ウィスパリング同時通訳研究会コミュの被爆76年 広島平和記念式典｜菅総理挨拶｜2021年8月6日

本日、被爆７６周年の広島市原爆死没者慰霊式並びに平和祈念式が執り行われるに当たり、原子爆弾の犠牲となられた数多くの方々の御霊（みたま）に対し、謹んで、哀悼の誠を捧（ささ）げます。
　そして、今なお被爆の後遺症に苦しまれている方々に、心からお見舞いを申し上げます。
　世界は今も新型コロナウイルス感染症という試練に直面し、この試練に打ち勝つための奮闘が続いております。
　我が国においても、全国的な感染拡大が続いておりますが、何としても、この感染症を克服し、一日も早く安心とにぎわいのある日常を取り戻せるよう、全力を尽くしてまいります。
　今から７６年前、一発の原子爆弾の投下によって、十数万とも言われる貴い命が奪われ、広島は一瞬にして焦土と化しました。
　しかし、その後の市民の皆様のたゆみない御努力により、廃墟から見事に復興を遂げた広島の美しい街を前にした時、現在の試練を乗り越える決意を新たにするとともに、改めて平和の尊さに思いを致しています。
　広島及び長崎への原爆投下から７５年を迎えた昨年、私の総理就任から間もなく開催された国連総会の場で、「ヒロシマ、ナガサキが繰り返されてはならない。この決意を胸に、日本は非核三原則を堅持しつつ、核兵器のない世界の実現に向けて力を尽くします。」と世界に発信しました。我が国は、核兵器の非人道性をどの国よりもよく理解する唯一の戦争被爆国であり、「核兵器のない世界」の実現に向けた努力を着実に積み重ねていくことが重要です。
　近年の国際的な安全保障環境は厳しく、核軍縮の進め方をめぐっては、各国の立場に隔たりがあります。このような状況の下で核軍縮を進めていくためには、様々な立場の国々の間を橋渡ししながら、現実的な取組を粘り強く進めていく必要があります。
　特に、国際的な核軍縮・不拡散体制の礎石である核兵器不拡散条約（ＮＰＴ）体制の維持・強化が必要です。日本政府としては、次回ＮＰＴ運用検討会議において意義ある成果を収めるべく、各国が共に取り組むことのできる共通の基盤となり得る具体的措置を見出す努力を、核軍縮に関する「賢人会議」の議論等の成果も活用しながら、引き続き粘り強く続けてまいります。
　被爆の実相に関する正確な認識を持つことは、核軍縮に向けたあらゆる取組のスタートです。我が国は、被爆者の方々を始めとして、核兵器のない世界の実現を願う多くの方々とともに、核兵器使用の非人道性に対する正確な認識を継承し、被爆の実相を伝える取組を引き続き積極的に行ってまいります。
　被爆者の方々に対しましては、保健、医療、福祉にわたる支援の必要性をしっかりと受け止め、高齢化が進む被爆者の方々に寄り添いながら、今後とも、総合的な援護施策を推進してまいります。
　先月１４日に判決が行われました、いわゆる「黒い雨」訴訟につきましては、私自身、熟慮に熟慮を重ね、被爆者援護法の理念に立ち返って、上告を行わないことといたしました。８４名の原告の皆様には、本日までに、手帳交付の手続きは完了しており、また、原告の皆様と同じような事情にあった方々についても、救済できるよう早急に検討を進めてまいります。
　今や、国際平和文化都市として、見事に発展を遂げられた、ここ広島市において、核兵器のない世界と恒久平和の実現に向けて力を尽くすことをお誓い申し上げます。原子爆弾の犠牲となられた方々の御冥福と、御遺族、被爆者の皆様、並びに、参列者、広島市民の皆様の御平安を祈念いたしまして、私の挨拶といたします。

令和３年８月６日
内閣総理大臣・菅義偉
Address by the Prime Minister at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony
August 6, 2021


[Provisional translation]


Today, at the opening of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony on the 76th anniversary of the atomic bombing, I reverently express my sincere condolences to the souls of the great number of atomic bomb victims.

I also extend my heartfelt sympathy to those still suffering even now from the aftereffects of the atomic bomb.

The world still faces the trial of COVID-19, and resolute efforts continue to be made to overcome this trial.

In Japan too, there has been an ongoing nationwide spread of infections. We will overcome this disease at any cost, sparing no effort to restore at the earliest possible time our vibrant daily lives in which we feel at ease.

Seventy-six years ago, the dropping of a single atomic bomb deprived people said to number well more than 100,000 of their precious lives and reduced Hiroshima to ashes in an instant.

However, this beautiful city of Hiroshima admirably achieved reconstruction from the ruins thanks to the subsequent tireless efforts of its citizens. Standing before this city, I renew my determination to overcome the trial we now face and once more turn my thoughts to how precious peace is.

Last year marked the 75th anniversary since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. At the meeting of the United Nations General Assembly that convened not long after I assumed office as prime minister, I sent out a message to the world, stating, “Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never be repeated. With this resolve, Japan will spare no effort in realizing a world free of nuclear weapons while firmly upholding the Three Non-Nuclear Principles.” Japan, as the only country to have experienced the horror of nuclear devastation in war, understands the inhumanity of nuclear weapons more than any other country on earth. It is important to steadily build up efforts over time towards the realization of a world free of nuclear weapons.

The international security environment has become severe in recent years and countries have differed on how to proceed with nuclear disarmament. To advance nuclear disarmament in such circumstances, Japan must serve as a mediator bridging the gap between countries with different standpoints and tenaciously promote realistic efforts.

In particular, it is critically important to maintain and strengthen the regime of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the cornerstone of the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. To help precipitate a meaningful outcome at the upcoming Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty, the Government of Japan, utilizing the outcomes of the discussions of the Group of Eminent Persons for Substantive Advancement of Nuclear Disarmament, will tenaciously continue its efforts to find concrete measures that can serve as a common foundation, with individual countries undertaking them together.

Having a correct understanding of the realities of the atomic bombings is the starting point for all manner of efforts towards nuclear disarmament. Working in tandem with atomic bomb survivors and countless other people eager to bring about a world free of nuclear weapons, Japan will pass down an accurate understanding of the inhumanity of using nuclear weapons and continue to actively engage in efforts to convey the realities of the atomic bombings.

The Government, accepting the necessity of relief measures covering health and medical services and welfare of atomic bomb survivors, will continue to advance relief measures in a comprehensive manner while staying in tune with atomic bomb survivors, who are advancing in years.

Regarding what is called the “black rain” lawsuit, for which a ruling was delivered on July 14, after extensive deliberation, I took the decision to return to the spirit of the Atomic Bomb Survivors' Assistance Act and not appeal the ruling. For the 84 plaintiffs, procedures for issuing the Atomic Bomb Survivors’ Certificates have been completed by today, and we will swiftly advance consideration of how to provide relief to others in circumstances similar to the plaintiffs’.

Here in Hiroshima, which has now developed admirably as an International City of Peace and Culture, I pledge that Japan will make its utmost efforts for the realization of a world free of nuclear weapons and for the realization of eternal peace. I wish to conclude my remarks with my heartfelt prayers for the repose of the souls of those who fell victim to the atomic bombing here in Hiroshima. I also pray sincerely for the inner peace of the bereaved families and the atomic bomb survivors as well as all the participants today and the people of Hiroshima City.

SUGA Yoshihide
Prime Minister of Japan
August 6, 2021