Junior writers from Hiroshima interview Japanese foreign minister in New York
May 11, 2015
by Rie Nii, Staff Writer
NEW YORK--On April 27, two junior writers from the Chugoku Shimbun visiting New York to report on the Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) interviewed Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. Mr. Kishida told them that although Japan now depends on the U.S. nuclear umbrella for its security, he would like to work with other countries to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons. Mr. Kishida also encouraged the two junior writers so that the younger generation can be a driving force in changing the modern world.
Nozomi Mizoue, 15, a first-year high school student, asked Mr. Kishida, “Shouldn’t Japan work on abolishing nuclear weapons right now?” The foreign minister replied, “I would like to pursue discussions with Japan serving as a bridge between the nuclear powers and non-nuclear powers.”
Ms. Mizoue also said to Mr. Kishida, “The fact that Japan, the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings, is protected by the U.S. nuclear umbrella is very contradictory.” He responded, “This is the reality. But in the midst of this reality, the Japanese government is trying to find a way to reduce nuclear weapons. Each country has its own stance. But I’d like us all to work together to create a world free of nuclear weapons.”
Shiori Niitani, 16, a second-year high school student, asked the foreign minister, “What should younger generations do to advance the abolition of nuclear weapons?” Mr. Kishida replied, “Young people tackling things with a positive attitude will impress many people all over the world. I hope you’ll continue your peace-related activities and become a dynamic force in changing the world.”
After the interview, Ms. Mizoue said with a regretful smile, “I was so nervous that I couldn’t ask the questions I had intended.” Ms. Niitani commented, “Mr. Kishida looked at us and answered our questions in a polite and gentle way.” The two junior writers listened to Mr. Kishida’s address at the NPT Review Conference at United Nations headquarters. There was warm applause when they were introduced to the participants and audience, along with other high school and university students from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as “Youth Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons,” a designation given by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
(Originally published on April 29, 2015)
NEW YORK--On April 27, two junior writers from the Chugoku Shimbun visiting New York to report on the Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) interviewed Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. Mr. Kishida told them that although Japan now depends on the U.S. nuclear umbrella for its security, he would like to work with other countries to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons. Mr. Kishida also encouraged the two junior writers so that the younger generation can be a driving force in changing the modern world.
Nozomi Mizoue, 15, a first-year high school student, asked Mr. Kishida, “Shouldn’t Japan work on abolishing nuclear weapons right now?” The foreign minister replied, “I would like to pursue discussions with Japan serving as a bridge between the nuclear powers and non-nuclear powers.”
Ms. Mizoue also said to Mr. Kishida, “The fact that Japan, the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings, is protected by the U.S. nuclear umbrella is very contradictory.” He responded, “This is the reality. But in the midst of this reality, the Japanese government is trying to find a way to reduce nuclear weapons. Each country has its own stance. But I’d like us all to work together to create a world free of nuclear weapons.”
Shiori Niitani, 16, a second-year high school student, asked the foreign minister, “What should younger generations do to advance the abolition of nuclear weapons?” Mr. Kishida replied, “Young people tackling things with a positive attitude will impress many people all over the world. I hope you’ll continue your peace-related activities and become a dynamic force in changing the world.”
After the interview, Ms. Mizoue said with a regretful smile, “I was so nervous that I couldn’t ask the questions I had intended.” Ms. Niitani commented, “Mr. Kishida looked at us and answered our questions in a polite and gentle way.” The two junior writers listened to Mr. Kishida’s address at the NPT Review Conference at United Nations headquarters. There was warm applause when they were introduced to the participants and audience, along with other high school and university students from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as “Youth Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons,” a designation given by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
(Originally published on April 29, 2015)
