Arab News Japan
TOKYO: A demonstration was held in Hiroshima on Monday to protest Israel’s invitation to Tuesday’s Memorial for victims of the August 6, 1945, atomic bombing of the city.
The protesters demanded the impeachment of Hiroshima City Mayor MATSUI Kazumi and accused Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio of being complicit in Japan’s stance on Gaza.
Some protesters went as far as accusing Kishida of not seriously trying to lead for a world without nuclear weapons after Japan’s recent trilateral military pact with the United States and South Korea. They said Prime Minister Kishida was not critical of Israel who is committing a massacre in Gaza.
Protestors referred to some Israeli politicians have said the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was justified and even suggested using nuclear weapons to ensure victory over Hamas in Gaza.
The protesters tried to circulate Hiroshima City Hall and criticized Mayor Matsui’s decisions to block off the area in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome, as well as for sending an invitation to the “genocidal” state of Israel to attend the Peace Ceremony.
On August 6, from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., Hiroshima City has banned gatherings throughout its Peace Park, including in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome.
On the same day, a large-scale Japan-U.S. joint military exercise, “Resolute Dragon,” will take place.
The protesters stated: “August 6 is a day to commemorate the atomic bomb victims and to pledge to never repeat the use of nuclear weapons and war.”
They planned to stage an all-night protest at the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park where barricades have been set up to keep them out.