Obama visit Hiroshima for the first time

Balack Obama, the President of the US, visited Japan for attending G7 summit. It was held at Shima Kanko Hotel, a famous facility in Mie prefecture. After the congress, he went to Hiroshima.

Hiroshima was one of the two cities in the world where an atomic bomb was thrown. Obama looked through Hiroshima city and Atomic Bomb Museum. After that, he made a statement in front of audience including victims of atomic bomb disease, so-called “Hibakusha.” He shook hands with hibakushas and devote flowers to the memorial stone of victims.

The Guardian: Barack Obama says memory of Hiroshima 'must never fade'

In his speech, Obama express a deep sympathy to the victims and emphasize the misery of causing a war. He did not make an apology for dropping atomic bombs on Japan. Instead, he said we have a certain responsibility to abandon the threatening power of nuclear weapons.

USA Today: Sympathy for victims but no apology as Obama makes historic Hiroshima visit

Obama’s speech seems to have an impact to both Japanese and American people. I think his statement is very sincere and humane. It is not easy to determine whether Obama should make an apology about having victimized Hiroshima (and Nagasali) of not. In my opinion, he is not responsible for the act the US conducted over 60 years ago, and it is not certain the use of atomic bomb is justified based on the standard at that time. And if he made an apology, it would not be beneficial for Japan and the US, rather it is possible that it could make the Obama’s successor aggressive.

The New York Times: Text of President Obama’s Speech in Hiroshima, Japan

Anyway, this visit is a historic event. I believe Obama has done a great work. His speech will be unforgettable for a long time.