Around 100 survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have completed a four-month voyage around the world to call for the abolition of nuclear weapons and share their experiences with global audiences.
During the voyage, organized by the nongovernmental organization Peace Boat, the survivors visited 20 countries to network with local people on nuclear disarmament.
In Danang, Vietnam, in September they visited victims of Agent Orange, the harmful chemical defoliant used in massive quantities by the United States during the Vietnam War.
In Papeete, Tahiti, in December, they met with people affected by the nuclear tests carried out at Mururoa Atoll.
Kikuyo Nakamura, 84, of Nagasaki, said Tuesday after their ship arrived in Tokyo that the exchanges re-energized her desire for world peace.
"I have learned during this trip that there are quite a number of countries which long for a world without nuclear weapons," Nakamura said. "I would like to ask U.S. President-elect Barack Obama to help build a nuclear-free world, as I have heard he is interested in the issue."
Takashi Morita, an 84-year-old survivor who now lives in Brazil, said he was asked in India why he brings up a story that occurred more than 60 years ago.
"I had to tell that person that hibakusha still struggle from the aftermath of radiation even after 63 years and nuclear bombs could lead to the end of the world," Morita said.
The survivors will visit the mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki later this month to report on their experiences from the voyage, Peace Boat said.
The group left Yokohama on Sept. 7 and was scheduled to return by the end of the year but got delayed after the ship developed mechanical problems.