About Hidankyo
From Monthly Paper Hidankyo - February 1999
The A-Bomb and Humanity exhibit
Hidankyo produced photo set The A-Bomb and Humanity has been exhibited at many places in Japan as well as overseas. As of January 25, 611 photo sets were sent to different places and 201 sets of them went to local autonomies and 26 sets to overseas. The local autonomies have used the photos for not only exhibit in public spaces but teaching materials for school children. 26 sets have been sent to 16 countries, USA, UK, Russia, Italy, India, Sri Lanka, Korea, the Czech Republic, Norway, Canada, Lithuania, Mauritius, Pakistan, the Philippines, Malaysia and France, respectively.
Co-op Japan has been eager to send the photo sets to overseas as a part of its movement for creating a nuclear free 21st century. As early as January this year, Co-op received request letters from three co-ops in Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
Speaking tour to Pakistan and Sri Lanka
Two members of Aichi Hidankyo, central Japan, visited Pakistan and Sri Lanka, joining in a two-week speaking tour for witness of A-bombing with five other members. Meetings with The A-Bomb and Humanity exhibit were held at 12 places in both the countries, where the members managed to meet 2,800 people in all.
Although the members prepared for meeting with some interference in Pakistan because of its nuclear tests last May, they were welcomed warmly.
Participants of the meetings were keen on listening to the members talk and asked many questions; "What do you think of the nuclear tests Pakistan conducted?" "What position does the Japanese government adopt for nuclear weapons?" "How do children suffer when nuclear weapons are used?"
It was not until May 1998 that peace movement started in Pakistan. Anti-nuclear movement began and signature campaign started.