Vol.15 No.2 November 2012

HPI Co-hosted International Symposium with Nagasaki University and Chugoku Shimbun
Promoting a Nuclear-Free Northeast Asia:
The Pursuit of a Nuclear-Free World from Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Kazumi Mizumoto

On July 28 the Hiroshima Peace Institute held an international symposium entitled “Promoting a Nuclear-Free Northeast Asia: The Pursuit ofa Nuclear-Free World from Hiroshima and Nagasaki.” Co-hosted with the Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition (RECNA) of
Nagasaki University, and the Chugoku Shimbun, the symposium was aimed at examining the feasibility of denuclearizing Northeast Asia, aregion in which deep-rooted diplomatic tensions remain. The event opened with keynote speeches and then moved on to presentations by
panelists, panel discussions, and a report from a citizen. The symposium was held at the International Conference Center Hiroshima and wasattended by approximately 200 citizens.

Keynote Speeches

A Northeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone: A Comprehensive Approach Is Required
Hiromichi Umebayashi Director of RECNA, Nagasaki University
Recent discussions about a Northeast Asian nuclear-weapon-freezone (hereafter NWFZ) seem more focused on practical
approaches to this issue, as seen at a workshop organized by the
US Nautilus Institute held in Tokyo in November last year. Thisis a marked difference from previous discussions. For example,
in the early 1990s Dr. John E. Endicott, who was then a professor
at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the US, and others
proposed a NWFZ with a radius of 2,000 kilometers with the
Korean Peninsula as its center. However, a drawback of this
proposal was that it only addressed non-strategic nuclear weapons.
As a consequence, in 1996 I developed a “Three-Plus-Three
Arrangement” which proposed that the three countries of Japan,
South and North Korea constitute a NWFZ, and the three nuclearweapon states (hereafter NWSs) of the US, Russia and China
pledge not to attack or threaten this zone with nuclear weapons. I
further developed a model treaty in which the Preamble clearlystates that Northeast Asia is the only region in the world where
nuclear weapons have been used in war and where there are a great
number of hibakusha even today. It also stipulates that the stateparties to the treaty shall undertake to eliminate all dependence
on nuclear weapons in all aspects of their security policy, and todiffuse education on nuclear disarmament. The treaty has threeobjectives: i) the eradication of causes of competition in nuclear
development between Japan and South and North Korea; ii) the
development of a cooperative security framework for the region;and iii) a contribution towards global nuclear abolition.
Following the creation of this model treaty, there have beenboth positive and negative developments: positively, the start of the
Six-Party Talks, and negatively, two nuclear tests carried out by
North Korea. Regarding the former, although in practice the Talks
have been suspended, this international framework still exists toprovide the states involved with a forum to discuss future
denuclearization of the region. Regarding the latter, on the other
hand, North Korea has justified its nuclear tests as they were for the
purpose of “retaining nuclear deterrence as a means of selfdefense.” This claim needs to be analyzed carefully.
At the aforementioned workshop, former US government official
Morton H. Halperin presented a proposal for a comprehensive
agreement on peace and security in Northeast Asia which includes theestablishment of a NWFZ in the region, in addition to bringing thestate of belligerency from the Korean War to an end and establishinga permanent council on security issues for the region. The time is now
to push forward the plan for a Northeast Asian NWFZ. At present, theJapanese government is still occupied with the notion that North
Korea’s abandonment of nuclear weapons should come before
everything. However, pushing this plan forward could lead North
Korea to abandon its dependence on nuclear weapons. In themeantime, there has been another positive change which is that
support for this alternative approach has been spreading among someJapanese law-makers and policy-makers both within and outside Japan.

Challenges of Achieving a Northeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone: Latin America’s Experience
Sergio Duarte Former UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs (Brazil)
The history of the idea of a NWFZ dates back to 1958 when, outof concern for the possible nuclear armament of West Germany,
the then Polish Foreign Minister Adam Rapacki proposed thecreation of one in Eastern Europe. This proposal was not realized
due to antagonism between the US and the USSR. Nevertheless,a NWFZ was first realized in Antarctica in 1959, and then later inouter space, on the moon, on the seabed, and also in Latin America.
At the same time, in 1975 the UN General Assembly defined theconcept of a NWFZ, and in 1999 the UN Disarmament Commission
presented recommendations on a set of principles and guidelines
for the establishment of NWFZs in other parts of the world. Althoughby this time, treaties for NWFZs had already been concluded in
the South Pacific, Southeast Asia and Africa, the definition andthe principles and guidelines set down by the UN can still exert asignificant influence on the future creation of NWFZs.
The establishment of a NWFZ in Northeast Asia is of great
importance, along with another in the Middle East. A plan forholding a Middle East Conference in 2012 to pursue such a vision
was agreed during the 2010 NPT Review Conference. An equivalentconference for Northeast Asia should be convened by the UN
General Assembly. In both regions, nuclear weapons exist and thecountries are suspicious of each other in the respective regions.
This suspicion is the greatest hindrance to the realization of
NWFZs which could otherwise contribute significantly tonurturing mutual trust and easing regional tension.
In Latin America, in 1963 the Presidents ofBrazil, Mexico and several other countries
presented a joint declaration regarding the creationof a NWFZ in the region. It was followed by negotiations and four
years later, the Treaty of Tlatelolco was signed. One of the catalysts
behind this process was the fact that Latin American countries share
the heritage of Iberian culture, and they had long been cooperating
on social and economic issues.
In the West, in the 1960s the frightening concept of “mutual
assured destruction” emerged which held that security could beguaranteed based on a balance of nuclear terror. In contrast, Latin
American countries relied on the rule of law to reconcile theirrespective interests, including those related to nuclear issues. The
Treaty of Tlatelolco became a model for four other NWFZ treatiesthat followed. The creation of NWFZs in the Middle East andNortheast Asia will make half of the globe denuclearized, which isa significant step forward towards nuclear abolition. What will be
required next is to demand all the NWSs to ratify all of the existing
NWFZ treaties, and to oblige them not to use nuclear weapons in
those regions.
I sincerely hope that Northeast Asian countries will create a
NWFZ with patience, realism and a constructive spirit in the not
too distant future.
Visit HPI’s website at http://www.hiroshima-cu.ac.jp/modules/peace_e/index.php

