Student returns and reflects on his visit to the Hiroshima-ICAN Academy on Nuclear Weapons

A Coleg Sir Gâr creative media student has returned from Japan where was successful in gaining a place on the Hiroshima-ICAN Academy on Nuclear Weapons and Global Security 2024.

Joseph Owen, 18, was the youngest and the only Welsh participant who was selected from 32 people from across the world.

His grandfather has been an influence in Joseph’s life as he was a British nuclear tests veteran who took part in Operation Dominic in 1962. 

The academy activities focussed on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, current and future nuclear risks, the social, economic, and environmental impacts of nuclear weapons and the roles of the UN and civil society.

Joseph Owen said: “We arrived at Hiroshima airport after changing at Tokyo and on the first day, we all introduced ourselves to participants from all over the world.

“On the second day, we met Hibakusha, which is a Japanese term for atomic bomb survivors and they told us their harrowing stories of the day the Hiroshima bomb was dropped.

“We also visited Peace Park which is an incredible place to see and we had the opportunity of visiting the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF) and saw the projects they were undertaking. The organisation, with cooperation from Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors, studies of the health effects of A-bomb radiation for peaceful purposes.”

In the evening, the group discussed the nuclear ban treaty with Hiroshima Youth who are the next generation advocating for the abolishment of nuclear weapons.

The academy members were also visited by the Mayor and Governor of Hiroshima and learned about the work they are undertaking to ensure that no other city ever experiences what Hiroshima and Nagasaki did. 

Joseph Owen added: “Hiroshima is like no other place on earth and has undergone such a transformation since the devastating bombing.

“Hiroshima has been totally regenerated, rebuilt, but always with the memories of that fateful day.

“It was an incredible experience and I am very thankful for the opportunity to attend a long trip, but one which I enjoyed immensely.”