On September 17, 2022, we had the most incredible opportunity to interview an important member of the #Leaders4Tommorow of #Youth4Disarmament initiative led by United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. Ms. Shizuka Kuramitsu is an empowering advocate for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. From Hiroshima herself, she is a graduate student from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and continues to fight for non-proliferation as a research assistant at the Critical Issues Forum. She is currently involved in the makings of “The Vow from Hiroshima,” a mind-changing documentary illustrating the experience of an atomic bomb survivor. Let’s take a look and learn from Ms. Kuramitsu’s enlightening words.

As we strive to promote disarmament and educate teens, our main goal is to inform others about the horrible, inhumane consequences atomic bombs create. Ms. Kuramitsu, with her knowledgeable experience, kindly guided us with her expertise. “A captivating way to attract teenagers is by incorporating entertainment with nuclear disarmament education. Every day, technology is rapidly growing and changing our world. The media has never been more influential. In this way, we can educate teenagers and potentially increase the empathy viewers have when visualizing its effects.” 

In our experience, a common obstacle appears when we promote nuclear disarmament. Many individuals reason nuclear weapons bring “safety” and “security” to nations through deterrence. The theory is that other countries would fear the consequences of atomic bombs, and the consequence would discourage further aggression or conflict. Thoughtfully, Ms. Kuramitsu responds, “I always try to think it is necessary to protect (your) country, national security, and (your) interests. On the other hand, those who work toward nuclear abolition want to protect the whole globe yet consider the security nuclear disarmament serves. I have been trying to understand both perspectives, whether you support(or pursue) security provided by nuclear weapons or disarmament, we should never forget and repeat tragedies.” Ms. Kuramitsu emphasizes the crucial risk nuclear weapons hold, considering the ‘possibility of using them.’” 

Ms. Shizuka Kuramitsu ends our interview with the statement, “I hope many people can visit Hiroshima and meet people whose lives were destroyed by a single bomb. The lives who were destroyed by a bomb whose power was less than a fraction of what we have today.” Our generation forgot the consequences of an atomic bomb, and it is the job of Teens 4 Disarmament to remind others about it.