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Presentations by Panelists

Regional Efforts for Reducing Nuclear Danger and the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul

Cheon Seongwhun Senior Research Fellow, the Korea Institute for National Unification (South Korea)
In 2003, Dr. Tatsujiro Suzuki (currently Vice-Chairman of thehas quadrupled its plutonium production capacity,
Japan Atomic Energy Commission) and I developed a vision of apushed forward a plan for nuclear weapon
Trilateral NWFZ in Northeast Asia. There were nine objectives
development, conducted two nuclear tests, and instigated uranium
behind this vision. The first was to promote a vision of aenrichment. The Kim Jong Un regime which came to power in April
Northeast Asian NWFZ in a realistic way, that is involving Northhas made amendments to the DPRK Constitution to the effect thatand South Korea and Japan since the two Koreas have concluded
its Preamble stipulates that the DPRK is now a “nuclear-armed state.”a joint declaration on denuclearization in 1991, and Japan has the
The second impediment is Japan. Several laws such as the Atomic
Three Non-Nuclear Principles. Second, to give legally binding
Energy Basic Law stipulate that the use of nuclear energy should
power to these declaration and Principles. Third, to move“contribute to Japan’s national security.” Similarly, the Basic Space
forward to the realization of the inter-Korean declaration. Fourth,
Law stipulates that space development and its utilization should
to prevent further nuclear development by North Korea. Fifth, to“contribute to Japan’s national security.” These statements are causing
remove international suspicion of nuclear developments by Southskepticism in international society regarding Japan’s real intentions.
Korea and Japan. Sixth, to promote cooperation between SouthOn the other hand, there are some promising signs. The
Korea and Japan in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Seventh,
Nuclear Security Summit which was held in Seoul in March thisto contribute to international efforts towards nuclear nonyear was concluded successfully. Representatives of 53 states andproliferation. Eighth, to promote peace and stability on thefour international organizations participated and had lively
Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia. And ninth, ultimately to
discussions on various issues such as the prevention of nuclear
develop a security framework in the region.
terrorism and the protection of nuclear materials. I believe that
However, this vision faces two serious impediments. The
guaranteeing both the safety and security of nuclear energy will
first is the suspected nuclear development of North Korea whichlead to safer and more responsible control of nuclear materials.

China’s Nuclear Policy: The Pursuit of a Unified Nation

Hisako Iizuka Researcher on Contemporary Chinese Political Issues
Since conducting its first nuclear test in 1964, China has maintained
Mao Zedong era, following his death equala double standard in its nuclear policy: while it holds to policies ofimportance has been given to these two policy
no first use of nuclear weapons, minimum nuclear deterrence andpriorities. It appears that North Korea isnuclear abolition, it continues nuclear development and maintains
attempting to strengthen its international status
good diplomatic relations with North Korea. This situation isthrough the possession of nuclear weapons. This is the exact samegenerating international distrust against China.
path that China followed. As a result, China has no rationale upon
China’s nuclear development dates back to the Korean War
which to oppose North Korea since denying North Korea’s nuclear
which it entered after abandoning its desire to unite with Taiwan.
possession would also deny China’s own nuclear possession. At theDuring this war, China faced a nuclear threat from the US. China
same time, however, North Korea’s nuclear possession may create
decided to instigate nuclear development in 1955, and despite thediplomatic instability between the two countries.
termination of technical assistance from the USSR, it continued
For China, whose land area is 25 times that of Japan, the issue
this development by itself and conducted its first nuclear test inof national unification is not confined to diplomatic issues within
1964. At the same time, China has to this day maintained its
Northeast Asia. Yet, the stabilization within the region is indeed
opposition to the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty which wasindispensable for achieving national unification. The
concluded in 1963, and similarly opposed the NPT (Nuclear
denuclearization of North Korea and also of the whole region will
Non-Proliferation Treaty) until 1992.
benefit China itself. Therefore support should be given to China’s
The issue of national unification is of primary concern tocall for nuclear abolition, and the effectiveness of its nuclear
China. As a consequence, while the enhancement of military
deterrence should be weakened. Japan, as an atomic-bombed
capacity was prioritized over economic development during thecountry, can surely lead this effort.

Fukushima and Nuclear Abolition: Thoughts from Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Yumi Kanazaki Editorial Writer at the Chugoku Shimbun

Since the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear
Power Plant in March last year, it has been widely discussed how
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the two atomic-bombed cities whichaspire for nuclear abolition, should address the issue of nuclear
power generation. We are also addressing this issue in our
newspaper, The Chugoku Shimbun. The discussion on nuclear
power plants in Japan is inseparable from the call for nuclear
disarmament, non-proliferation and abolition, and also from thepursuit of a NWFZ in Northeast Asia.
A key factor in this discussion is Japanese policy towards
the nuclear fuel cycle. Japan is the only country which is party to
the NPT without possessing nuclear weapons, and at the sametime carries out the recycling of spent nuclear fuel and the
production and recycling of plutonium. In fact, Japan already has
45 tons of plutonium in storage which is the equivalent of 5,000
Nagasaki-type atomic bombs.
The US is alarmed by the current position of South Korea
which has stated that if Japan is allowed to carry out nuclear
reprocessing, it should also be entitled to do so. At the same time,within Japan there are some people who advocate Japan maintaining
the capability to develop nuclear weapons through the retention of
its nuclear power plants and reprocessing facilities.

