In the past, we often lived with a sense of abundance and consumed wastefully, but now, there is growing awareness of the need to change our habits, even when no one is watching. I believe the presence of a global agenda has played a major role in transforming that mindset.
That is why I strongly believe that the abolition of nuclear weapons must be included in the next global agenda.

Profile：Mr. Kengo Oishi
Born in 1982 in Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Mr. Oishi is a graduate of the University of California, Davis. Following his studies, he held positions at the Institute of Tropical Medicine at Nagasaki University and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. He was elected Governor of Nagasaki Prefecture in March 2022 and is currently serving the final year of his first term. As the youngest sitting governor in Japan, he has been actively engaged in promoting peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons, notably becoming the first Nagasaki governor to attend the NPT Review Conference. His hobbies include rugby, and his motto is the Japanese proverb: “Jinsei banji saiou ga uma” (“Fortune and misfortune are intertwined; one never knows what may come”). 

Prolife：Ms. Chinami Hirabayashi 
Visiting Researcher at the Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition, Nagasaki University (RECNA) and an elementary school teacher in Nagasaki City. Born in Nagasaki in 2000. Graduate of Nagasaki University’s Faculty of Education and its Graduate School of Education. Former delegate of the 11th and 12th cohorts of the Nagasaki Youth Delegation. As a third-generation atomic bomb survivor, she is engaged in peace-related research and advocacy. 

Hirabayashi: 
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule today. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the atomic bombings, and we at RECNA (Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition) are launching a variety of new projects this year centered around the theme of “dialogue.” Our hope is to foster an open Nagasaki through dialogue and to turn those conversations into action. We would be grateful if you could share your personal experiences and reflections with us today. 

1. How Governor Oishi Has Embraced and Practiced Dialogue – —Both Before and After Taking Office 

Hirabayashi: 
Governor Oishi, I’ve felt that you place great importance on dialogue with citizens, particularly through initiatives such as the “Kon’na Nagasaki Dogan Desu-kai” town hall meetings. Could you share with us how you have thought about and applied the concept of dialogue both before and after becoming governor? 

Governor Oishi: 
Before I took office, one experience related to the atomic bomb left a lasting impression on me. I studied at a university in the United States, and the very first class I enrolled in was modern history. I hadn’t mentioned anything about being from Nagasaki, I simply chose the course. It was right after I arrived in the U.S., and my English skills were still limited. Looking back now, I realize it was quite a bold decision to take on such a challenging class at that time. During one of the class sessions, there was a discussion about ‘What do you think about the dropping of the atomic bomb?” My classmates, who were mostly in their late teens to early twenties and came from various countries, expressed different views. Quite a few international students said they believed it was justified. When I asked why, they explained, “It was necessary to end World War II. Otherwise, the casualties would have been even greater.” I held a different view: that the atomic bomb should never have been used. Though my English was halting, I expressed that opinion. That’s when someone asked, “Where in Japan are you from?” and I replied, “From Nagasaki.” What happened next was remarkable; the atmosphere in the room changed instantly. Suddenly, people began saying things like, “Nuclear weapons should never be used,” and “It was wrong.” 

Reflecting on it now, I believe education played a major role. Each of them was speaking from the education they had received, just as I spoke from my own learning, from what I had seen and heard growing up. I didn’t have any personal experience of the bombing, of course. But having been raised in Nagasaki, where August 9th is a school day for peace education, I had many opportunities to engage with the topic and developed a personal interest in it. I suspect that most people outside of the atomic-bombed cities, especially those abroad, haven’t had such educational experiences. So, education, I believe, accounts for much of that difference. 

In that classroom, students encountered a Japanese person, coincidentally from Nagasaki, who shared what they had learned and understood about the bombing. That, in turn, changed the air in the room and many of their opinions. That experience left me with a deep conviction: dialogue is powerful. 

Speaking, listening, and learning. These are often the starting points for action. As I said earlier, education is crucial, but I believe that it’s through dialogue that new movements begin. I don’t know where my classmates from that day are now, but I’m sure they haven’t forgotten the conversation we had or the words that someone from Nagasaki shared with them. That’s why I believe in the importance of “grassroots” dialogue: building shared understanding through patient, respectful conversation. 

Since assuming the role of governor, I have engaged in dialogue not only on the topic of the atomic bombing. When it comes to making decisions and working together toward a common goal, it becomes quite difficult if there is no mutual understanding or sense of agreement. In that sense, I believe dialogue is an essential means of reaching such understanding; it is absolutely indispensable. Therefore, whenever we aim to gain cooperation and move forward in the same direction, it is imperative that we engage in dialogue. 

