11 months ago
2010
NFLA and Mayors for Peace Chapter Secretary Richard Outramhas described as ‘a great privilege’ being extended an invitation to speak at the opening of a powerful new exhibition, the Portraits of the Hibakusha: 80 Years Remembered, curated by Gina Langton, Creative Director and CEO of 80,000 Voices(https://www.80000voices.org).
The exhibition is hosted by the iconic Norwegian Church Arts Centre in Cardiff Bay, near to the Senedd Building(https://www.norwegianchurchcardiff.com/ ). It is now open to the public until 30 November.
At the preview, held on Thursday 23 October, invited guestscomprising peace activists, artists and a representative from the Welsh Government were also addressed by Gina Langton, Keith Dunn OBE, Honorary Consul for Japan in Wales, Dr Rebecca Johnson, Executive Director of Acronym Institute for Disarmament Diplomacy (AIDD) and International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), and Hayley Morgan from Academi Heddwch. Honorary Consol Keith Dunn read a message from the Japanese Ambassador to the UK. Most movingly, Second Generation Hibakusha Kyoto Gibson relayed the terrible impact of the atom bomb on a personal level.
The exhibition comprises 14 lenticular (three-dimensional) portraits of ‘Hibakusha’, survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which convey their suffering, but also their courage and resolution in continuing to fight for a world free of nuclear weapons so that no one else should suffer as they have. Each portrait has a moving quotation from the subject which demands reflection from the reader.
Many Hibakusha are members of Nihon Hidankyo, the Japanese Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, which was launched on 10 August 1956, ten years after the atomic bombings. Its core purpose is to campaign for the abolition of nuclear weapons and prevent a future nuclear war, through members raising public awareness by sharing their traumatic experiences and by advocating for a world free of nuclear weapons and the threat of war.
Nihon Hidankyo was a key ally in the campaign to bring the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the first to outlaw the development, possession and use of nuclear weapons, into international law. In 2024, Nihon Hidankyo received longer overdue recognition when it was finally awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in December of that year.
Richard said: “To meet a Hibakusha – as I have on many occasions – is to be humbled. Although in August 1945 they saw things too terrible to contemplate and they have suffered incredibly over decades, rather than giving in to despair and then to age and infirmity, they continue to fight to ensure that there shall be no more Hibakusha to follow them.
“I ask all visitors to this uniquely inspiring exhibition to look at the venerable faces of these dedicated peace veterans, and in their admiration think about not only about their stories, but to think about what they can do for peace. For it is only if we each continue the struggle of the Hibakusha, however modestly, that we can finally achieve a world without nuclear weapons.
“It is to the great credit of Gina Langton, whose hard work and inspiration first brought this project to fruition, and the staff of the Norwegian Church Arts Centre, whose support has been invaluable in hosting it, that this exhibition is now open to the public in Cardiff in a year which represents not only the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings but also one in which Wales celebrates its links with Japan. I urge everyone to go to see this unique and inspiring exhibition whilst you can.”
Ends://..For more information, please contact NFLA Secretary Richard Outram by email to richard.outram@manchester.gov.uk
Notes to Editors
80,000 Voices has issued its post event report (which includes the Japanese Ambassador’s message) reproduced below.
Photo credit: Paula of the Norwegian Church Arts Centre.
Cardiff, UK – 23rd October 2025 – 80,000 Voices launched a landmark exhibition of lenticular portraits of hibakusha, the survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which is being hosted at the Norwegian Church Arts Centre from October 24th to November 30th, 2025. This moving exhibition, first shown at the United Nations in New York in 2023 and Tokyo last year, titled “Portraits of the Hibakusha – 80 Years Remembered,” marks the 80th anniversary of the bombings and coincides with the UN’s Disarmament Week (October 24th – 30th).
The exhibition features fourteen powerful three-dimensional portraits, each paired with a heartfelt message of peace from the survivor, translated into English, Welsh, and Japanese. Featured individuals are members of Nihon Hidankyo, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organisation that advocates for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
“This exhibition is a testament to the enduring resilience of the human spirit and a powerful call for peace,” says Gina Langton, Creative Director and CEO of 80,000 Voices. “Each portrait tells a unique story, a narrative of survival and hope that transcends time and borders, allowing the hibakusha to leave a lasting human record of national and global significance that can be exhibited for future generations.”
The “Portraits of the Hibakusha – 80 Years Remembered” exhibition aims to promote international educational engagement on nuclear disarmament, particularly as the number of Japanese hibakusha dwindles and their messages risk being lost. The need for the hibakusha’s messages to be heard is increasingly pertinent in today’s political climate, as the global commitment to peace is put under growing pressure and the grip on nuclear warfare tightens.
Accompanying the exhibition will be a program of talks, workshops, and educational outreach throughout the five weeks, with participation from peace groups and volunteers. The Norwegian Church Arts Centre will also provide volunteers and leverage its social media contacts and partnerships with schools and universities for publicity.
Exhibition Highlights:
Sou Horie, photographed in Hiroshima states:” Please create a world without war and violent conflict! I can never forget the horror of the atomic bombing.”
“The photographs of the hibakusha—their gaze was so clear, as if trying to look deep into my heart, and it felt like my heart was being gripped. Also, my eyes welled up at the numerous moving words, and it was all I could do to hold back my tears. War and the atomic bomb are not necessary in this world. I believe that activities that connect hearts and communicate words and feelings are the path to living in safety, and will lead to a peaceful society, and ultimately, world peace.” (Woman, 30s–40s)
Expert Insight:
Dr Rebecca Johnson, Executive Director of Acronym Institute for Disarmament Diplomacy (AIDD) and International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), encouraged attendees to reflect on our impression of the hibakusha and their heartfelt messages, and summarised the importance of the TPNW and how it was the Welsh women who initiated the peace marches.
The Japanese Ambassador’s message:
Keith Dunn OBE, read out a special message on behalf of H.E. Mr Hiroshi Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to the UK, in his role as Honorary Consul for Japan in Wales, at the launch of ‘Portraits of the Hibakusha: 80 Years Remembered’:
‘Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me pay tribute to everyone involved in bringing about today’s photo exhibition.
As I have to be in Liverpool today, and am thus unable to attend this ceremony, I have arranged to have my message read by the Honorary Consul for Japan in Wales on my behalf.
This year marks the 80th year since the atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
It is unfortunately the case that we find ourselves facing an extremely harsh security environment. In this regard, Russia shows no sign of ending its illegal, unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, including its threats of the use of nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, for which there is a lack of sufficient transparency, and North Korea is stepping up its nuclear and missile activities.
We now find a clear division within the international community over approaches to nuclear disarmament. Nevertheless, Japan is determined to take the lead in international efforts to work toward the ultimate goal of bringing about “a world without nuclear weapons” through realistic and practical efforts.
The tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never be repeated.
Understanding the reality of the atomic bombings is the starting point of all efforts toward nuclear disarmament. Japan will continue to work tirelessly to convey this reality to future generations.
Through this exhibition, I sincerely hope that people in Wales and across the United Kingdom will deepen their understanding of the reality of the atomic bombings, that our ties will grow stronger, and that together we can build a more solid foundation toward a world without nuclear weapons.
This exhibition is of great significance, and I would like to express my deepest respect and thanks to all those involved in hosting it.
Thank you very much’.