Contents2

During the NPT Preparatory Committee
meeting held in Vienna from April to May thisyear, the Japanese representative stated that Japanis determined to “share with the international
community further knowledge and lessons learned from the
Fukushima accident, …promote the highest levels of nuclear safety
worldwide,” and cooperate with the international community “onthe peaceful uses of nuclear energy.” This statement sounded as if
he was saying that the Fukushima disaster was an unexpectednatural disaster. In contrast, some countries such as Austria showeda cautious stance towards nuclear power plants which “can never be
100 percent safe.”
The NPT has the three pillars of nuclear disarmament, nuclear
non-proliferation and the guarantee of the right to the peaceful usesof nuclear energy. Prior to the Fukushima disaster, the focus of our
discussions was largely placed on the first pillar of nuclear
disarmament. Now, however, we must make comprehensive efforts,
including advocating the expansion of NWFZs and the negotiationof a nuclear weapons convention. At the same time, problems
pertaining to the “peaceful uses of nuclear energy” should also be
thoroughly addressed and the policies of the Japanese government
carefully monitored. This stance is also required for the media.

HPI Co-hosted International Symposium with Nagasaki University and Chugoku Shimbun
Kazumi Mizumoto………………………… 1-3
The Opening of RECNA: To Become a New Hub for the Realization of a World without Nuclear Weapons
Satoshi Hirose… ………… 4
HPI Lecture Series for Citizens of Hiroshima (First Term 2012) “The Present Trend of the Democratization in the World” …………………… 5
My Approach to Peace Studies Vol. 3 “Peace Studies for Me Means Peace Psychology and Peace Education”
Takehiko Ito………… 6-7
Diary………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8

HIROSHIMA RESEARCH NEWS Vol.15 No.2, November 2012

Panel Discussion I

A Vision of a Northeast Asian NWFZ

Moderator (hereafter Mizumoto): Are there any commentson the speech delivered by Dr. Umebayashi?
Cheon: In the present environment, I doubt the feasibility ofincluding North Korea in a proposal for a Northeast Asian NWFZ.
Umebayashi: There seem to be some misunderstandings about
this proposal. For example, the Nautilus Institute developed
its own idea which proposes that Japan and South Korea firstcreate a NWFZ, which North Korea would join at a later
date. I am opposed to this idea. North Korea should be
included from the very beginning, and therefore the creationof a NWFZ and the denuclearization of North Korea shouldbe implemented in parallel.
Iizuka: North Korea under the Kim Jong Un regime seems to bepresenting a “soft” image of itself. This must be a good
opportunity to encourage North Korea to denuclearize itself.
Umebayashi: We don’t have access to enough information at the
moment, so it is too early to speculate about the prospect. North
Korea’s intentions should be viewed with an objective attitude.
The priority for North Korea is likely to be maintaining thecurrent regime. In any case, it is important to acknowledge
North Korea as a partner and to continue negotiations.
Duarte: The ongoing developments in the Middle East and thepast experiences of Latin America may lead to the realization ofa Northeast Asian NWFZ. One way towards this realization
may be for the UN Secretary-General to create a special
committee to push forward this vision.

Report from a Citizen
Keisaburo Toyonaga Director of the Hiroshima Branch, the Association of Citizens for the Support of South Korean Atomic Bomb Victims
For the past 40 years, I have been involved in activities to support
previously required witnesses and could only
foreign and Japanese hibakusha who experienced the atomic
be carried out in Japan, and also when theybombings in Hiroshima or Nagasaki, and who subsequently
decide to instigate lawsuits if theirreturned to their home countries such as South and North Korea,
applications for an A-bomb Health Book are
China and Taiwan, or in the case of Japanese hibakusha, moved
declined. Our greatest concern has been
hibakusha in North Korea with which Japanabroad. For the benefit of South Korean hibakusha, weestablished the Hiroshima branch of the Association of Citizens
does not have diplomatic relations. These North Korean hibakusha
to support them in 1973, and since 1989 I visit South Korea
are definitely in need of humanitarian support. For the past two
every year to maintain ties and to continue record-taking. Our
years, we have been organizing A-bomb exhibitions in Daegu,
comprehensive support includes providing assistance when theySouth Korea. We hope that our activities as a whole will be of someapply for an A-bomb Health Book, the procedure for which
help in the efforts to achieve the denuclearization of Asia.

Panel Discussion II

Discussion on Panelists’Speeches

Mizumoto: Dr. Cheon, what do you think about the feasibilityof a Northeast Asian NWFZ and Japan’s nuclear policy?
Cheon: The possibility for the realization of a NWFZ between
South and North Korea and Japan which I proposed 10 years
ago is, at present, “zero percent.” The proposal is based on thepremise that North Korea abandons nuclear weapons, but thecountry has been the largest obstacle. The amendments to the
Atomic Energy Basic Law of Japan are causing international
concern that Japan will discard its Three Non-Nuclear Principles.
Mizumoto: Is it possible to expect that China will cooperate inefforts towards the realization of a Northeast Asian NWFZ?
Iizuka: The major obstacle is the emotional mutual distrust which
exists between China and Japan. China suspects that Japan
has the ability to develop nuclear warheads and missiles, andcan possess nuclear weapons whenever it wishes. At the sametime, Japan actually relies on its own nuclear deterrence. The

issue of the Atomic Energy Basic Law itself has not been
criticized very much in China, but the South Korean reaction toit has appeared in media reports in China. Therefore it can be said
that this issue has deepened the rift between Japan and China.
Umebayashi: China’s possession of nuclear weapons needs to beanalyzed within a global framework which considers the five
NWSs. Solely a local perspective will not lead to China’s
nuclear disarmament.
Mizumoto: Ms. Kanazaki, what do you think about the danger ofJapan’s nuclear fuel cycle and the role of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
Kanazaki: The world is concerned about the possible nuclear
armament of Japan which, despite having been atomic-bombed,
continues to produce plutonium and has plans to build highspeed nuclear reactors. When they raise their voices, the peopleof Hiroshima and Nagasaki need to relate the issue of nuclear
abolition to that of nuclear power plants and the nuclear fuel cycle.

