr. David Krieger, lecturer, author, founder and president of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. He has lectured throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia on issues of peace, security, international law and the abolition of nuclear weapons. He is chair of the International Network of Engineers and Scientists for Global Responsibility, chair of the executive committee of the Middle Powers Initiative, and founder and member of the Global Council of Abolition 2000.
- Dr. James Yamazaki (via video interview), who in 1949 was assigned as physician-in-charge of the U.S. Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission in Nagasaki. He is the author of “Children of the Atomic Bomb.” He also served as a combat surgeon at the Battle of the Bulge, where was captured and held as a prisoner of war by the Germans.
- Dr. Akiko Mikamo, lecturer, educator, author, president of San Diego WISH (Worldwide Initiative to Safeguard Humanity) and president and medical psychologist at U.S.-Japan Psychological Services in San Diego. She is a 2014 World Peace & Prosperity Foundation Award recipient.
The Chapman forum will be held at Fish Interfaith Center, One University Dr., Orange. Art exhibition and reception from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by the forum from 6 to 8:15 p.m.
The art exhibit at JANM, 100 N. Central Ave. in Los Angeles, will take place from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by the forum from 2 to 4:15 p.m. Limited seating.
To RSVP or for more information, contact Richard Fukuhara at richard@shadowsforpeace.com or (714) 998-8790.