Contributions from people overseas who are sharing the message of Hiroshima

(17)Peaceful interaction overcomes a tragic past by Hideki Tani

On August 8th, one day before the 42nd anniversary of Singapore's independence, I visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore with the chairman of the Hiroshima Singapore Association, Eiji Tamura. It was the first time an association linking our two countries had been invited by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Tamura (left) shaking hands with the Minister of Singapore.

The Hiroshima Singapore Association was established in 1995 and our efforts have focused on interaction between university students of the two countries. More than 600 students have visited Hiroshima from Singapore and most paid their own travel expenses.

In Hiroshima, we have provided support to these students through homestays and training programs. Our invitation from the Minister of Foreign Affairs came as a result of the success of our work.

We founded this organization in order to build a bridge between the people of our two countries, mainly our youth. With roots in Hiroshima, reborn as a city of peace from the ashes of the atomic bombing, we hope to contribute to a more peaceful world.

A gathering of students and teachers who have visited Hiroshima. (August 8)

Hideki Tani

Born in Hiroshima. Manager of the sales liaison section of Hiroshima Shinkin Bank. He has been the regional head of the Hiroshima Singapore Association since 2003.

In fact, during World War II, Japan occupied Singapore for three-and-a-half years. And this tragic experience has been passed down through succeeding generations. That is why we seek to understand each other, putting youth at the center, in order to foster a peaceful relationship for the future.

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Although Singapore is smaller than Hiroshima prefecture, it is ranked second in its "national competitiveness" by a research institute in Switzerland. As a multiethnic country with a strong vision and potent growth, the diversity of languages, cultures, religions, and lifestyles has been respected in cultivating a unified nation.

I think Hiroshima could benefit from the same kind of receptivity to diversity and dynamic vision for the future. We seek to bring Singapore's energy to Hiroshima through the interaction of our students.