Thursday, May 26, 2016

nuclear weapons remain a global threat when placed in the wrong hands

And this is what Obama really wants to say in Japan and to all future U.S. Presidents and their administrations and all world leaders on earth.

Obama at Hiroshima: What to watch for

Kevin Liptak-Profile-Image
By Kevin Liptak, CNN White House Producer
Updated 9:47 PM ET, Thu May 26, 2016

Story highlights

  • The President is expected to address nuclear proliferation
  • Despite the visit, there are still lingering resentments by the Japanese
Shima, Japan (CNN)Seven decades after the U.S. launched an atomic attack in Hiroshima, President Barack Obama will become the first sitting president to visit the city Friday, traveling there to offer a reconciliatory balm for the still-painful knowledge of the devastation countries can inflict upon one another.
By visiting Hiroshima, Obama is casting the powerful presidential spotlight on the haunted memories of one of history's darkest days. He also hopes to remind the world that nuclear weapons remain a global threat when placed in the wrong hands.
Obama arrives in the southern Japanese city late afternoon Friday, with plans to lay a wreath at the saddle-shaped cenotaph in the Peace Memorial Park before delivering short reflections. From a distance, Obama will take in the iconic A-bomb dome, a building skeleton that's come to represent the scale of destruction the bomb imparted.
He's also expected to meet some survivors of the blast, most of whom were young children at the time their city was destroyed and at least 140,000 lives were lost. It wasn't yet clear, however, the extent to which Obama would interact with the Hibakusha survivors, many of whom made loud calls for a presidential audience.
Obama's subdued trip to Hiroshima is expected to last less than three hours.
Teacher Ryo Fukumaru was escorting students to a factory at the time of the attack. He was badly burned over most of his body -- except his head, which was shielded by this helmet. He was able to walk back to his school before he collapsed. Two days later, he was carried on a stretcher back to his family. At first, because of his burns, relatives failed to recognize him. He struggled to heal for more than six months. When he recovered, Fukumaru was left with scars covering most of his body. He was eventually able to return to work.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
Steel helmet – Teacher Ryo Fukumaru was escorting students to a factory at the time of the attack. He was badly burned over most of his body -- except his head, which was shielded by this helmet. He was able to walk back to his school before he collapsed. Two days later, he was carried on a stretcher back to his family. At first, because of his burns, relatives failed to recognize him. He struggled to heal for more than six months. When he recovered, Fukumaru was left with scars covering most of his body. He was eventually able to return to work.
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On the day of the attack, Mitsuko Kawamura was a 13-year-old high school student. Her sister Yaeko walked through the city searching for her, but never found a body. About a month later, Yaeko found her sister's school bag near the place where Mitsuko was working that day.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
School bag – On the day of the attack, Mitsuko Kawamura was a 13-year-old high school student. Her sister Yaeko walked through the city searching for her, but never found a body. About a month later, Yaeko found her sister's school bag near the place where Mitsuko was working that day.
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When the bomb detonated, Tadayori Kihara was riding his bicycle onto a bridge with this suitcase mounted behind his seat. The blast threw him down on the bridge walkway. His back and arms were so badly burned that most of the skin peeled off. The suitcase bears burns from the bomb's intense heat. Kihara survived and lived 22 more years, treasuring this suitcase before it was donated to the museum.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
Suitcase – When the bomb detonated, Tadayori Kihara was riding his bicycle onto a bridge with this suitcase mounted behind his seat. The blast threw him down on the bridge walkway. His back and arms were so badly burned that most of the skin peeled off. The suitcase bears burns from the bomb's intense heat. Kihara survived and lived 22 more years, treasuring this suitcase before it was donated to the museum.
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Immediately after the bombing, Tsukushi Nishimura went missing from his workplace. About two weeks later, his remains and his wallet were delivered to his home.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
Wallet – Immediately after the bombing, Tsukushi Nishimura went missing from his workplace. About two weeks later, his remains and his wallet were delivered to his home.
