Cycling for world peace from Hiroshima to Nagasaki

[What follows is a day-by-day account of the 542-kilometer IPPNW Bike Tour from Hiroshima to Nagasaki, in advance of the 24th IPPNW World Congress, which opens in Nagasaki on 1 October with a Student Congress and leadership meetings. The reports were posted each day by Dr. Bimal Khadka, an IPPNW board member from Nepal and a former student leader.]

20 September

21 participants from 9 different countries gathered today in Hiroshima for IPPNW BIKETOUR. 

On the 80th year commemoration of #atomicbombing of #Hiroshima #nagasaki #japan, we aim to cycle for world peace and to create a world free from the threats of nuclear annihilation. We went to Miyajima to observe 6th century old heritage sites.

In the afternoon, we went to Hiroshima museum to witness the horror of the atomic bombing. Everyone was emotional and were touched by the suffering and devastation of evil weapons. 

Later in the evening we were welcomed by unexpected rain; however, we had delicious Hiroshima blended Japanese cuisine and shot of saki. 

Tomorrow we plan to cycle 65 km and stay in rural setting where BBQ is arranged and will be engaging in fruitful discussions and learning from each others affiliate activities. 

21 September

We were greeted at Hiroshima University by Dr Satoshi Tashiro, JPPNW. We were gifted brand new bike for the tour, packed our luggages and had media attention at Hiroshima museum. Kanon, 5th year medical student  and Stella, ISR gave an interview: 

Later in the day, we pedaled 65 km to Yamaguchi, fureai park where we had BBQ, ONSEN (Japanese sauna). In the evening, we had reflections and engagement among each other. During the ride, we were greeted by elderly and youth fishing in the Pacific. 

Tomorrow we are planning to start our ride at 05:30 to Tokuyama port, use ferry (2 hours) to island Bungotakada and cycle 70 km in total. 

22 September

Today we began our ride in the early morning 05:30, witnessing majestic sun rise at Yamaguchi hills and pedaled 60 km to the port for ferry transfer for our bikes, van and all the riders. 

With a tight schedule, we were able to connect with a very large ferry in the afternoon which took us to Kyushu island (2 hours journey : Tokuyama port to Takeda port ). 

After lunch, we managed to pedal another 23 km and stopped at a  hotel in Bungotakada. We had reflections and learned about affiliates activities. 

Tomorrow, we have relaxing day, cycling for 30 km and visiting the second world war museum Usahi Heiwashiryokan, interaction and peace crane making tutorial in the evening. 

23 September

Today, we had much more relaxation, and visit to Usa shrine (Shintoism ) and a Usa military airfield in Kyushu Japan where Kamikazi pilot- (suicide mission to attack on Pearl Harbour) was planned and carried out. We only cycled 30 km. 

Museum guide explained us about the selection, training of about 4000 young men at three different military sites in Japan and then how mission was carried out.

The leader of military, Onishi, who formulated Kamikaze pilots of suicide mission, later killed himself after the war. Guide mentioned, the idea of Kamikazi was very unpopular. 

Tomorrow, it will be the toughest day of 80 km, 800 metres of ascend to the hills. For that, we have relaxed in Onsen, Japanese sauna for the tomorrow’s challenge. 

24 September

We successfully managed to cycle to top hill of 831 m and pedal 83 km. We cycled through villages, rice fields, rested at 7-11 convenience shops, and were greeted by school children. After the buffet meal, we went for rest. 

Media attention in Dutch medical association

Today, we plan to pedal 45 km and do some sightseeing, engage in fruitful discussions.

26 September

In seven days, we have cycled 403 km. 

Yesterday, we cycled 83 km and pedaled to hills. We also had opportunity to visit Yoshinogari historical site (3rd BC historical site, origination of Japan), interacted with locals and exchanged ideas about nuclear abolition.

Today, we reached Nagasaki prefecture after cycling 80 km, admired  hot Japanese sauna and had fruitful conversations regarding writing a letter/declaration /appeal to present it to Governor /mayor of Nagasaki during the Congress. 

We were also touched by the stories of Hibakushas among ourself, cycling with us, one of the local participants is grandson of atomic survivor. He shared his grandfather’s experience. 

Tomorrow is our second last day of the bike tour (80 km)  where we plant to visit Castle, ride uphill 400m and engage in conversation on strengthening IPPNW movement. 

27 September

Today, we managed to cycle 83 km, had sightseeing at Shimabara Castle near Nagasaki (site tells more about Christianity/other religion which were banned during 17th century in Japan). In the evening, we had onsen – Japanese sauna and also had reflections. So far we have pedaled 486 km, maximum ascend of 811 metre. 

We were bit emotional that our bike tour will be ending tomorrow after cycling 60 km. We had discussion about congress and strengthening IPPNW Student Movement.

28 September

We have safely completed our bike tour. (8 days, 542 km, 4,192 metre ascend : HIROSHIMA-NAGASAKI ) 

In the afternoon, we learned Japanese calligraphy, had reflections and discussion of report writing and witnessed the humanitarian consequences of atomic bombing. We went to peace museums and Nagasaki university.