Question and Answer Session with the Audience (excerpt)––– What attitudes are the NWSs taking towards NWFZs?
Duarte: All NWFZ treaties demand that the NWSs sign
protocols in which they pledge not to launch nuclear attacks
against the NWFZs. However, the NWSs make reservations
and interpret these treaties as they see fit. Therefore it isnecessary to tighten the obligations on the part of the NWSs.
––– What is required for a normalization of diplomatic
relations between Japan and North Korea? And what
implications can such a normalization have for thevision of denuclearization of Northeast Asia, and on theJapan-US and US-South Korea security alliances?
Umebayashi: A key to normalization is attributing realimportance to the dialogue with North Korea, instead ofrecognizing only the South as a legitimate state. The nuclear
deterrence of the Japan-US and US-South Korea security
alliances relies not on short-range nuclear missiles deployedwithin the region, but on submarines and long-range missiles
which the US deploys globally. In other words, thedenuclearization of Northeast Asia will not necessarily affectthe nuclear deterrence of those security frameworks. The
realization of a Northeast Asian NWFZ should be pursued inparallel with diminishing the role of the security alliances.
––– Is there an anti-nuclear power plant movement in
China? China used to rely on its nuclear weapons.
However, having experienced economic development,
isn’t it possible for China to strengthen its military
power by other means?

Iizuka: Although there is no large-scale movement, some opposition
movements are taking place in inland areas. Chinese politicalleaders assume that China can maintain its political influence
through its possession of nuclear weapons. Therefore China
will not abandon its weapons unless the US does the same.
––– To what extent has North Korea opened up its uranium
enrichment facility?
Cheon: When a group of American scientists visited North Korea
in 2010, they were amazed by a state-of-the-art facility. Whenthey visited the site a year earlier, there had been nothing there.
However, after only one year, such an advanced facility had
been constructed. It is highly likely that North Korea is still
producing plutonium from enriched uranium.
––– What are the commonalities and differences between
the issues of nuclear power plants and nuclear
weapons?
Kanazaki: The two issues cannot easily be separated from eachother. When discussing the abolition of nuclear power plants,
some people starts from the point of view of concern about
nuclear armament, while others from the danger of nuclear
power plants. Each case needs to be addressed with flexible
approach. At the same time, Japan is still highly interested inexporting nuclear power technology. This may reveal that theJapanese government has little, if any, intention of abolishingits domestic nuclear power plants. The export of nuclear power
technology should also be carefully monitored.
Pages 1-3 summarized by Kazumi Mizumoto
Visit HPI’s website at http://www.hiroshima-cu.ac.jp/modules/peace_e/index.php

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The Opening of RECNA:
To Become a New Hub for the Realization of
a World without Nuclear Weapons

Satoshi Hirose
In April 2012, the Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition(RECNA) was established at Nagasaki University. This research
center is presumably the first and only public research institute inJapan, or even in the world, which is devoted to the clear andspecific goal of the abolition of nuclear weapons. It can well be
imagined that the establishment of such an institute has long been
a hope of many Nagasaki citizens. That hope has finally come true,
partly pushed forward by US President Obama’s speech in Prague
in 2009, and also by the yearning voices of aging hibakusha. Withfewer than ten researchers altogether, including part-timemembers, it could be argued that the center may not necessarily beof significant size. Nevertheless, it is hoped that this small size will
instead work for keeping our team well-focused and functional,
and thus able to make an effective contribution towards theabolition of nuclear weapons.
There are three main aims behind the establishment of
RECNA: i) to make relevant information available and develop
proposals regarding the abolition of nuclear weapons at various
levels based on academic research; ii) to engage in education
which can induce self-motivated dedication among students
through utilizing research activities and their outcomes; and iii) to
become a think tank which is open to global as well as local
citizens who are eager for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
RECNA’s specific research activities which are aimed at the
future abolition of nuclear weapons can largely be categorized into
three types: i) research and analysis on specific themes such as thecreation of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Northeast Asia; ii)
continuous monitoring of international negotiations on nuclear
disarmament and non-proliferation, such as those held at the NPT
Review Conferences, the Conference on Disarmament (CD) in
Geneva, and the First Committee of the UN General Assembly;
and iii) collection and management of information and data
relating to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. At the sametime, we are attempting to establish links both within Japan andabroad with research institutions such as HPI, as well asinternational organizations and NGOs that are devoted to working
towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
The outcomes of our research and analysis will bedisseminated as widely as possible in both Japanese and English
through various means such as a regularly published newsletter,annual reports, and also through digital media. However, weshould always keep in mind that research activities aimed at theultimate abolition of nuclear weapons must be oriented to practicalsolutions instead of being confined to purely academic, theoretical
discussions. In this respect, we are taking the position that solely
publishing academic papers will not be sufficient, and therefore wemust make efforts to generate popular support for the abolition of
nuclear weapons. For this purpose, we plan to provide citizens
with opportunities to learn more about these issues through suchmeans as organizing public lectures and seminars, and creating

webpages where visitors can obtain basic knowledge relating to
nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation or read columns on
related current situations and problems. We are also seeking
various other means to utilize our work effectively, including
developing research outcomes into specific policy proposals which
can be passed on to governments and related internationalorganizations.
In terms of continuous monitoring of international
negotiations on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, we are
already sharing our opinions concerning the NPT and CD on blogs
within RECNA’s website. There is also a database within the same
website where citizens can access previously collated informationand materials related to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
This database is open to all citizens and is expected to becomericher in content as we are planning to include Japanese translationsof important treaties, reports and declarations which have not been
easily obtainable or not yet available in Japanese. We are further
endeavoring to develop a list of references which will facilitate abetter use of the resources in the database.
Additionally, as a part of a university, we bear the
responsibility of utilizing specific research outcomes for the
benefit of education. At present, we are not taking in students,
since RECNA is not an academic department as such. Instead, weare offering a module entitled “Towards a World without Nuclear
Weapons” as part of the university’s liberal arts program. Other
educational endeavors include the establishment of a group named“RECNA supporters,” consisting of university and high school
students, including Nagasaki University students, who areinterested in the activities of RECNA, so that members may
participate in volunteer work for the center or organize study
sessions. Supporting the activities of the younger generation isclearly one of RECNA’s important missions in its efforts to realize
the abolition of nuclear weapons.
The former President of Nagasaki University, Dr. Hideo
Tsuchiyama, who has made a significant contribution to theestablishment of RECNA and who is now an advisor, once statedthat in order to realize the abolition of nuclear weapons, both arational mind and sensibility are indispensable. At the same time,
however, the world-renowned Norwegian scholar of peace studies,
Dr. Johan Galtung, has criticized the lack of thorough analysis andrealistic proposals in calls for nuclear abolition from Japan. With
these words in mind, we are determined to strive to develop
RECNA with a clear understanding that it is RECNA’s
responsibility and raison d’être to become a solid foothold for
raising voices for the abolition of nuclear weapons in a logical andconvincing manner.
Vice-Director of RECNA