For example, when making policy decisions, relying solely on my own ideas would never suffice. Even though my worldview is shaped by what I’ve heard from various people, it’s still very limited. On the other hand, let’s say we’re discussing agriculture: staff members in the prefectural government’s agriculture division understand the field, they listen to those involved, and they know the history. The world they see is vastly different to the one I see. That’s why I believe we must listen to one another and decide things together, and dialogue is the foundation for that process. Whether we’re working across departments or with external partners, I think that dialogue is essential for collaboration. 

That’s also why I place great value on directly hearing the voices of prefectural residents, and why we have initiatives such as the “Kon’na Nagasaki Dogan Desu-kai” meetings you mentioned. It allows me to learn many things, and to reflect residents’ concerns and ideas in how we administrate the prefectural government. In fact, many of their suggestions have already been implemented. I also believe it’s important that our citizens and government employees witness dialogue taking place, and understand that it’s not something limited to a small circle, but something we must practice broadly across Nagasaki. I believe that dialogue is essential when we seek to move forward together, and I intend to continue treating it with the importance it deserves. 

Hirabayashi: 
Governor Oishi, I feel that you truly value dialogue, and witnessing how you move policy forward through dialogue makes me believe that conversations among citizens themselves will also increase in the future. 

Governor Oishi: 
Meeting people face-to-face and engaging in conversation is indeed very important. Even if one doesn’t remember what they spoke about with someone else, just the fact that they had an enjoyable interaction with someone can be significant. I believe that when something is spoken aloud, or when we listen to another’s words, it can become a source of strength within us. 

When I worked as a physician, I was a psychiatrist, and as you can imagine, dialogue was vital in that field. This may be a slightly different perspective, but everyone goes through extremely difficult times, and in life there will definitely be times where we feel alone and utterly helpless. In such times, what gives a person strength can vary. Some may find strength in their family or friends. Others might draw upon their faith to cope with hardship or suffering. And for some, it may be the words of a physician that they seek. What is common in all of these, I believe, is the power of words. Words have the strength to help a person remain standing when they are on the verge of collapsing, when they feel as though they may be lost. In that sense, I believe that words possess the power to sustain life itself. 

Hirabayashi: 
I truly resonate with what you’ve said about the power of words. From this April, I will begin working at an elementary school in Nagasaki City, and during my teacher training and other opportunities to interact with children, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the weight that each word carries. A simple phrase can encourage a child, or, conversely, hurt them. That’s why I believe that warm words and kind conversations are so important. 

Governor Oishi: 
Yes, and what I find so fascinating about conversation is that the speaker’s values and beliefs are reflected very clearly in their words. But, even when the exact same words are spoken by the same person in the same way, the way they are received can differ greatly depending on the listener. 

When I was preparing to study in the United States, one of my teachers in Japan said to me, “You’ll never become a physician in the U.S.” To be honest, that’s not an unreasonable thing to say. It’s true that becoming a physician in the U.S. is extremely difficult, not only because of academic requirements but also due to legal and residency status, such as holding permanent residency. So, I believe my teacher was trying to say “Rather than taking such a risk, pursue medicine in Japan.” At the time, I could have taken those words as discouragement and given up on going to the U.S. But instead, I interpreted them as motivation. I thought, “If others can’t do it, then I will. I’ll become a physician no matter what.” That determination drove me to go to America. In the end, I did become a psychiatrist, but in Japan, not America. 

Still, it was precisely because of those words from my teacher that I resolved to do my absolute best, especially since I knew I was placing a burden on my family. I worked truly hard in the U.S. and was able to graduate with top honors. Looking back, I believe I was truly supported by that teacher’s words. So yes, while the speaker’s intentions and philosophy are important, how those words are received matters just as much. When we speak, we must consider: “How might this person take what I say?” We need to understand the other person, to imagine how our words may be received. That kind of empathy and imagination is essential when choosing our words. I believe it is an important part of what makes communication meaningful. 

2. What Does Dialogue Mean in the Pursuit of Peace and Nuclear Abolition in Nagasaki? 

Hirabayashi: 
Thank you very much. You’ve spoken from personal experience about the importance of dialogue. May I now ask how you view the role of dialogue in Nagasaki’s pursuit of peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons? 

Governor Oishi: 
The international community is, unfortunately, becoming increasingly fragmented and divided. Even under such circumstances, I strongly believe that dialogue remains the most essential starting point. Since assuming office, I made the decision to participate in the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). As I had anticipated, negotiations between nations are incredibly complex. Every country has its own circumstances, perspectives, and historical contexts that must be taken into account. At the same time, this complexity often results in progress being painfully slow. 

