When looking back at the history of the atomic bomb and its origins in New Mexico, the narrative often centers on American innovation and the United States as the first nation to create such a deadly weapon. There’s another essential perspective — that of the Japanese people. They endured the devastating consequences of the 1945 Hiroshima bombings and its long-lasting impact on the country in the years following.  

In the latest episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez speaks with Eria Matsumae, a Hiroshima peace guide whose work is mostly in Hiroshima but is also international. The two discuss Eria’s efforts to inform people about the historical impact of the bombings and how to bring about future societal peace among nations to avoid another catastrophe from taking place.  

Eria also shares details about her visit to New Mexico, which was inspired by an encounter abroad with Rotary Santa Fe Centro Passport Club President Claudia Gerst. Eria and Claudia briefly reflect on the encounter that led to their friendship, a New Mexico trip and a one-day peace conference that was held in Santa Fe.