Brief Introduction of Mr.Hirotsugu Terasaki
Mr.Hirotsugu Terasaki serves as the Director General for Peace and Global Issues at Soka Gakkai International (SGI), where he is instrumental in the promotion of nuclear disarmament. Actively involved in significant initiatives such as the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and various United Nations conferences, Terasaki advocates for the abolition of nuclear weapons, deemed an “absolute evil” due to their devastating impact on humanity and the environment. Representing SGI at numerous international platforms, he champions the “No First Use” policy, urging nuclear-armed nations to mitigate the threat of nuclear war. His efforts, particularly through youth engagement and public awareness campaigns, are aimed at fostering a global commitment to disarmament and peace.
The London Post had the privilege of conducting an interview with Mr.Hirotsugu Terasaki who has made significant contributions to the survival of humanity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to him for graciously taking the time for interview.
LONDON POST: How do you see the Paris Peace Forum contributing to the broader global dialogue on nuclear disarmament?
Mr.Hirotsugu Terasaki: This conference was organised by St. Emilio, a Rome-based Catholic group. They host a large-scale interfaith conference every year that addresses the social issues facing modern society by promoting dialogue and sharing values from people with different perspectives. We are truly grateful for the invaluable opportunity to participate in this conference.
As members of SGI, we particularly appreciate the chance to engage in discussions about nuclear disarmament. This topic, along with the issue of nuclear weapons, is especially important in today’s world.
We find it both challenging and meaningful to have representatives from various religious groups come together to discuss these critical issues.
LP: As a representative of SGI, what unique perspective or philosophy do you bring to discussions on global peace and security?
Mr.Hirotsugu Terasaki: We have been actively promoting world peace, with a particular focus on realising a world without nuclear weapons. Our efforts began in 1957 when Josei Toda, the second president of Soka Gakkai, declared a call for the abolition of nuclear weapons. At that time, countries were accelerating their competition in nuclear weapon experiments, leading to rising tensions between nations.
President Toda wanted to convey to young people that this was a fight to protect fundamental human rights. While abolishing nuclear weapons is our primary goal, we also sparked public debates about whether the possession of nuclear weapons for warfare hampers our humanitarian right to live. This perspective has led us to engage in broader activities aimed at protecting our fundamental rights.
To promote the abolition of nuclear weapons and nuclear disarmament, we have been active in educating the public about the consequences of using nuclear weapons and the inhumane effects they have on humanity over time. This is an integral part of our mission.
President Ikeda, the successor to Toda, emphasised that the core issue related to nuclear weapons is the fight against the ambition to maintain power through the possession of weapons of mass destruction, which contradicts the human right to live. This philosophy underpins our activities.
LP: What concrete steps do you believe world leaders can take right now to accelerate nuclear disarmament, especially with increasing geopolitical tensions?
Mr.Hirotsugu Terasaki: We are in a tough and critical situation. Many people fall into pessimism and fear that this crisis will worsen, as there seem to be no solutions to the issue.
At this conference, the theme of emerging peace is central to our discussions. We believe that creating peace is an important topic that deserves our attention.
It is crucial to learn from the past, but we also need to come up with new ideas and innovative ways to promote peace. I believe that combating pessimism and ignorance is the first challenge we must overcome.
Citizens and societies must work together more than ever and raise their voices so that we can find a pathway to overcome this crisis and influence policymakers effectively.
We should take proactive steps and stand alongside others to tackle the challenges of our era.
In this context, a conference like today’s is extremely important. That is why we are here.
LP: You’ve been a strong advocate of the “No First Use” policy. Could you elaborate on why this policy is crucial for global nuclear disarmament?
Mr.Hirotsugu Terasaki: There was significant discussion during the 20th century regarding nuclear weapons. However, a common criticism was that the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) primarily offered a moratorium to countries that already possessed nuclear weapons, without yielding substantial progress toward nuclear disarmament.
Currently, the crisis we face is unprecedented. Nations that are supposed to comply with the NPT are now entangled in conflicts. This situation poses serious challenges to the vision of a world without nuclear weapons.