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A week after the attack, Kinzo Imura found this clump of melted coins in the burned ruins of a relative's house. This artifact was passed to Imura's nephew, Kazuhiko Ninomiya, who preserved them until donating them to the museum.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
Melted coins – A week after the attack, Kinzo Imura found this clump of melted coins in the burned ruins of a relative's house. This artifact was passed to Imura's nephew, Kazuhiko Ninomiya, who preserved them until donating them to the museum.
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Seventy years after the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, this toddler's tricycle stands as a bitter reminder of the horrors of nuclear warfare. The story behind it was published as a children's book by Hiroshima survivor Tatsuharu Kodama in 1995. "Shin's Tricycle" is about a 3-year-old boy named Shinichi Tetsutani, who died in the attack. His father buried him with this trike -- his favorite toy. This and other fascinating artifacts have been preserved by the <a href="http://www.pcf.city.hiroshima.jp/top_e.html" target="_blank">Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum</a>.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
Seventy years after the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, this toddler's tricycle stands as a bitter reminder of the horrors of nuclear warfare. The story behind it was published as a children's book by Hiroshima survivor Tatsuharu Kodama in 1995. "Shin's Tricycle" is about a 3-year-old boy named Shinichi Tetsutani, who died in the attack. His father buried him with this trike -- his favorite toy. This and other fascinating artifacts have been preserved by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
Hide Caption
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Chieko Suetomo loved this Shirley Temple doll that her father got her when he was in the United States. When he returned to their destroyed house a few days after the attack, she found the doll laying on what was left of the floor. The doll's once-beautiful light-peach clothes were blackened from head to toe, but Chieko continued to treasure the doll after the war. She eventually donated it to the museum.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
Shirley Temple doll – Chieko Suetomo loved this Shirley Temple doll that her father got her when he was in the United States. When he returned to their destroyed house a few days after the attack, she found the doll laying on what was left of the floor. The doll's once-beautiful light-peach clothes were blackened from head to toe, but Chieko continued to treasure the doll after the war. She eventually donated it to the museum.
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Shigeru Orimen was a first-year student at Second Hiroshima Prefectural Junior High School. A few days after the bombing, his mother found Orimen's body with this lunch box clutched under his stomach. The bomb had turned his lunch into nothing but charred remains.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
Lunch box – Shigeru Orimen was a first-year student at Second Hiroshima Prefectural Junior High School. A few days after the bombing, his mother found Orimen's body with this lunch box clutched under his stomach. The bomb had turned his lunch into nothing but charred remains.
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The bomb detonated while Shigezo Kono was at work at a city electric company. Two days later, his older brother found him lying dead, face down beside his desk. He brought home this burned shirt, which had been sewn by Shigezo's wife, Toshi. When she saw it, she knew her husband was dead.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
A burned shirt – The bomb detonated while Shigezo Kono was at work at a city electric company. Two days later, his older brother found him lying dead, face down beside his desk. He brought home this burned shirt, which had been sewn by Shigezo's wife, Toshi. When she saw it, she knew her husband was dead.
Hide Caption
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Toshiaki Asahi was a 13-year-old high school student who was working at the time of the attack and wearing this armband. Despite serious burns, he managed to make his way through fires sparked by the bomb. He climbed up a riverbank and escaped to the outskirts of the city. There he was found by an acquaintance and carried home. Three days later, he told family members, "Thank you for all you've done," and died in his mother's lap.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
A student's armband – Toshiaki Asahi was a 13-year-old high school student who was working at the time of the attack and wearing this armband. Despite serious burns, he managed to make his way through fires sparked by the bomb. He climbed up a riverbank and escaped to the outskirts of the city. There he was found by an acquaintance and carried home. Three days later, he told family members, "Thank you for all you've done," and died in his mother's lap.