That is, perhaps, the current global reality. Nevertheless, I was encouraged to see many key individuals from around the world steadfastly engaged in dialogue and dedicated to advancing the cause of peace. It reaffirmed my belief that dialogue is indispensable in our shared efforts. 

Hirabayashi: 
You’ve also been working with Hiroshima Prefecture to advocate for including the abolition of nuclear weapons in the global agenda beyond the current SDGs, correct? 

Governor Oishi: 
Yes, when we speak of abolishing nuclear weapons, it should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of states. While national governments ultimately determine the course of national security policy, I do not believe that should be the only lens through which we approach this issue. 

In collaboration with Hiroshima Prefecture, we are proposing that the abolition of nuclear weapons be included as a core item in the agenda that follows the current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our aim is to mobilize action by governments through the lens of sustainability, but more importantly, we want each individual to recognize their own role as a stakeholder in this endeavor. If we look at the climate crisis, we see that it has become a truly global issue. People around the world now perceive it as their own. This transformation, I believe, was catalyzed in large part by the inclusion of climate change within the SDGs. When climate change was framed as a matter of global sustainability, it prompted a shift in public consciousness and behavior. People began to take action, they started conserving water, recycling resources, and contributing to the creation of a circular economy. 

These changes have happened quite recently, in fact. In the past, we often lived with a sense of abundance and consumed wastefully, but now, there is growing awareness of the need to change our habits, even when no one is watching. I believe the presence of a global agenda has played a major role in transforming that mindset. That is why I strongly believe that the abolition of nuclear weapons must be included in the next global agenda. To achieve this, it will be essential for countries around the world to engage in earnest discussions, express their support, and work together in partnership to make it a reality. 

To that end, we are working closely with Hiroshima Prefecture. Together, we have launched an initiative called the “Friends Meeting,” bringing together like-minded nations and stakeholders who share our vision. We are working to expand this circle of commitment. 

Naturally, dialogue is at the heart of these efforts. That is why I will attend the NPT Preparatory Committee session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York at the end of April, where I plan to meet with key figures and continue communicating our shared commitment clearly and directly. 

Hirabayashi: In the Friends Meeting you mentioned earlier, how do you approach conveying the sentiments of the atomic-bombed cities? 

Governor Oishi: Hiroshima and Nagasaki truly hold a unique place in the world. There are messages that can only we can convey precisely because we are Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The thought that nuclear weapons are inhumane and bring untold suffering naturally arises from our history. I believe that is something inherent in being an atomic-bombed city. Because we recognize that nuclear weapons are not something with which humanity can coexist, calling for their abolition comes naturally to us. 

That is an exceptional position to hold, and when I speak with international dignitaries and stakeholders in nuclear disarmament, I sense a strong recognition of and expectation toward that unique role. In a way, the atomic-bombed cities bear a responsibility to convey this heartfelt message to the world. 

With that in mind, I believe it is vital that we clearly communicate what occurred in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and, from the perspective of sustainability, impress upon others that nuclear weapons are incompatible with a peaceful and sustainable world. Certainly, there are difficult and complex issues involved, and I do not wish to deny that reality. However, even amidst today’s challenging international landscape, we must continue to share the message that humanity and nuclear weapons cannot coexist. Above all, we must continue to state unequivocally that nuclear weapons must never be used again. 

Hirabayashi: You shared earlier your experience studying abroad in the United States, and I, too, have had opportunities to travel and engage with others. Through those experiences, I have increasingly come to feel the weight and importance of Nagasaki’s message. That is why I believe it holds great significance that you, as governor, are actively going to various places and engaging in this work directly. 

Governor Oishi: Since I am speaking today with you, Ms. Hirabayashi, who were a member of the Nagasaki Youth Delegation, I have focused primarily on the topic of the atomic bombing. I understand well that the name “Nagasaki” carries a profound association with peace. At the same time, in my capacity as governor, I believe the name “Nagasaki” encompasses much more. There are many beautiful, proud aspects to the city of Nagasaki. I often say in English, “We do have more to offer.” What I mean by that is that Nagasaki does not only convey a message of peace to the world, but also has many other charms and values to share. While of course the city bears a painful and tragic history, I believe that what makes Nagasaki truly special is how it has moved forward, continuing to shine in so many ways. 

It is important that people around the world come to understand Nagasaki’s broader qualities, to visit Nagasaki, and to enjoy all that it has to offer. Creating a positive impression of Nagasaki, I believe, is an essential part of our role today. 3. What are your views on expanding opportunities for dialogue among the younger generation? 

