Working on Shigeaki Mori’s translation project has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Being able to put what I’ve learned as a Japanese language student to help further efforts and conversations for peace was an honor like none other. Learning about Mori’s story brought tears to my eyes more times than I can count, and I am beyond grateful for his courage and determination to promote peace in our world. Mori’s testimony was incredibly moving to me, because he had every right to be angry and upset with the Americans; however, Mori believed that nobody should ever have to suffer the way the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki suffered. Mori’s hope for peace has no bounds or limitations, and after learning about his story, I have decided to share that dream with him.

I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to work on a project like this. As a student from a small town working towards a bachelor's degree in English, being able to study Japanese has been a spectacular experience. While working on this translation project in particular, I discovered the importance of international communication, the necessity of learning history from multiple perspectives, and how one person's story can reach thousands. There were various times during the process of translating when I was caught off guard by the cruelties of war witnessed by Mr. Mori and others during the bombing of Hiroshima. What surprised me more was the kindness Mr. Mori showed deceased soldiers he had no personal connection to, and the impact of his ambition to find their families. Being part of broadcasting his wish for nuclear war to never occur again by spreading awareness about the matter has given me a great outlook on translation, overall, and has also taught me to always strive for peace.

I am honored to have been able to participate in the translation project. Mr. Mori’s message and his efforts gave me a new perspective on how people responded to the war and the events that took place. Learning about his dedication towards bringing people together is truly inspiring. I am fortunate to have had the experience of visiting Hiroshima and seeing how the city has responded and the dedication towards remembering history and the establishment of peace was incredible. The combination of these experiences is something I am truly grateful for. It is my hope that Mr. Mori’s story and the stories of other survivors can be heard by more people and that they are not forgotten.

I am a physics student, and I am active duty in the Navy. Reading this translation project gave me a deeper appreciation for the humanity of those who lived through the atomic bombing. I was especially moved by the survivor's compassion in mourning the American lives lost alongside the Japanese victims, despite his own suffering. His message reminds me that reconciliation, empathy, and forgiveness are stronger than hatred or revenge. His lifelong advocacy against nuclear weapons is a powerful example of turning tragedy into a commitment to peace, and it encourages me to value dialogue and understanding over conflict.