Hide Caption
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Teacher Ryo Fukumaru was escorting students to a factory at the time of the attack. He was badly burned over most of his body -- except his head, which was shielded by this helmet. He was able to walk back to his school before he collapsed. Two days later, he was carried on a stretcher back to his family. At first, because of his burns, relatives failed to recognize him. He struggled to heal for more than six months. When he recovered, Fukumaru was left with scars covering most of his body. He was eventually able to return to work.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
Steel helmet – Teacher Ryo Fukumaru was escorting students to a factory at the time of the attack. He was badly burned over most of his body -- except his head, which was shielded by this helmet. He was able to walk back to his school before he collapsed. Two days later, he was carried on a stretcher back to his family. At first, because of his burns, relatives failed to recognize him. He struggled to heal for more than six months. When he recovered, Fukumaru was left with scars covering most of his body. He was eventually able to return to work.
Hide Caption
6 of 10
On the day of the attack, Mitsuko Kawamura was a 13-year-old high school student. Her sister Yaeko walked through the city searching for her, but never found a body. About a month later, Yaeko found her sister's school bag near the place where Mitsuko was working that day.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
School bag – On the day of the attack, Mitsuko Kawamura was a 13-year-old high school student. Her sister Yaeko walked through the city searching for her, but never found a body. About a month later, Yaeko found her sister's school bag near the place where Mitsuko was working that day.
Hide Caption
7 of 10
When the bomb detonated, Tadayori Kihara was riding his bicycle onto a bridge with this suitcase mounted behind his seat. The blast threw him down on the bridge walkway. His back and arms were so badly burned that most of the skin peeled off. The suitcase bears burns from the bomb's intense heat. Kihara survived and lived 22 more years, treasuring this suitcase before it was donated to the museum.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
Suitcase – When the bomb detonated, Tadayori Kihara was riding his bicycle onto a bridge with this suitcase mounted behind his seat. The blast threw him down on the bridge walkway. His back and arms were so badly burned that most of the skin peeled off. The suitcase bears burns from the bomb's intense heat. Kihara survived and lived 22 more years, treasuring this suitcase before it was donated to the museum.
Hide Caption
8 of 10
Immediately after the bombing, Tsukushi Nishimura went missing from his workplace. About two weeks later, his remains and his wallet were delivered to his home.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
Wallet – Immediately after the bombing, Tsukushi Nishimura went missing from his workplace. About two weeks later, his remains and his wallet were delivered to his home.
Hide Caption
9 of 10
A week after the attack, Kinzo Imura found this clump of melted coins in the burned ruins of a relative's house. This artifact was passed to Imura's nephew, Kazuhiko Ninomiya, who preserved them until donating them to the museum.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
Melted coins – A week after the attack, Kinzo Imura found this clump of melted coins in the burned ruins of a relative's house. This artifact was passed to Imura's nephew, Kazuhiko Ninomiya, who preserved them until donating them to the museum.
Hide Caption
10 of 10
Seventy years after the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, this toddler's tricycle stands as a bitter reminder of the horrors of nuclear warfare. The story behind it was published as a children's book by Hiroshima survivor Tatsuharu Kodama in 1995. "Shin's Tricycle" is about a 3-year-old boy named Shinichi Tetsutani, who died in the attack. His father buried him with this trike -- his favorite toy. This and other fascinating artifacts have been preserved by the <a href="http://www.pcf.city.hiroshima.jp/top_e.html" target="_blank">Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum</a>.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
Seventy years after the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, this toddler's tricycle stands as a bitter reminder of the horrors of nuclear warfare. The story behind it was published as a children's book by Hiroshima survivor Tatsuharu Kodama in 1995. "Shin's Tricycle" is about a 3-year-old boy named Shinichi Tetsutani, who died in the attack. His father buried him with this trike -- his favorite toy. This and other fascinating artifacts have been preserved by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
Hide Caption
1 of 10
Chieko Suetomo loved this Shirley Temple doll that her father got her when he was in the United States. When he returned to their destroyed house a few days after the attack, she found the doll laying on what was left of the floor. The doll's once-beautiful light-peach clothes were blackened from head to toe, but Chieko continued to treasure the doll after the war. She eventually donated it to the museum.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
Shirley Temple doll – Chieko Suetomo loved this Shirley Temple doll that her father got her when he was in the United States. When he returned to their destroyed house a few days after the attack, she found the doll laying on what was left of the floor. The doll's once-beautiful light-peach clothes were blackened from head to toe, but Chieko continued to treasure the doll after the war. She eventually donated it to the museum.