Hirabayashi: In Nagasaki, I feel that opportunities for dialogue among younger generations are steadily increasing. Such as through the Nagasaki Youth Delegation, the Nagasaki Peace-preneur Forum (NPPF), which is a peace-focused session of One Young World, and Japan-Korea exchange programs in Tsushima. What are your thoughts or expectations regarding these developments? 

Caption: Participants gathered for the 2024 NPPF (Photo courtesy of Nagasaki Prefectural Government) 

Governor Oishi: As I mentioned earlier, Nagasaki is a truly unique and special place. Young people are coming together here and they’re engaging in dialogue, and they’re exchanging words and ideas; this is something I consider to be extremely meaningful. I previously spoke about the importance of maintaining both horizontal and vertical connections. When I say vertical connections, I refer to the passing down of memories and messages across generations. While the hibakusha, the survivors of the atomic bombings, are aging, it is crucial that the younger generation takes up the responsibility of conveying their messages. I believe we must continue to support these vertical connections. 

That said, fostering horizontal connections is equally important. As you mentioned, initiatives like NPPF are valuable in offering others a chance to understand the worldview that has emerged from Nagasaki. I hope these platforms attract like-minded individuals who are committed and engaged, and that they can take home with them not only ideas and goals, but also a shared understanding they can then spread further. 

This approach, in fact, aligns closely with the philosophy behind the post-SDGs initiative I spoke of earlier. It has become increasingly important for individuals to see themselves as stakeholders, take ownership of these issues, and expand their efforts accordingly. The fact that this kind of awareness and action is beginning to emerge here in Nagasaki is, I believe, very promising. Generations before us have worked tirelessly in various capacities. In today’s challenging global climate, it is deeply heartening to see younger people building momentum in dialogue and participating in international events of considerable scale, held right here in Nagasaki. As the Prefectural Government, we are committed to supporting such initiatives. 

Nuclear weapons must never be used again. It is our responsibility to ensure that Nagasaki remains the last city to ever suffer atomic bombing. This must be the end of that chapter in human history. I strongly believe that we must continue to pass down that message and the significance it holds, ensuring that it is never forgotten. 

Hirabayashi: Thank you very much. Dialogue is essential not only when we empathize and take action as individuals, but also in creating meaningful vertical and horizontal connections among people. This discussion has been incredibly insightful for me. 

Governor Oishi: Of course, there are many challenges that cannot be resolved by dialogue alone. However, without dialogue, we cannot progress. I would say it is truly indispensable. I hope this special RECNA feature on “dialogue” will reach many readers and inspire further meaningful conversations. 

Hirabayashi: Lastly, would you share a message especially for younger generations? In your view, what is most important for continuing to engage in dialogue, and for nurturing oneself without giving up? 

Governor Oishi: The importance of dialogue depends greatly on context, but I recognize that in today’s society, maintaining meaningful relationships with others can at times be difficult. Having previously worked as a psychiatrist, I have seen how human interaction and conversation can, at times, contribute to illness. But I have also seen how they can become an essential part of healing and recovery. There are two sides to this, which makes it all the more complex. 

As interpersonal relationships grow increasingly complicated, I believe it is crucial for each individual to understand that there are limits to what we can face alone: some challenges simply cannot be overcome without others. It may sound old-fashioned, but I think we all must reacknowledge this truth. 

When we experience success through human connection, that realization becomes even more profound. For example, having someone to lean on during difficult times, someone who helps you through adversity, can become a defining moment in your life. I used to play rugby, and the bond forged by enduring intense training together was incredibly strong and has become a treasured part of my life. It doesn’t have to be rugby or sports per se; but having such formative experiences through human connection is extremely valuable. 

I believe it is truly important to create and provide an environment in which people can value their relationships with others and even enjoy them. These days, it seems to me that education and society are increasingly filled with notions of what one ought to do, as if everything must conform to certain standards or expectations. In a way, one say we live in a harsh and unforgiving world. I’m not sure if “generosity of spirit” is the right expression, but compared to the past, that kind of openness feels like it is fading, replaced by a sense of being bound by rules. Even so, even if that is the direction society is moving, we must not lose sight of the importance of human connection, which I previously referred to as something “old-fashioned.” We need to once again recognize its value, nurture it, and ensure it is passed on to the next generation. I strongly believe that it is essential to provide an environment where that is possible. 

(Interview conducted on March 24, 2025) 

Translated by Nagasaki Prefecture