Cuban News Agency

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In a meeting with members of the Cuban Peace Movement, at the headquarters
of the organization, the Japanese visitors learned about strategies
implemented in Cuba for the struggle for a peaceful coexistence, and about
the effects caused by Washington’s economic, financial and commercial
blockade against Cuba.

They were interested in knowing about the work carried out to encourage
younger generations to defend their right to live in a better, peaceful
world.

Shizuko Matsunaga, from Hiroshima, told the media, she was 13 when the
U.S. army launched the first nuclear bomb against her city on August 6, 1945.

Matsunaga said the bomb torn the skin of her face and other parts of her
body off and mutilated half of her grandmother’s anatomy. She added that
she recovered from the lesions in about a week, but noted that two third
of her school friends were killed.

“I’m 80 now –she stressed- and I’m grateful for the opportunity of
visiting Cuba in the Peace Boat cruise and share my testimony with all to
prevent another horrible event like the nuclear bombing to happen again.”

Matzukawa Masakasu was barely four at the time of the aggression. He said
he doesn’t remember much and that he survived because he was far from the
place where the disaster took place. However, he said his father and
grandfather were “literally dissolved” by the bomb because they were
working close to the epicenter of the explosion and got a lot of radiation.

“It’s hard to belief, but when I tried to collect the bones of my
relatives they just broke into pieces in my hands,” Masakasu said.
 
“I wish, from the bottom of my heart, that such criminal weapon is never
used again,” he added.

Masakasu said to be moved and thankful for knowing that the Cubans hear
the experience of Hiroshima’s and Nagasaki’s survivors and that they even
pay homage to the victims of that aggression every year.

Nearly 900 activists from Japan, Europe and other Asian nations are part
of the Peace Boat’s crew that is visiting Cuba.
Since 1983, this Japanese organization organizes world cruises to spread a
message of peace and sustainability.