Hide Caption
2 of 10
Shigeru Orimen was a first-year student at Second Hiroshima Prefectural Junior High School. A few days after the bombing, his mother found Orimen's body with this lunch box clutched under his stomach. The bomb had turned his lunch into nothing but charred remains.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
Lunch box – Shigeru Orimen was a first-year student at Second Hiroshima Prefectural Junior High School. A few days after the bombing, his mother found Orimen's body with this lunch box clutched under his stomach. The bomb had turned his lunch into nothing but charred remains.
Hide Caption
3 of 10
The bomb detonated while Shigezo Kono was at work at a city electric company. Two days later, his older brother found him lying dead, face down beside his desk. He brought home this burned shirt, which had been sewn by Shigezo's wife, Toshi. When she saw it, she knew her husband was dead.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
A burned shirt – The bomb detonated while Shigezo Kono was at work at a city electric company. Two days later, his older brother found him lying dead, face down beside his desk. He brought home this burned shirt, which had been sewn by Shigezo's wife, Toshi. When she saw it, she knew her husband was dead.
Hide Caption
4 of 10
Toshiaki Asahi was a 13-year-old high school student who was working at the time of the attack and wearing this armband. Despite serious burns, he managed to make his way through fires sparked by the bomb. He climbed up a riverbank and escaped to the outskirts of the city. There he was found by an acquaintance and carried home. Three days later, he told family members, "Thank you for all you've done," and died in his mother's lap.
10 photos: Remnants of the world's first atomic attack
A student's armband – Toshiaki Asahi was a 13-year-old high school student who was working at the time of the attack and wearing this armband. Despite serious burns, he managed to make his way through fires sparked by the bomb. He climbed up a riverbank and escaped to the outskirts of the city. There he was found by an acquaintance and carried home. Three days later, he told family members, "Thank you for all you've done," and died in his mother's lap.
Hide Caption
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Reasons not to apologize

Officials say Obama won't apologize for the decision to use an atomic bomb, which many historians insist was necessary to hasten the end of World War II and save lives. Nor will Obama re-litigate the decision to drop a second bomb days later in Nagasaki, where tens of thousands more died.
Such an apology would ripple to the U.S., likely igniting a political firestorm on the home front in the midst of the presidential race. And in countries like China and Korea, where populations were also wiped out during World War II, demands for apologies from wartime foes would only increase.
Even as Obama planned his visit, families of the tens of thousands of Koreans who were killed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki demanded separate recognition from the American president.
RELATED: Obama's visit to Japan goes off-script
Obama said Thursday he hoped to mark Hiroshima as a history-altering moment -- the U.S. is the only country to have ever used a nuclear bomb -- that humanity must avoid repeating.
"The dropping of the atomic bomb, the ushering in of nuclear weapons, was an inflection point in modern history," Obama said during a news conference at the G-7 Summit in Japan.
"It is something that all of us have had to deal with in one way or the other," he added. "Obviously, it's not as prominent in people's thinking as it was during the Cold War, at a time when our parents or grandparents were huddling under desks in frequent drills. But the backdrop of a nuclear event remains something that I think presses on the back of our imaginations."
For Obama, the visit to Hiroshima comes in the last year of a presidency intent on easing longstanding bitterness directed toward the U.S. Visits to Cuba, Vietnam, and Argentina all came with messages of reconciliation and outreach to a younger generation unencumbered with decades-old enmity toward America.
The presidential visit to Hiroshima also takes place after Japan and its Asian neighbors have worked to come to grips with painful wartime brutalities that Japan inflicted upon its enemies, including an apology by Japan for the use of Korean sex slaves during the World War II.
