2) Becoming an International Peace Culture City
After the bombing, the City of Hiroshima urged the national government to establish a law with the aim of constructing a peace memorial city to symbolize the human ideal of the sincere pursuit of genuine and lasting peace. As a result, a special law was created under the Article 95 of the Constitution of Japan: the Hiroshima Peace Memorial City Construction Law. Applicable only to our city, it came into effect on August 6, 1949 after a local referendum.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial City Construction Law is a short one, consisting of seven articles. Article 6 stipulates: “The Mayor of Hiroshima shall…establish a program of continuous activity toward completion of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial City.”
This law created a foundation for Hiroshima to rise from the ashes with the tireless efforts of those who came before us, as well as generous support from home and abroad.
The peace that the City of Hiroshima strives for refers to more than just the absence of war. It refers to a state where people can live quality lives together in a favorable environment with their dignity maintained. The peace city we define is a city where citizens of all values and lifestyles can lead healthy and active lives, while respecting diversity and helping each other based on mutual trust. In a peace city where everyone can feel the importance of peace, rich culture and well-rounded citizens flourish.
Based on these ideas, our city’s ultimate goal is to become an International Peace Culture City. By continuing the hard work our predecessors began in building a peace city, we seek to create an environment where the value of peace is shared by cities around the world.
Peace Memorial Day
As the foundation for the establishment of world peace, the City of Hiroshima recognizes August 6, 1945, when the atomic bomb was used for the first time in human history, as a day which must be eternally remembered. Therefore, our city has designated August 6 as Peace Memorial Day to commemorate those who lost their lives due to the atomic bombing and to pray for the realization of lasting world peace. Every year on this day, our city organizes the Peace Memorial Ceremony, while many other peace events are held in and around the city.
Related pages
- 1) The Atomic Bombing and the Spirit of Hiroshima
- 3) What is the Culture of Peace?
- 4) The Significance of Promoting the Culture of Peace
- 5) Promoting the Culture of Peace is the Role of Cities
- 6) The Will for Peace Based on the Realities of the Atomic Bombing
- 7) Promotion of the Culture of Peace by Mayors for Peace
- Conclusion: Importance of Citizen-Led Initiatives
Inquiries regarding this page
Peace Promotion Division, Citizens Affairs Bureau
Phone: 81-82-504-2898/ファクス: 81-82-504-2986
Mail: [email protected]