RECNA’s website http://www.recna.nagasaki-u.ac.jp/en-top/
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HIROSHIMA RESEARCH NEWS Vol.15 No.2, November 2012

HPI Lecture Series for Citizens of Hiroshima (First Term 2012)

The Present Trend of the Democratization in the World
Recently, democratization movements are spreading around the world, with the notable example being the Arab Spring in
the Middle East and North Africa which began towards the end of 2010. These movements have drawn international
attention as they represent a new way for citizens to participate in politics which utilizes social networks such as Facebook
and Twitter. This can also be observed in other grass-roots movements such as the “Occupy Wall Street” demonstrations
against political and economic inequality in the US, and the anti-nuclear power plant movements in Japan. However, there
are issues which have not been addressed yet to a sufficient degree such as the ultimate goal of the Arab Spring, its
possible future course, the possible consequences for former political leaders, and its possible influence on other regionsof the world.
Based on these questions, HPI’s latest Lecture Series focused on the democratization processes in South Korea,
Myanmar and the Arab world. It was aimed at examining various contemporary democratization movements in terms of
their present situations, historical significance and possible influence on Japan. The three lectures which were delivered by
two HPI researchers and a faculty member of Hiroshima City University examined the cases of the two countries and thearea, and also their respective influences on other countries such as the US and Japan, thus deepening and enlivening thediscussion. The summaries of each lecture are as follows.

Lecture 1 The Democratization Movement in Korea: Development Process and Implications for Today（May 25）

Sung Chull Kim, Professor at HPI

The first lecture examined the case of South Korea in order to gaina clear understanding of its historical significance and possible
lessons for the future. Since the end of WWII, South Korea has
been under the dictatorships of Rhee Syng-man, Park Chunghee, Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo. The political awarenessof South Korean citizens was gradually raised through the
democratization movements of 1960 and 1980. The student-led
June Democracy Movement and the subsequent 6.29 Declarationin 1987 facilitated South Korea’s shift towards a democratic
political system. According to Kim, the role of students as the main
actors in the movements was significant, and their ideals were
derived from previously developed nationalism which aspired tonational independence and unification. Theirobjectives also included the overthrow of
the then dictatorial government. These
factors were the driving force behind thedemocratization movement in South Korea,
even after 1987 when the main actors of the movement shifted fromanti-regime students to citizens’ groups. Kim examined the previous
achievements and limitations of the citizens’ democratization
movement. He also emphasized that both the alliances between thegroups within the democratization movement, the “pact” agreed
between these groups and the authorities, and the neutrality ofthe military were crucial to the democratization of Korea.

Lecture 2 Recent Developments towards Democratization in Myanmar（June 1）Narayanan Ganesan, Professor at HPI

The second lecture examined the case of Myanmar. After gaining
independence from the British Empire in 1948, Myanmar wasunder a military regime from 1962 which came to an end with thecollapse of the government of the Burma Socialist Programme
Party (BSPP) in 1988. The political climate of the country
changed further following the victory of the National League for
Democracy (NLD) in the general election of 1990, anddemocratization has been pursued under the current government
led by the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) whichcame to power in 2010. It may still be clear in most people’s
memories that the non-violent opposition leader, Aung San Suu
Kyi, recently returned to the political arena following many
years of house arrest. In the lecture, Ganesan described theprevious political developments in Myanmar while referring to
its relations with the UK and Japan since the end of WWII. He

then examined the characteristics of anddifferences between the previous military
regime and the current government. The
latter embarked upon democratization bymeans of introducing parliamentary andelectoral systems, and expanding the scope of freedom of thepress. However, according to Ganesan, Myanmar still faces several
serious political and socio-economic problems: the still lingering
influence of the national army in politics; unstable prices forgoods and services; and severe deficiencies in medical services,education and agricultural output. Ganesan concluded the lecture
by stating that in order to promote further democratization in
Myanmar, it will be necessary not only to address these problems,
but also to shift gradually to a civilian government and gain the
support and cooperation of international society.

Lecture 3 Rethinking the Arab Spring（June 8）Masaki Uno, Professor at the Faculty of International Studies, Hiroshima City University

The third lecture focused on the Arab Spring. Uno first pointed
out the great importance of overcoming the Euro-centric
dualistic perspective on the Western and Arab world which views
them as “advanced and less advanced,” “democratic and nondemocratic,” and “peaceful societies and war-mongeringsocieties.” According to Uno, secular democratization in theWest and non-secular democratization based on Islamic values in
the Arab world must be clearly distinguished from each other. In
other words, Arab countries are aiming at creating a nonEuropean, Islamic political system; therefore the Arab Springshould not be viewed as the “democratization of non-democratic
states” in the Western sense. The intensification of Islamism
which has been observed during the course of the Arab Spring

was not only born out of anti-Americanism
within the Arab world, but also developed
as a counteraction to Islamophobia in
Western society. In order to overcome onesided perspectives, Uno stressed that thepro-Israel policy of the US in the Middle East should bechanged. At the same time, people in Japan should seek toacquire multicultural perspectives in order to achieve mutual
understanding with people in the Arab world. More specifically,
they should change both their current tendency to impose aWestern sense of values on the Arab world and the tendency toview the expansion of Islamism with skepticism.
Makiko Takemoto, Assistant Professor at HPIVisit HPI’s website at http://www.hiroshima-cu.ac.jp/modules/peace_e/index.php

5My Approach to Peace Studies

Vol. 3This time Dr. Takehiko Ito of Wako University, whose specialization is peace psychology and peace education, will
present the role of the study of peace psychology and discuss how peace can be realized, analyzed from theviewpoint of his academic field. He will also present a peace education project with which he has recently been
involved.

