On 25 October 2007, the Permanent Mission of Japan to the UN, together with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace & Security, co-sponsored the film screening of “Nagasaki 1945 – Angelus Bell” at the United Nations.

The film, which is made in animation format to appeal to young people, tells the true story of Dr. Akizuki, a hibakusha or atomic bomb survivor, of Nagasaki during the summer of 1945. The film shows not only the destructive power of the nuclear bomb and its devastating effect, but the film also emphasizes strength, and even hope, in the victims.

Following a moment of silence lead by Reverend T. Kenjitsu Nakagaki of the New York Buddhist Church, opening remarks were made by Ambassador Jiro Kodera and Ms. Hannelore Hoppe, the Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs. Delivering a letter from the Mayor of Nagasaki to the UN, Mr. Koshiro Kusano, a high school student and a Nagasaki Messenger of Peace, touched the audience deeply as he recalled his grandmother’s story as an atomic bomb survivor and spoke of the urgency to eliminate nuclear weapons for peace. The director of the film was also in attendance to participate in the post-film panel discussion.

The film is being promoted around the world by Mushi Production, Co., Ltd. and Kids for the Future. Dr. Akizuki died shortly after the film was finished in 2005.