Ten years have already passed since Barack Obama became the first sitting president of the United States to visit Hiroshima in 2016.

After laying flowers at the memorial cenotaph for atomic bomb victims, Obama exchanged words with Shigeaki Mori, a hibakusha and historian, and gently put his arm around his shoulder. 

That was an unforgettable sight. 

At the time, I was stationed in Beijing. I remember tearing up suddenly while watching the news footage. 

My emotional reaction must have had to do with the fact that I was reporting back then on Japan-China disputes on the perception of history, and was becoming convinced of how difficult it must be for citizens of former enemy countries to achieve reconciliation. 

In his speech, Obama did not apologize for the atomic bombs, nor did he say anything about America’s responsibility.

Moreover, he was criticized for bringing to the Peace Memorial Park—of all places—the presidential “nuclear football,” which is a briefcase providing him with the tools to order a nuclear strike. 

Still, I was deeply touched by his words to the effect of “showing to the world the possibility of reconciliation,” as well as by how he and Mori hugged each other. 

After my return to Japan from China, I visited Mori in Hiroshima. It was a hot summer day, but I remember the gentle breeze blowing over a river. 

I asked him if anything changed after his dialogue with Obama.

“People’s perceptions changed,” he answered. 

Tragedies caused by atomic bombs cross national borders. On this conviction, Mori devoted himself to researching and memorializing U.S. soldiers who were killed by the Hiroshima atomic bomb. 

Some people did not approve of him hugging Obama. But that scene also made many people start thinking seriously about the meaning of peace, and Mori said that made him happy. 

Earlier this month, I received the sad news of Mori’s death. He was 88. 

I found this quote in my Mori interview notes: “For years, I’ve done things as a human being, thinking what a human being should do."

In a low voice, I read out those words. And whatever the reason, I felt as if Mori was encouraging me.

—The Asahi Shimbun, March 26

Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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