Today, once again we observe the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. On behalf of Hiroshima University, I pay tribute to the souls of the faculty members, staff, students, and schoolchildren who lost their lives in the atomic bombing.

Today, we are honoured to be joined not only by the bereaved families, members of our alumni associations, and colleagues from the University community, but also by university presidents from around Japan and the world who have gathered in Hiroshima to participate in the University Presidents for Peace Conference. I extend my sincere appreciation to all of you for being here. Earlier today, we inscribed the names of ten additional victims, whose deaths have been newly confirmed over the past year, on the Memorial Monument for the Victims of the Atomic Bomb, bringing the total number of names enshrined there to 2,122.

On that tragic day eighty-one years ago, many of the predecessor schools of Hiroshima University suffered catastrophic devastation; countless precious lives—including those of elementary and secondary students, home and international students, faculty members, and staff—were lost. It is impossible to imagine the anguish of those whose everyday lives and dreams for the future were cut short in an instant by the first atomic bomb ever used in human history.

As of July this year, the number of atomic bomb survivors living in Japan fell to just over 91,000, while their average age reached 86.66 years. Passing on the memories of the atomic bombing and sharing its lessons with the world has become an extremely important issue for society as a whole. As a university located in the city that experienced the atomic bombing, Hiroshima University bears an ever-greater responsibility to fulfil this mission.

Looking around the world today, the international security landscape has grown increasingly unstable, particularly with regard to nuclear weapons. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, armed conflicts in the Middle East, and continuing hostilities in many other parts of the world remind us that the risk of nuclear weapons being used is now at its highest level since the end of the Cold War.

That is why universities are called upon to foster rational dialogue across differences in values and perspectives, and to help open pathways towards peace. Guided by the philosophy of “a single, unified university, free and pursuing peace,” Hiroshima University rose from the ashes of the atomic bombing. We will continue to devote ourselves to nurturing “peace-pursuing, cultured individuals with an international mindset and a challenging spirit.”

Guided by this philosophy, Hiroshima University has hosted the University Presidents for Peace Conference, which brings together university leaders from around the world in Hiroshima to witness the realities of the atomic bombing firsthand and engage in dialogue on building sustainable peace. This year marks its sixth conference. Hiroshima University also hosts the Peace Study Tour, bringing more than one hundred students from across the globe to Hiroshima each year to learn about peace. This year marks its fourth program. I sincerely hope that, by learning, reflecting, and taking action, each participant will help build a growing global movement towards a world free from nuclear weapons and war.

Furthermore, here at the Higashi-Senda Campus, tomorrow we will hold the unveiling ceremony for the monument, The Inextinguishable Lamp of Learning. This monument is being established to serve as a symbol of our determination to carry forward to future generations the aspirations that have been passed down by all those connected with Hiroshima University—including members of its predecessor schools who lost their lives in the atomic bombing: the pursuit of peace, seeking knowledge, and contribution to society. We have also installed a commemorative display, featuring plaques engraved with the names of alumni, faculty members, and staff who have supported this initiative, giving tangible expression to the bonds we share with the many people who have supported Hiroshima University throughout its history. It is my sincere hope that this light will be cherished for generations to come as an enduring symbol that inspires us to reflect on the present and carry hope into the future.

With profound remembrance of all those who perished in the atomic bombing, I solemnly pledge that Hiroshima University will continue—one hundred years from now and beyond—to shine as a University of Peace, offering a beacon of hope to the world.

6th August Reiwa 8 (2026)
Mitsuo Ochi
President of Hiroshima University