Obama shakes hands with chef Anthony Bourdain in a shopping area of Hanoi on May 24. The President sat down with Bourdain to film a scene for CNN's <a href="http://www.cnn.com/shows/anthony-bourdain-parts-unknown" target="_blank">"Parts Unknown."</a>
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama shakes hands with chef Anthony Bourdain in a shopping area of Hanoi on May 24. The President sat down with Bourdain to film a scene for CNN's "Parts Unknown."
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People gather in the rain to watch Obama's motorcade in Hanoi on May 24.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
People gather in the rain to watch Obama's motorcade in Hanoi on May 24.
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Obama meets with members of the Vietnamese Civil Society in Hanoi on May 24.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama meets with members of the Vietnamese Civil Society in Hanoi on May 24.
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Obama delivers remarks at the National Convention Center in Hanoi on May 24. Obama <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/24/politics/obama-vietnam-south-china-sea/" target="_blank">made a forceful case for human rights in Vietnam</a> and called for the "peaceful resolution" of disputes in the South China Sea.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama delivers remarks at the National Convention Center in Hanoi on May 24. Obama made a forceful case for human rights in Vietnam and called for the "peaceful resolution" of disputes in the South China Sea.
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Obama walks to the left of Thi Kim Ngan, chairwoman of Vietnam's National Assembly, at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on Monday, May 23.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama walks to the left of Thi Kim Ngan, chairwoman of Vietnam's National Assembly, at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on Monday, May 23.
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Obama meets with Nguyen Phu Trong, the Vietnamese Communist Party's general secretary, in Hanoi on May 23.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama meets with Nguyen Phu Trong, the Vietnamese Communist Party's general secretary, in Hanoi on May 23.
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Obama, with Secretary of State John Kerry and other Cabinet members, attends a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, third from right, on May 23.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama, with Secretary of State John Kerry and other Cabinet members, attends a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, third from right, on May 23.
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Obama gives a toast during a state luncheon hosted by Vietnam's President in Hanoi on May 23.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama gives a toast during a state luncheon hosted by Vietnam's President in Hanoi on May 23.
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Obama holds a news conference with Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang on May 23. Obama announced the United States is fully lifting the decades-long ban on the sale of military equipment to Vietnam. He said the removal of the ban was part of a deeper defense cooperation with the country and dismissed suggestions it was aimed at countering China's growing strength in the region.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama holds a news conference with Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang on May 23. Obama announced the United States is fully lifting the decades-long ban on the sale of military equipment to Vietnam. He said the removal of the ban was part of a deeper defense cooperation with the country and dismissed suggestions it was aimed at countering China's growing strength in the region.
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The two Presidents listen to their countries' national anthems during a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on May 23.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
The two Presidents listen to their countries' national anthems during a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on May 23.
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From left: Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, French President François Hollande, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, U.S. President Barack Obama, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, European Council President Donald Tusk and British Prime Minister David Cameron walk past the Kagura-den as they visit Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Japan, on Thursday, May 26. Obama is visiting Japan and Vietnam <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/23/politics/obama-hiroshima-vietnam-trip-wartime-legacy/index.html" target="_blank">during his 10th trip to Asia.</a>
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
From left: Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, French President François Hollande, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, U.S. President Barack Obama, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, European Council President Donald Tusk and British Prime Minister David Cameron walk past the Kagura-den as they visit Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Japan, on Thursday, May 26. Obama is visiting Japan and Vietnam during his 10th trip to Asia.
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World leaders join in a ceremony to plant trees at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Japan, on May 26. Obama and other major world leaders are in Japan for a Group of Seven, or G7, summit.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
World leaders join in a ceremony to plant trees at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Japan, on May 26. Obama and other major world leaders are in Japan for a Group of Seven, or G7, summit.
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From left: British Prime Minister David Cameron, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, U.S. President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talk together after a group photo session at the G7 summit in Shima, Japan, on May 26.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
From left: British Prime Minister David Cameron, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, U.S. President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talk together after a group photo session at the G7 summit in Shima, Japan, on May 26.
