The Hiroshima Within Me — In Response To Atomic Bomb Memorial Day, by Mishima Yukio
"There is no country other than Japan, the only country to be subjected to atomic bombing, that can make them without pangs of conscience."
The Hiroshima Within Me — In Response To Atomic Bomb Memorial Day
Mishima Yukio
For twenty years after the war I said nothing about the atomic bombs. Last year, when I was asked to do a piece on Hiroshima by The New York Times I also refused.
First, because, with respect to the atomic bombs, there can never be any position other than the two of those who experienced and did not experience the atomic bombs, of victims of the bombs and those who did not fall victim to them. This is the respect in which it differs fundamentally from the discourse on Vietnam, and statements that have forgotten that are all lies. However much those who did not fall victim to the atomic bombs express sympathy, there is not a single victim whose heart is comforted by that.
Second, I, as a man of letters, can only make statements concerning concepts, things wrapped in words. Swords exist within my imagination. Also the guns beyond that, and the machine guns that are further, vaguely, farther beyond that. But when it comes to nuclear weapons, this is beyond my imagination.