His Excellency Mr. Donald Trump
President
United States of America
Excellency:
We hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. As mayors of the atomic-bombed cities aiming for a truly peaceful world without nuclear weapons, we sincerely congratulate you on your inauguration as President of the United States.
Nearly 80 years have passed since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, yet there are still more than 12,000 nuclear warheads on the planet. Amid the worsening international situation, the risk of the use of nuclear weapons only continues to grow. Accordingly, the role that the United States is expected to play as a nuclear superpower has become more important than ever.
It is in times like these that last year, the Nihon Hidankyo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. By overcoming their own painful experiences and hatred, the hibakusha have transformed their ardent plea that “no one should suffer as we have,” into a noble cause: the earnest wish for peace for all mankind. This award clearly recognizes their achievements from past and present and indicates sense of crisis prevalent in the current international situation.
The Cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki established Mayors for Peace, an organization which transcends borders and unite cities around the world to pave the way for the abolition of nuclear weapons. It has now grown into a global network of peace cities with approximately 8,500 member cities in more than 160 countries and regions. The number of cities that share in our desire for peace in the United States also continues to steadily rise, bringing us to 229 members today.
We would be most grateful if you would heed civil society’s call for peace, demonstrated by our members, the Hidankyo, and more. We also hope that you will visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki to listen to the testimonies of the hibakusha in person, take to heart their fervent wish for peace, and deepen your understanding of the inhumanity of nuclear weapons. Furthermore, it is our sincere hope that you will break away from the notion of nuclear reliance and take strong leadership in the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of lasting world peace.
Moreover, we have high expectations that you will make the decision to attend the Meeting of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to enhance the effectiveness of the Treaty, and that you will fulfil the obligation to negotiate in good faith for nuclear disarmament, as stated in Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, by advancing negotiations with Russia to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty that expires in February 2026.
In closing, we extend our best wishes for your good health and every success in your endeavors.
Respectfully,
MATSUI Kazumi SUZUKI Shiro
Mayor Mayor
The City of Hiroshima The City of Nagasaki
