Letter of Request to US President Biden to Visit the Atomic Bombed Cities

January 21, 2021

His Excellency Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
President
United States of America

Dear Mr. President:

We hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits.

On behalf of the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which wish for a peaceful world free from nuclear weapons, allow us to begin by extending our heartfelt congratulations on your inauguration as the 46th President of the United States.

As Vice President during the Obama administration, you worked diligently to tackle the problem of nuclear weapons, and even stated during your presidential campaign that you “will work to bring us closer to a world without nuclear weapons.” Your words were a tremendous source of encouragement for our citizens and brought great hope that you will overcome the current grave circumstances concerning nuclear disarmament.

Our ardent wish is nothing but the realization of a world free from nuclear weapons. We implore you to visit the atomic bombed cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to solidify your commitment to a nuclear free world and lead the international community towards this end. It is our hope that you will learn about the realities of the atomic bombings firsthand, renew your understanding that a nuclear war cannot be won, and share in the wish of the hibakusha that no one else should suffer as they have. Moreover, we hope that you will share this commitment with the world from our two cities. The people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki would wholeheartedly welcome your visit.

We understand that as Vice President, your efforts were instrumental in the conclusion of the landmark New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which is set to expire in the coming days. We hope from the bottom of our hearts that you will continue to engage in smooth negotiations with Russia.

Tomorrow, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) will enter into force. This treaty is a significant means to fulfill the obligation to pursue nuclear disarmament negotiations in good faith as stipulated by Article VI of the NPT, and we hope that the United States will fulfil this obligation by participating in the meeting of States Parties to the TPNW.

In closing, we extend our best wishes for your good health and every success in your endeavors.

Respectfully,

MATSUI Kazumi                                 TAUE Tomihisa
Mayor                                              Mayor
The City of Hiroshima                         The City of Nagasaki