Takashi Hiraoka facts for kids

Takashi Hiraoka was an important leader who served as the mayor of Hiroshima from 1991 to 1999. He was born on December 21, 1927.

Early Life and Education

Takashi Hiraoka was born in Osaka, Japan. His parents, Tadao and Chitose Hiraoka, ran a delivery service. In 1934, a big storm called Typhoon Muroto damaged their business.

Because of this, his family moved to Unggi in Korea. At that time, Korea was under Japanese rule. His grandfather had businesses there. Later, his family moved to Seoul.

Studies During Wartime

During the Second World War, Takashi Hiraoka started studying medicine. He attended Keijo Imperial University. However, he did not finish his medical studies.

In the summer of 1945, he volunteered at a chemical factory. This factory was run by the Imperial Japanese Army in Korea. He stayed there until Japan surrendered in August 1945. Because he was away from Hiroshima, he was safe from the atomic attack on the city.

After the war, Japanese people in Korea had to return to Japan. So, his family moved back to Hiroshima in September 1945.

Continuing His Education

Back in Japan, he studied science at Hiroshima High School. One of his teachers was Professor Tadayoshi Saika. He graduated from that school in 1948.

Then, he moved to Tokyo. He studied German literature at Waseda University.

Journalism Career

Takashi Hiraoka graduated from Waseda University in 1952. After graduating, he joined a newspaper company called the Chugoku Shimbun. He later became a managing editor there. He also served as the president of RCC Broadcasting Company.

Advocating for Hibakusha

In the 1960s, he worked as a journalist. He wrote many articles about Korean hibakusha. Hibakusha are survivors of the atomic bombings. He strongly asked the Japanese government to give them medical care in Japan.

Serving as Mayor of Hiroshima

In March 1990, mayoral elections were happening in Hiroshima. Manzo Hamamoto, a member of the Japanese Parliament, suggested that Hiraoka run for mayor. At first, Hiraoka said no because he didn't have enough money for the campaign.

However, Osamu Hashiguchi, a business leader, promised to help with the funding. So, Hiraoka agreed to run. He was elected mayor of Hiroshima in February 1991.

Key Events as Mayor

Soon after becoming mayor, Hiraoka faced a challenge. On March 14, 1991, a bridge collapsed in Asaminami-ku. This accident sadly killed 15 people. The families of those who died sued the city for money. Mayor Hiraoka argued that the city was not at fault. The lawsuit was eventually stopped in 1998.

As mayor, Hiraoka worked to build stronger ties between Hiroshima and cities in South Korea. This led to Hiroshima and Daegu becoming sister cities in 1997.

Hiroshima also hosted the 1994 Asian Games. Mayor Hiraoka was the host for these big sports events.

Working for Peace

Takashi Hiraoka was very active in promoting peace and opposing nuclear weapons. In 1995, he represented the Japanese government. He spoke at the International Court of Justice. This court hearing was about whether nuclear weapons are legal.

In late 1998, Hiraoka announced he would not run for a third term as mayor. He felt that low voter turnout in the 1995 election showed a lack of public support. He retired in 1999 after serving eight years as Mayor of Hiroshima.

After Being Mayor

After retiring in 1999, Takashi Hiraoka continued to work for peace. In July 2005, he wrote an article in the Asahi Shimbun newspaper. He criticized some Japanese politicians. They were honoring war criminals from the Second World War.

In December 2007, he met with the mayor of Waitakere City in New Zealand. He protested Japan's whaling policy. He also tried to convince the US and Japanese governments to fund the relocation of the Radiation Effects Research Foundation in Hiroshima.

Published Works

• Prejudice and Discrimination (Japanese)
• Neglected Strait (Japanese)
• Hiroshima, with Hope for Peace (Japanese)