Shifting quickly to nuclear disarmament is incredibly difficult, especially as there is a disturbing trend of nuclear weapons being viewed as usable. Those of us who are working diligently to address this situation are struggling to find effective ways to navigate these challenges.
We are not only activists; we have also engaged in discussions with academics on this topic. We have concluded that a crucial first step—perhaps the only viable step—toward progress is adopting a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons.
To build trust among nations, initiating dialogue is essential. We aim to participate in activities that will pave the way for this step. We are currently planning a large-scale international conference to actively promote this initiative.
LP: What motivates you personally in your long-standing fight for nuclear disarmament and global peace?
Mr.Hirotsugu Terasaki: In the 1970s, the Soka Gakkai began a project to document the oral histories of survivors of radiation exposure and warfare in Japan. Over the course of 12 years, we published 80 volumes. During my youth, I served as a leader of this project and visited atomic bomb survivors, listening to their stories. Even today, it remains very difficult and heart-wrenching for the survivors to discuss their experiences. In the past, it was even harder for them to share their stories.
I visited them many times, hoping they would understand the purpose of our project. Gradually, they began to open up, sharing their experiences little by little. Sometimes, they would sob as they spoke. Witnessing the painful process of their testimonials was shocking to me and solidified my determination to commit to this initiative for life. This experience has become a strong foundation for me.
Listening to the stories of atomic bomb survivors has inspired me to consider how I can help people and communities in need.
LP: SGI has been actively engaging youth in its peace building efforts. How do you think young people can play a more active role in the fight for nuclear disarmament?
Mr.Hirotsugu Terasaki: As history shows, young people are always the key drivers of change in the world. Significant transformations have never occurred without the passion and energy of youth. In this context, I don’t see myself as someone who simply helps vulnerable young minds. Rather than just providing assistance, I believe it’s more meaningful to offer them opportunities to engage, take initiative, and collaborate with fellow young people across the globe, thereby expanding the movement.
I encourage them to focus on this goal. Supporting them in their efforts is what I can do, and this aligns with the tradition of SGI.
LP: How does SGI’s work in nuclear disarmament intersect with other critical global challenges, such as climate change or economic inequality?
Mr.Hirotsugu Terasaki: While our organisation is involved in various initiatives, we recognize that true progress begins with individuals who are equipped with a solid education and a sense of enlightenment. Without this foundation, it becomes challenging to achieve higher goals.
We face numerous pressing issues, such as nuclear concerns, climate change, human rights, and poverty. Many individuals are aware of these challenges and are capable of addressing them. However, to create a larger movement, it is crucial for people to cultivate kindness and sincerity towards their neighbours and to develop the ability to empathise with others. Without a mindset rooted in kindness, it is difficult to inspire significant movements or generate the momentum needed for meaningful change.
As part of civil society, our group is grounded in religious beliefs, which we consider to be a vital aspect of our mission. SGI has consistently prioritised education as a means to promote peace within civil society. This focus is often highlighted in various forums, including the United Nations, as it underpins the values guiding our activities.
LP: With the growing role of non-state actors in international diplomacy, how do you think civil society organizations like SGI can have a greater impact on global peace efforts?
Mr.Hirotsugu Terasaki: As I mentioned earlier, civil societies now have a voice at international conferences, including the UN, which is a positive development. I recognise the importance of the work that national leaders do. At the same time, we are getting closer to civil society and better understanding people’s perspectives on peace. To foster a foundation of peace and democracy, it is essential to amplify civil society’s voice. In order to do this, individuals must be informed, strong in their beliefs, and resilient. Additionally, we must ensure everyone has the right to access the truth. We believe we can play a key role in achieving these goals.
Note:This interview was conducted in Japanese and translated into English by Ai Hinman, a renowned professional translator in the UK. She is originally from Japan.
(The London Post extends its deepest gratitude to Mr. Katsuhiro Asagiri and Mr. Kevin Lin for their invaluable assistance in recording this interview).
