There have been times I've questioned my decision to remain an expatriate, wondering if I'm really better off in Japan than in the US. However, days like today remind me that Hiroshima is a unique city in Japan (indeed, in the world) and that I might actually be comfortable here for quite some time.
I've been aware for quite some time that Hiroshima and its people are unique in Japan, in mostly intangible ways, or at least in ways that I find difficult to describe.
The horror visited upon this city last century has produced a population and city government with a different perspective on international affairs, and who feel a responsibility in working for international peace. Yes, there are times when I find it easy to get irritated by the constant labeling of Hiroshima as the "City of Peace" (as if there were nothing else of value that the city has to offer), but Hiroshima has made great progress in establishing itself as a city that has rebuilt itself from ashes and now feels an obligation and pleasure in doing the same for other communities around the world.
In my job as a Japanese to English translator, I often translate correspondence sent from the City of Hiroshima government offices to other government officials and private citizens from around the world. Today, I translated a response from the city's International Peace Promotion Division to a private citizen in Argentina. The following is an excerpt from that letter:
The military offensive against Iraq by the US and British armed forces was implemented in disregard of the international framework that is centered on the United Nations. The City of Hiroshima does not accept or condone this action under any circumstance. In addition, we deplore the use of depleted uranium shells by the US armed forces and the grave suffering of innocent Iraqi civilians in this offensive.
The City of Hiroshima will work within the international framework that is centered on the United Nations to aid in the reconstruction of Iraq. In addition to the prompt provision of food and medical supplies, and similar steps to stabilize the everyday lives of Iraqi citizens, we also believe it is our responsibility to apply maximum effort to helping Iraqi citizens return to a peaceful and orderly life as quickly as possible. Regarding the deployment of the Japanese Self Defense Forces to Iraq, this should have occurred based on a direct request from the United Nations as support for reconstruction, after the complete cessation of hostilities in Iraq. A deployment within such a framework would be of significant contribution to the creation of post-war peace. However, we find it extremely regrettable that the Japanese Self Defense Forces have been deployed while the situation in Iraq remains unstable, and before a consensus has been reached among the Japanese people regarding the conditions of such a deployment.
As the first city in human history to suffer an attack by an atomic bomb, the City of Hiroshima will continue to tell the world of its experience so that history will never repeat itself. Additionally, we will continue to strive globally to break the chains of suffering and violence, and open paths to reconciliation in order to resolve international conflicts.