The Peace Boat’s 120th Global Voyage will arrive at Montego Freeport Cruise Ship Port. This voyage includes visits to 21 ports across 19 countries. Onboard are three survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings, known as Hibakusha: Ito Masao, an 84-year-old Hiroshima bombing survivor; Kuramori Terumi, an 81-year-old Nagasaki bombing survivor; and Watanabe Junko, an 82-year-old Hiroshima bombing survivor.
Educational Event
The University of the West Indies, Mona – Western Jamaica Campus, will host a lecture for Jamaican youth. Japan’s ambassador to Jamaica, Yasuhiro Atsumi, and Jamaica’s Ambassador to Japan, Shorna-Kay Richards, will deliver opening remarks at the event. Peace Boat, a Japan-based non-governmental organization, includes a 2024 Nobel Peace Prize Exhibition.
Impact of the Hibakusha
Nerissa Persaud, communications chair of Women of Western Jamaica (WOWJa), spoke about the significance of the visit.
“The presence of these brave Hibakusha brings history to life. Their stories are more than reflections of a painful past. They are urgent appeals for a peaceful and nuclear-free future.”
Persaud added that the Peace Boat’s arrival is especially meaningful for Jamaica.
“As Jamaica continues to embrace diplomacy, the arrival of Peace Boat is a timely and symbolic gesture. It reminds us that the fight for peace is not just international. It’s also personal and generational.”
More than 170 atomic bomb survivors have traveled on Peace Boat missions since 2008. The visit occurs one month before the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Peace Boat works in cooperation with Nihon Hidankyo.
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