The Renewal Opening of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

We congratulate the renewal opening of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. After the years of planning and extensive renovation the museum was reborn as a unique site where visitors can reflect on the human cost of the world’s first deployment of a nuclear weapon from multiple dimensions. 
We sincerely hope that the museum will give the worldwide visitors an opportunity to consider and evaluate the facts by themselves and that they will find the strength within themselves to act for universal peace.  
To that end, and on the basis of the comprehensive cooperation agreement between our parent organizations, the Hiroshimna University and the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation, the Center for Peace, Hiroshima University, renews our commitment to continue collaborating with Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum on research and education to discover and disseminate evidence-based, reliable information on the Atomic-bombings and nuclear issues.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　25 April, 2019
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Noriyuki Kawano
　　　　　　　　　　 　 Professor / Director of the Center for Peace, University of Hiroshima

2017 Nobel Peace Prize for ICAN and Speech by Hibakusha (survivors) at the Award Ceremony

On behalf of the Institute for Peace Science, Hiroshima University, I would like to express my sincerest congratulations to ICAN for receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
I am also delighted to learn that three hibakusha will attend the Award Ceremony in Oslo to deliver an acceptance speech. 
May the world share the awareness of the inhumanity of nuclear weapons.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　30　October 2017

Statement

Message from Director

　“Aspiring to create the best and only research
　　 institute of its kind”

Director of the Institute for Peace Science, Hiroshima University 　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　 　　　　　 　 　 (IPSHU) 　
　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 Noriyuki Kawano, PhD

I am honored to have been appointed the director of the Institute for Peace Science, Hiroshima University, on April 1, 2017.

As you know, our university was founded on the basic principle of “the pursuit of peace” with the aspiration of realizing worldwide peace. IPHSU, our research institute, plays a vital role in this effort. It was established in 1975 and has since developed an enviable track record through its endeavors. This is something on which we must continue to build. While the philosophy of “Hiroshima” based on the concept of “a nuclear free world” forms the unshakeable foundation of our work, we aspire to create a more global and universal world of “Peace.” In particular, our current focus is on upgrading, expanding, and deepening the framework of two of our core research areas.

The first of these is Peace Studies, founded on the philosophy of “Hiroshima.” This involves, for example, studies on Atomic Bomb disasters and international relations with regard to nuclear abolition and disarmament. These are research domains related to the concept of “Hiroshima.” The other area of focus is Global Peace Studies. This covers a range of topics, including, for example, the urgent issues of today: the plight of refugees and problems of immigration. Also under the umbrella of Global Peace Studies is “structural violence,” which takes into consideration a variety of challenges (for example, poverty, local and global conflicts, etc.) and environmental issues faced by developing countries. These are the areas of study that we pursue: “Hiroshima Peace Studies” and “Global Peace Studies.” Focusing on these two pillars, the IPSHU will continue to strive to attain the number one position in Peace Studies research, delivering outcomes of a unique “one and only” nature. We will not follow in the footsteps of other research projects and earlier work. Rather, we will be pioneers in the aforementioned specialized areas and lead the field. There may be many relevant studies, but very few of them are trailblazing. I am convinced that by pursuing only the very best research outcomes, we will be able to establish “Hiroshima Peace Studies” as a new research field. I have faith that every staff member of our institute will do their utmost to help achieve this dream.

The philosophy of “Hiroshima” is founded on the principles of a non-nuclear world. They are shaped by the atrocious experiences of A-Bomb Survivors and their unwavering conviction to fight the use of nuclear weapons, as well as their constant efforts to realize a nuclear-free world. When A-Bomb Survivors stand on a podium and pour their hearts out, relating their first-hand experiences, they are received with applause. Why? Because these real-life experiences of people strike a chord with the audience. These Hibakusha (A-Bomb Survivors) and their original experiences form the backbone of the “Hiroshima” principles. However, we will not enjoy the privilege of their presence for much longer. One day, in the near future, “Hiroshima” is going to lose them. Before that day arrives, I would like to conduct an in-depth academic review and discussion of the position of “Hiroshima” and its roles. That, I consider, is an essential mission of the IPSHU, grounded on the soil of Hiroshima, the city that survived the world’s first nuclear attack.   

I would, humbly, like to call on your continued support and cooperation with our institute.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　April 1st, 2017

Message from Vice Director

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