Peace Talk Commemorating 80th Anniversary of Atomic Bombings Inspires Reflection and Awareness of Shared Responsibility for Peace

On 28 September, Soka Gakkai Malaysia held a through-provoking talk at the Soka Peace Centre Malaysia (SPCM) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings. The hybrid event brought together participants from all walks of life, with 110 attending on-site and 214 joining online.

The lecture’s keynote speaker was Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, who emphasised that although 80 years have passed, the scars of history remain vivid. Recalling his father’s struggle for survival amid the ruins and the heartbreaking choices faced by the injured, he conveyed the profound cruelty of war.

Speaking on the power of art, he commended artist Masakazu Masuda for his efforts in preserving the memories of atomic bomb survivors through painting. He noted that numbers alone cannot convey the depth of suffering; only art and visuals can move the human heart and awaken empathy for peace.

He also shared his encounter with Mrs Kurihara, a 99-year-old Hiroshima survivor, who entrusted him with the mission of passing her story to Malaysia’s younger generation, a mission that further strengthened his resolve to continue spreading the message of peace.

In his address, SGM president Johnny Ng remarked that Hiroshima is not merely a memory of past suffering but also a warning for the future. Highlighting the dangers of nuclear weapons, he said that nuclear weapons cannot bring security; the notion of “deterrence” is nothing more than a perilous illusion. 

The lecture also connected live with Yukimi Dohi, a member of Voices of the Nanpo (Southern) Special Foreign Students. She shared that peace is built through the accumulation of small, sincere, everyday actions by individuals. 

Participants also viewed the short film August, directed by Anderson Ee Kim Tiong, which traces the miraculous survival of a Malaysian student during the Hiroshima bombing. Combining historical footage and narration, the film portrays Abdullah’s journey of survival and grief in 12 short but impactful minutes.

Guests present included Penang Gandhi Peace Centre founder Dato’ Seri Dr Anwar Fazal, atomic bomb survivor cum artist Masakazu Masuda, and representatives from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). 

Reported by Eng Joo Min