“In this world gripped by natural disasters and conflict, people come to Hiroshima from every nation seeking answers on how to rebuild and persevere. We have a responsibility to warn the world of the catastrophe ahead, and to shine our light on a better path. We owe it to the victims who came before, and to the future generations who will inherit what we create today.”
Venue: Japan America Society of Hiroshima
Project Description: Give a speech on a topic of my choosing at a Fellowship Party of the Japan America Society of Hiroshima
A Quote
“In this world gripped by natural disasters and conflict, people come to Hiroshima from every nation seeking answers on how to rebuild and persevere. We have a responsibility to warn the world of the catastrophe ahead, and to shine our light on a better path. We owe it to the victims who came before, and to the future generations who will inherit what we create today.”
The Inside Scoop
After Hiroshima’s main daily, the Chugoku Shimbun, ran a bio piece about my minor role in the anti-war movement in Hiroshima, I was contacted by the local chapter of the Japan America Society. They’d read the article, and would I like to come give a speech at their upcoming Fellowship Party?
Hey, why not?!
I more or less had carte blanche to talk about whatever I wanted. (Very trusting folks in this org, by my estimation.)
Environmental protests were heating up and Greta-chan was in the news a lot. Plus, a number of folks in the Hiroshima peace scene were talking about war and the environment. So that’s where I pitched my banner, so to speak.
My speech essentially followed a classic three act structure — nuclear threat, ecological threat, correlation and fanfare-laden conclusion. I like epic endings, so of course I went for a finale hinging on the heroic reconstruction of Hiroshima and our responsibility to future generations.
To my infinite good fortune, they paired me up with translator Naoko Koizumi. Her fathomless skill rendered me far more eloquent in Japanese than my speech deserved.
On a funny note, I had no idea who I was going to be speaking in front of. It was only when folks came over to thank me for the words that I noticed every business card said “professor,” “director,” or “president” at the top.
Thank goodness Koizumi-san convinced me to remove the expletives. (Only half joking about that… LOL!)
Anyway, it went over well enough, as far as I could tell. But more than likely the core message was “written with a pitchfork upon the waters.”
My Favorite Part
Talking about the nuclear and climate crises to a roomful of Hiroshima bigwigs. That and working with Koizumi-san, which is always a pleasure.
See the results:
Japan America Society of Hiroshima – Lecture & Fellowship Party