Peace Studies for Me Means
Peace Psychology and Peace Education
Takehiko Ito
Within the field of Peace Studies, I concentrate my research on
peace psychology and peace education, as well as on its
implementation.
A group of students from Wako Elementary School, Tokyo,
developed their own preamble to a national constitution:
In this place, everyone can live at ease, everyone can havesafe and delicious meals with their families every day,schools are filled with laughter, no one is alone and sad,animals are well taken care of, we are trusted by people
around the world, and people say “thank you” to eachother even when they do not know each other. We vow tocreate such a happy country. (Mika Tsutsumi, 2012, Seifu
wa kanarazu uso wo tsuku [Governments Always TellLies], Kadokawa SSC, Tokyo: 215)
I think this is a well thought-out, excellent definition of astate in peace. This resembles the definitions offered by the
Norwegian scholar of Peace Studies, Johan Galtung. He definedpeace as “the absence of violence,” and violence as ways whichhinder the realization of the potentialities of individuals. The“potentialities” here mean not only people’s lives but also theirpersonal development and relationships with others. In the
medical sciences there is an approach to the analysis of diseases
called the “bio-psycho-social model” which places equal
importance on physical, psychological and social factors. Thisapproach can also be applied to cases of war and violence since
they deprive people of not only their lives and physicalfunctions, but also their families, friends, teachers, jobs and all
the rights that are normally taken for granted in a peacefulsociety. Since humans may have the potential to prevent somenatural disasters, war and violence can obviously also be
prevented. This is a basic concept in the field of peace
psychology. In this connection, the Preamble to the UNESCO
Charter is noteworthy: “[S]ince wars begin in the minds of men,
it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be
constructed.” Construction of the “defences of peace” meansthat problems must be solved not through force of arms, but
through non-violent means such as empathy, dialogue and

6

HIROSHIMA RESEARCH NEWS Vol.15 No.2, November 2012

creative ideas. This requires people to acquire sound philosophy,
knowledge and appropriate skills. One of the roles of the study ofpeace psychology is to investigate how people can achieve this.
Another important role of the field is to study humanbehavior, and how to predict and guide it in order to find ways
to realize a peaceful society.
This can be further explained in the case of economic
activity. Economic conflict is one of the crucial factors whenanalyzing war. In fact, it is widely acknowledged that oil money
is a key factor in the conflict in the Middle East. The
relationship between people and money can be analogized withthat between people and alcohol. There are people who lovealcohol and there are those others who do not. Similarly, somepeople see the pursuit of money as the aim of their lives, whilst
others are indifferent to it (as we all were when we were babies).
When we exchange goods or services, while direct allocation
limits the number of recipients and barter is not always feasible,
money is a symbolic medium of exchange. However, thismedium is to some people a goal in itself. (This is often called“money fetishism.”) A Japanese proverb says “At the first cup, aperson drinks sake; at the second, sake drinks sake; and at thethird, sake drinks the person.” This means that as one keeps
drinking alcohol, the person loses oneself. In a similar manner,the function of money which is supposed to be a medium of
exchange may be changed to a means to make more money;
then eventually it becomes a poison that gnaws away one’s
body, mind and social relations. This situation is comparable tofinancial capitalism or, in the field of politics, neoliberalism
which let a limited number of rich people behave just as theywish. This is the third stage in the above proverb where one has
become an alcoholic and one’s body, mind and social relations
are all undermined. This stage requires proper treatment, and thesame can be said for the present world. Therefore, to identify
how to “cure” such a social situation is also a role of the study ofpeace psychology.
The importance of studying human behavior may also be
understood when viewing peace psychology in relation to one’s
personal development:

1. For one’s personal development and well-being, a peacefulenvironment without violence is essential. (Nevertheless,people can be strong enough to actualize their own will evenin a violent environment. In this respect, it is noteworthy that
post-traumatization personal development is also being
studied.)2. Unlike direct violence, structural violence is relatively
invisible, as in the cases of unemployment, inequality,
deprivation and discrimination, which are being worsened by
the limited number of rich people and the military industry.
3. Cultural violence reinforces both direct and structural
violence. For example, media reports do not necessarily tell
the truth, thereby intensifying cultural violence. In thiscontext, media literacy is indispensable for personal
development and the improvement of society.
These points may indicate, in short, that personal
development is closely connected with the realization of peacesince a state in peace is a manifestation of people’s potentialities.
This may confirm the importance of studying human behavior,
the outcomes of which will be utilized in “curing” today’s world
and making it a better place. It is this understanding that makes
specialists in peace psychology contemplate a definition of“peace” in contrast to “violence.”
The above argument may further lead to ideas relating topeace education. It can be discussed in relation to conflict
resolution:
1. While conflict often causes violent destruction, it is also
possible to derive opportunities for people’s developmentfrom conflict. Here conflict can occur at various levels, froman argument in everyday life to global war.
2. Conflict resolution requires discipline in three areas, which
are empathy, dialogue and creative thinking.
3. Training in these areas is being implemented in some schools
from the elementary level. Specific methods include peer
mediation and the “SABONA project,” the latter of which is
aimed at developing pupils’ techniques to solve conflicts bychanging their thinking through the use of a special mattress.
4. Methods of conflict resolution should not only be taught asmere “knowledge,” but should also be applied to actual cases
in daily life. Even unfruitful efforts can become meaningfulexperiences.
I’ve been involved in a research project which examines thepractical effects of conflict resolution methods. My colleagues
and I recently produced an animation DVD titled “A Way to Make
Everyone Happy: Three Theories for Good Relationships” (2012).
I have been studying the effects of the conflict resolution methods
introduced in this DVD on pepople of various ages, fromelementary school students to adults. At a workshop during a
conference of the Japan Association of Applied Psychology thatwas held in September this year, the director of the animation,
Ms. Yuko Takabe, talked about the DVD. It contains three shortanimation films and an accompanying booklet. The booklet
explains the three peace education theories presented in the three
animation stories respectively, and the booklet also contains
sample methods for class delivery. I myself contributed to thebooklet in which I presented the method called the “Transcend
method” which attempts to transform the nature of a specificconflict. The three stories in the DVD are as follows:

1. Johnny and Percy: The “my message” method for not
exacerbating conflict (7 min.)At a time of conflict, it is sometimes difficult to express one’s
real thoughts and one becomes offensive instead. The method
introduced here attempts to have both parties in conflict try
to express their own thoughts by placing “myself” as a subject
and to understand each other. In the animation, a penguin
named Johnny and a seal named Percy solve their conflictover food by using this method. The animation was createdby Mushi Production whose masterpieces include Astro Boy.
2. Momotaro who does not wish to hunt the ogre: “Hoo’ponopono” for conflict resolution through dialogue(10 min.)
Based on the Japanese folk tale Momotaro, this second
story poses the question of whether the hero Momotaro
really has to hunt the trouble-making ogre as in the original
tale. The story depicts an attempt to resolve the conflict
between the ogre and the villagers for whom the ogre iscausing trouble by using the Hawaii-originated tradition
called “Ho o’ponopono,” an approach to conflict resolution
by means of holding a discussion between all the parties
involved. The animation employs the stop motion
technique, using 15-centimeter-tall dolls and a diorama.
3. Five ways to become happy: The “Transcend method”
for constructive conflict resolution (7 min.)The last story is set in a classroom where students practice
the Transcend method and have a constructive discussion inorder to realize that there are many ways to solve a problem.
Prior to the workshop in September, Associate Professor
Akihiro Sugita of Daito Bunka University, Professor Takayo Inoueof Meiji Gakuin University and I conducted research at a workshop
using the third film to study the effects of the Transcend method.
In the workshop, 71 participants used a specially-designed
metric to observe changes in their approaches to conflict before
and after the workshop. With the metric, one can measure thedegrees of two factors: self-assertiveness and attentiveness toothers. The results showed that a majority of the participants saw
an increase in both of the two factors. Furthermore, in theircomments afterwards, more than 70 percent of the respondents
acknowledged the effectiveness of the method.
In August, another workshop was conducted with teachersof elementary, junior high and high schools, which again
confirmed the effectiveness of the method. While I’m organizing
the results into an academic paper, I’m seeking a future
opportunity to conduct another workshop with elementary,junior high and high school students.
Professor Emeritus Hideo Fujita of Rissho University, who
is a specialist in peace education, once pointed out that peaceeducation should not be simple education about peace, but actual
acquisition of how to create peace. It is crucial for one to acquireawareness of, knowledge about, and skills for conflict resolution
and peace creation during one’s childhood or adolescence. Peace
education for children can also be an opportunity for teachers tolearn themselves. Peace Studies for me means research on peace
psychology and peace education. It will be an honor for me if
my research can help facilitate mutual personal development for
both children and adults.
Faculty member at Wako University

Visit HPI’s website at http://www.hiroshima-cu.ac.jp/modules/peace_e/index.php

7

July 1 ‒ October 31, 2012

◆Jul. 4
Taeko Kiriya gives lecture “‘Reconstruction’ of
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and Hibakushas’ View” to a group of
students from the Secondary School attached to the Faculty of
Education, the University of Tokyo, held at HPI.
Robert Jacobs gives public lecture “Social◆Jul. 6
Mobilization in Japan after Fukushima” in New Delhi, India.
◆Jul. 9Mikyoung Kim serves as Chair and discussant for thepanel session “Global Justice—Local Democracy” of the Human
Rights Section, during the 2012 World Congress of the International
Political Science Association (IPSA), held in Madrid, Spain.
◆Jul. 9-18 Narayanan Ganesan organizes training workshops aspart of the Peace and Reconciliation Project, in Yangon andMyitkyina, Myanmar.
◆Jul. 10 Mikyoung Kim is elected to be Executive Secretary of
the Human Rights Section, IPSA, during its 2012 World
Congress.
◆Jul. 11 Jacobs presents paper “The Big Apple and the Giant
Mushroom: Depictions of a Nuclear Attack on New York City,
1945-2012” at the annual meeting of the International Committee
for the History of Technology, held in Barcelona, Spain.
◆Jul. 12 HPI Vice-President Kazumi Mizumoto gives lecture“From the Development of the Atomic Bomb to Its Use on
Hiroshima” at the training course for recounters of atomic bomb
experiences, organized by Hiroshima City, held at the Hiroshima
Peace Memorial Museum.
◆Jul. 13 Mikyoung Kim presents paper “Memory, Human Rights
and Reconciliation in Inter-Korean Relations” at the international
conference “The Korean Peninsula in a Changing East Asia,”organized by and held at the Jeju Peace Institute, Jeju, Korea.
◆Jul. 17 Mizumoto gives lecture “The Current World Situationof Nuclear Weapons” at the training course for recounters of
atomic bomb experiences, organized by Hiroshima City, held atthe Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
◆Jul. 19 Mizumoto gives lecture “Challenges to the Present
World: The Global Situation Surrounding Nuclear Power” at thePeace Education Course of Hiroshima International University,
held at the university.
◆Jul. 21 Mizumoto gives lecture “How Should We Link the
Atomic Bombing Experience to World Peace?” at the Hiroshima
Peace Forum organized by the Hiroshima Peace Culture
Foundation, held at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
◆Jul. 29 Mizumoto gives lecture “Hiroshima and Peace” at a
training course for journalists organized by Hiroshima City, heldat the International Conference Center Hiroshima.
◆Aug. 1-18 Ganesan organizes training workshops for ethnic
minority groups and NGO workers as part of the Peace andReconciliation Project, in Yangon, Mawlamyaing and Paan,
Myanmar.
◆Aug. 2 Mizumoto participates in the 1st meeting of theHiroshima Prefecture-entrusted “Project for Promotion of the
NPT” organized by the Center for the Promotion of Disarmamentand Non-Proliferation, the Japan Institute of International Affairs,
held at the Hiroshima Prefectural Office.
◆Aug. 3 Jacobs gives lecture “The Bombings of Hiroshima andNagasaki as Seen from America” at the Peace Seminar 2012 of
Bowling Green State University, hosted by and held at Hiroshima
Jogakuin University.
◆Aug. 4 Mizumoto gives lecture “Hiroshima and Peace: The
Danger of Nuclear Weapons” at the Peace Seminar 2012 of
Bowling Green State University, hosted by and held at Hiroshima
Jogakuin University.
◆Aug. 5 Mizumoto gives lecture “Tasks for the Abolition of
Nuclear Weapons towards the 2015 NPT Review Conference” at“2012 Peace Symposium in Hiroshima,” organized by the JapaneseTrade Union Confederation, the Japan Congress Against A- and
H-Bombs, and the National Council for Peace and Against
Nuclear Weapons, held at the Hiroshima Kenminbunka Center.
◆Aug. 8 Mizumoto gives lecture “Tasks for the Abolition of
Nuclear Weapons towards the 2015 NPT Review Conference” at“2012 Peace Symposium in Nagasaki,” organized by the JapaneseTrade Union Confederation, the Japan Congress Against A- and
H-Bombs, and the National Council for Peace and Against
Nuclear Weapons, held at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.
◆Aug. 10-11 Mizumoto gives presentation at “Part 1: Views andExperiences from Educators” in “Session 3: Designing and
Implementing Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education,”
during the Global Forum on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