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U.S. President Barack Obama pauses for a translation during a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Shima, Japan, on Wednesday, May 25.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
U.S. President Barack Obama pauses for a translation during a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Shima, Japan, on Wednesday, May 25.
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Obama is greeted by U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy and her husband, Edwin Arthur Schlossberg, at the airport in Tokoname, Japan, on May 25.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama is greeted by U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy and her husband, Edwin Arthur Schlossberg, at the airport in Tokoname, Japan, on May 25.
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Obama shakes hands after speaking at a town-hall event in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on May 25.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama shakes hands after speaking at a town-hall event in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on May 25.
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Vietnamese rapper Suboi <a href="http://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2016/05/25/vietnam-obama-beat-box-rap-sot.cnn" target="_blank">raps during the town-hall event,</a> which was for the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Vietnamese rapper Suboi raps during the town-hall event, which was for the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative.
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Obama tours through entrepreneur demonstrations in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday, May 24.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama tours through entrepreneur demonstrations in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday, May 24.
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Obama pays his respects during a visit to the Jade Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City on May 24.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama pays his respects during a visit to the Jade Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City on May 24.
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Obama waves to locals during a visit to a shopping district in Hanoi, Vietnam, on May 24.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama waves to locals during a visit to a shopping district in Hanoi, Vietnam, on May 24.
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Obama shakes hands with chef Anthony Bourdain in a shopping area of Hanoi on May 24. The President sat down with Bourdain to film a scene for CNN's <a href="http://www.cnn.com/shows/anthony-bourdain-parts-unknown" target="_blank">"Parts Unknown."</a>
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama shakes hands with chef Anthony Bourdain in a shopping area of Hanoi on May 24. The President sat down with Bourdain to film a scene for CNN's "Parts Unknown."
Hide Caption
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People gather in the rain to watch Obama's motorcade in Hanoi on May 24.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
People gather in the rain to watch Obama's motorcade in Hanoi on May 24.
Hide Caption
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Obama meets with members of the Vietnamese Civil Society in Hanoi on May 24.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama meets with members of the Vietnamese Civil Society in Hanoi on May 24.
Hide Caption
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Obama delivers remarks at the National Convention Center in Hanoi on May 24. Obama <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/24/politics/obama-vietnam-south-china-sea/" target="_blank">made a forceful case for human rights in Vietnam</a> and called for the "peaceful resolution" of disputes in the South China Sea.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama delivers remarks at the National Convention Center in Hanoi on May 24. Obama made a forceful case for human rights in Vietnam and called for the "peaceful resolution" of disputes in the South China Sea.
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Obama walks to the left of Thi Kim Ngan, chairwoman of Vietnam's National Assembly, at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on Monday, May 23.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama walks to the left of Thi Kim Ngan, chairwoman of Vietnam's National Assembly, at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on Monday, May 23.
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Obama meets with Nguyen Phu Trong, the Vietnamese Communist Party's general secretary, in Hanoi on May 23.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama meets with Nguyen Phu Trong, the Vietnamese Communist Party's general secretary, in Hanoi on May 23.
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Obama, with Secretary of State John Kerry and other Cabinet members, attends a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, third from right, on May 23.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama, with Secretary of State John Kerry and other Cabinet members, attends a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, third from right, on May 23.
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Obama gives a toast during a state luncheon hosted by Vietnam's President in Hanoi on May 23.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama gives a toast during a state luncheon hosted by Vietnam's President in Hanoi on May 23.
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Obama holds a news conference with Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang on May 23. Obama announced the United States is fully lifting the decades-long ban on the sale of military equipment to Vietnam. He said the removal of the ban was part of a deeper defense cooperation with the country and dismissed suggestions it was aimed at countering China's growing strength in the region.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama holds a news conference with Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang on May 23. Obama announced the United States is fully lifting the decades-long ban on the sale of military equipment to Vietnam. He said the removal of the ban was part of a deeper defense cooperation with the country and dismissed suggestions it was aimed at countering China's growing strength in the region.
