Mr. Kazumi Matsui:

Members of Seanad Éireann, Dáil Éireann, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Dia dhaoibh a cháirde. It is a great honour to address the Oireachtas, which has more than 100 years of history since the establishment of the Free State of Ireland. I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the Cathaoirleach, Senator Jerry Buttimer, for giving me this opportunity to speak in the Chamber of Seanad Éireann and to the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl, for kindly supporting my visit and enhancing the ties between Ireland and Hiroshima since leading the Oireachtas delegation's visit to Hiroshima in February last year. I also thank the Members of both Houses for their great support and consideration.

I am delighted to be able to visit Ireland for the first time. It is a country of art and culture, rich in greenery and nature. It is also a great pleasure to visit Leinster House, which has witnessed Ireland’s history of hardship and success over many years. Having experienced hundreds of years of hardship, the people of Ireland can understand the pain of others and have a particularly strong desire for peace. It is well known that Ireland took the lead in promoting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons through its tremendous efforts on the drafting, adoption and ratification of that treaty, which entered into force in 2021. Ireland's commitment to humanitarian initiatives to protect innocent civilians resulted in the adoption, in Dublin in 2022, of the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. It is also highly regarded internationally. These initiatives have been driven by the strong will and support of the people of Ireland.

The Nobel-prize-winning poet Seamus Heaney, a poet respected in Japan as well as Ireland, expressed the people's rage and grief over violence and conflict and how important hope is in the face of adversity. His following words resonate with people around the world:

History says, Don’t hope

On this side of the grave...

But then, once in a lifetime

The longed-for tidal wave

Of justice can rise up,

And hope and history rhyme.

The atomic bombing in 1945 devastated Hiroshima city and claimed the lives of innocent children and civilians. This is not only the reality of history; it is also the reality of the present, as the hibakusha are still suffering the aftereffects of the bombing. We, the citizens of Hiroshima, have been striving for a world without nuclear weapons, with the condition of the conviction of the hibakusha that "no one else should suffer as we have". We never give up our hope and we uphold human life and the humanitarian initiative, together with people around the world.

Ms Teruko Yahata, who was exposed to the atomic bombing at the age of eight, began taking English lessons at the age of 83, determined to speak about the terrible reality and suffering in her own voice and words. Now she tells her story across the world:

If a nuclear bomb was used now, humankind would be wiped out. What I can do is to continue to communicate the reality of the atomic bombing, send out warning bells to the global community, and live in the present.

In recognition of such tireless work and action on the part of the hibakusha, it was recently announced that this year’s Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the Nihon Hidankyo.

In 1982, Mr. Takeshi Araki, the then mayor of Hiroshima, called upon the United Nations for solidarity and for peace at citizen level around the world, which led to the creation of Mayors for Peace. It has grown into an unprecedented worldwide network with more than 8,400 member cities. From Ireland, Dublin and 12 other cities have joined this network.

Currently, the global security situation is deteriorating, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, nuclear rhetoric, the worsening situation in the Middle East and increased tension between major powers. Although we have seen some progress such as the adoption of the TPNW, now the world could be heading back into a nuclear arms race. This must be the time to unite the voices of peace-loving people around the world and strengthen their solidarity for peace.

The vision of Mayors for Peace is to see the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realisation of sustainable and resilient cities for lasting world peace. To achieve these goals, we place the highest priority on promoting the culture of peace through engagement in music, arts and sports at citizen level in daily life. By conducting such culture exchanges across national borders, people can share the essential value of peace.

I believe that the people of Ireland, who are blessed with a rich culture, can lead the culture of peace in the world. I hope more Irish cities will join Mayors for Peace to work with us. I appreciate the Members of the Oireachtas for encouraging many cities to do so.

In September, the Summit of the Future was held at the United Nations in New York. It is vital to work for peace by involving young people - the leaders of tomorrow. I sincerely hope that the people of Ireland, especially its young people, will visit Hiroshima to understand the reality of the atomic bombing and engage in exchanges with the citizens of Hiroshima in cultural activities for peace. I hope the relationship between Ireland and Hiroshima will be developed still further.