HIROSHIMA RESEARCH NEWS● Published by● Printed by

8

Education, co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ofJapan and the United Nations University, held at the Nagasaki
Atomic Bomb Museum.
◆Aug. 25 Mizumoto gives presentation “Present Tasks and Japan’sRole in Nuclear Disarmament: Observed from Hiroshima” at“Plenary Session 3: World Without Nuclear Weapon 2” during the20th International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War(IPPNW) World Congress “From Hiroshima to Future Generations,”
held at the International Conference Center Hiroshima.
◆Aug. 30 Mikyoung Kim gives two lectures “Japan-ROK
Relations” and “Japan-ROK-DPRK Identity” at the Joint Foreign
Area Officer (FAO) Program of the Naval Postgraduate School,
the US, held at the Japan Foundation, Tokyo.
◆Sep. 3-4 Mizumoto participates in meetings of the Promotion
Committee and the working group on nuclear issues of “A
Hiroshima for Global Peace” Plan organized by Hiroshima
Prefecture, held at the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima.
◆Sep. 3-7 Ganesan organizes training workshops as part of thePeace and Reconciliation Project, in Mandalay, Myanmar.
◆Sep. 4 Mizumoto participates as a panellist in the “International
Peace Forum, Hiroshima,” held at the International ConferenceCenter Hiroshima.
◆Sep. 6 Mizumoto gives lecture “Hiroshima’s Efforts toContribute to International Peace: Support for Cambodia” at a
training course of JICA which is entrusted by JICA and organizedby the Hiroshima International Center, held at JICA Chugoku
International Center, Higashihiroshima City.
◆Sep. 8 Mizumoto gives lecture “Hiroshima and Peace: The
Atomic Bombing Experience and Contribution towards Peace”
for the Cambodia Reconstruction Support Project, co-organized
by Hiroshima Prefecture and JICA, held at the Hiroshima
Prefectural Office.
◆Sep. 13 Jacobs presents paper “Networking Global Hibakusha:
C o n n e c t i n g R a d i a t i o n A ff e c t e d C o m m u n i t i e s C r o s s generationally through New Social Media” at the international
conference “Semipalatinsk Test Site: Radiation Legacy andDevelopment Prospects,” organized by the Institute of Radiation
Safety and Ecology, Kazakhstan, held in Kurchatov, Kazakhstan.
◆Sep. 17 Mizumoto gives lecture “Hiroshima and the Danger of
Nuclear Weapons” to a group of Japanese and American students
from the California University Program of Meiji Gakuin
University, held at Aster Plaza, Hiroshima.
◆Sep. 24 Mizumoto serves as the Vice-Chair at the 12th
meeting of the Exhibition Review Committee of the Hiroshima
Peace Memorial Museum, held at the museum.
◆Sep. 29 Mizumoto gives presentation “Hiroshima’s Mission
and Role for International Peace” at an open seminar of “TheTraining Course for Hiroshima Global Human Resources”
organized by Hiroshima Prefecture and other organizations, heldat the Hiroshima International Center.
◆Oct. 6 Mizumoto gives lecture “Hiroshima-originated Peace
Activities in Asia: From an Experience in Cambodia” for thecourse “The Past and Future of Asia and Hiroshima” ofHiroshima-gaku (Hiroshima Studies) Seminar, organized by andheld at Funakoshi Community Center, Hiroshima.
◆Oct. 15 Jacobs presents paper “Nuclear Zenith: 1962 as theApex of Cold War Colonialism” at the international conference“1962, A World” organized by the National Centre of Research inSocial and Cultural Anthropology and other organizations, heldin Oran, Algeria.
◆Oct. 19 Jacobs presents paper “Finding America Hidden
behind Hiroshima” at the annual meeting of the Society forSocial Study of Science, held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
◆Oct. 20 Mizumoto gives lecture “The Danger of Nuclear
Weapons and Memories of Hiroshima” at the open seminar“Memories of Nuclear Weapons: Linkages between Hiroshima,
Kokura and Nagasaki” organized by the University of
Kitakyushu, held at the university.
◆Oct. 31 Mizumoto gives lecture “How to Live in theInternational Age: Pursuing Nuclear Abolition and International
Contributions from an A-bombed City” at a seminar forinternational understanding, held at Hatsukaichi High School,
Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture.
——Visitors——
Students from the Secondary School attached to the◆Jul. 4
Faculty of Education, the University of Tokyo.
Vol.15 No.2（November 26, 2012）

Hiroshima Peace Institute, Hiroshima City University（Editor: Yuko Takahashi）
Ote-machi Heiwa Bldg. F9/10, 4-1-1 Ote-machi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0051, Japan
Phone: +81（0）82 544 7570
Fax: +81（0）82 544 7573
E-mail: office-peace@peace.hiroshima-cu.ac.jp
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HIROSHIMA RESEARCH NEWS Vol.15 No.2, November 2012

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