August 6. A day we must never forget. Today, on the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, I offer my heartfelt prayers for the peaceful repose of every precious life lost—not only on that day, but also in the difficult years that followed the war. Nuclear weapons must be abolished from this world. As the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings in war, Japan has a unique responsibility to continue conveying that message to the international community. Over the past several years, the global situation has become more dangerous than at any time since the end of World War II, and even since the end of the Cold War. It is precisely because we live in such uncertain and turbulent times that we must choose mutual understanding over hatred, and dialogue over violence. The overwhelming majority of humanity wants nothing more than peace. Creating a peaceful world— that is the most important action we must take today. 2026.08.06
SGZ

Today is World Refugee Day. In these profoundly unstable and turbulent times, more than 120 million people have been forced from their homes. This marks the highest level of displacement since World War II, making it one of the largest refugee and humanitarian crises ever recorded in human history. Even now, more than a quarter of the way into the 21st century, I find myself asking: Why are we still unable to learn from the tragedies and mistakes of our past and choose a better path? Why has humanity not yet achieved the growth of consciousness and spirit that our world so desperately needs? I can feel nothing but deep frustration and sorrow. Refugees are victims of war, conflict, and violence—people whose lives have been torn apart and who have been forced to leave their homes through no choice of their own. No one ever chooses to become a refugee. Why can the world not extend a greater hand of compassion to them? To those living in refugee camps, to those struggling to survive after seeking safety in foreign lands and to those suffering through the uncertainty of asylum applications, I believe far greater support and care should be provided. They are not strangers. They are our brothers, sisters, and family members who share this planet with us, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, or faith. Until the day they can regain their lives and safely return to their homelands, I will continue to support them and will never stop doing what I can to help. I deeply hope that humanity can break free from the chains of hatred, anger, and violence and finally attain a greater level of consciousness and spiritual maturity. Now, more than ever, the world must become kinder. The world must become more peaceful. SGZ Photo by Keiko TANABE.