Hide Caption
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The two Presidents listen to their countries' national anthems during a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on May 23.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
The two Presidents listen to their countries' national anthems during a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on May 23.
Hide Caption
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From left: Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, French President François Hollande, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, U.S. President Barack Obama, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, European Council President Donald Tusk and British Prime Minister David Cameron walk past the Kagura-den as they visit Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Japan, on Thursday, May 26. Obama is visiting Japan and Vietnam <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/23/politics/obama-hiroshima-vietnam-trip-wartime-legacy/index.html" target="_blank">during his 10th trip to Asia.</a>
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
From left: Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, French President François Hollande, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, U.S. President Barack Obama, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, European Council President Donald Tusk and British Prime Minister David Cameron walk past the Kagura-den as they visit Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Japan, on Thursday, May 26. Obama is visiting Japan and Vietnam during his 10th trip to Asia.
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World leaders join in a ceremony to plant trees at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Japan, on May 26. Obama and other major world leaders are in Japan for a Group of Seven, or G7, summit.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
World leaders join in a ceremony to plant trees at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Japan, on May 26. Obama and other major world leaders are in Japan for a Group of Seven, or G7, summit.
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From left: British Prime Minister David Cameron, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, U.S. President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talk together after a group photo session at the G7 summit in Shima, Japan, on May 26.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
From left: British Prime Minister David Cameron, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, U.S. President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talk together after a group photo session at the G7 summit in Shima, Japan, on May 26.
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U.S. President Barack Obama pauses for a translation during a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Shima, Japan, on Wednesday, May 25.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
U.S. President Barack Obama pauses for a translation during a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Shima, Japan, on Wednesday, May 25.
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Obama is greeted by U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy and her husband, Edwin Arthur Schlossberg, at the airport in Tokoname, Japan, on May 25.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama is greeted by U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy and her husband, Edwin Arthur Schlossberg, at the airport in Tokoname, Japan, on May 25.
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Obama shakes hands after speaking at a town-hall event in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on May 25.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama shakes hands after speaking at a town-hall event in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on May 25.
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Vietnamese rapper Suboi <a href="http://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2016/05/25/vietnam-obama-beat-box-rap-sot.cnn" target="_blank">raps during the town-hall event,</a> which was for the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Vietnamese rapper Suboi raps during the town-hall event, which was for the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative.
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Obama tours through entrepreneur demonstrations in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday, May 24.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama tours through entrepreneur demonstrations in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday, May 24.
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Obama pays his respects during a visit to the Jade Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City on May 24.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama pays his respects during a visit to the Jade Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City on May 24.
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Obama waves to locals during a visit to a shopping district in Hanoi, Vietnam, on May 24.
20 photos: Obama visits Vietnam, Japan
Obama waves to locals during a visit to a shopping district in Hanoi, Vietnam, on May 24.
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A world without nukes?

Obama further hopes his appearance at the site will serve to reinforce his bid to reduce global stockpiles of nuclear weapons, an effort that's had only moderate strides after seven years in office.
While he successfully negotiated a deal for Iran to curb its nuclear program, North Korea only seems more intent on ramping up its own. And Obama has been accused of hypocrisy for his proposed trillion-dollar overhaul of American's own nuclear weapons program.
RELATED: Here's why Obama decided to go to Hiroshima
Even as Obama prepared for his stop in Hiroshima, long-simmering resentments boiled at the persistent U.S. military presence in Japan. At a joint press conference late Wednesday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan railed against an alleged murder committed by an American civilian worker stationed on Okinawa, the southern Japanese island that houses a massive U.S. military presence.
Abe said he "protested sternly" over the incident during talks with Obama ahead of the G-7 Summit, held at a remote luxury hotel overlooking Ago Bay in southeastern Japan.

Japanese resentment, no visit to Pearl Harbor

The bitterness among Japanese over the U.S. bases in Okinawa have persevered for decades, borne from the installation's origin after Japan's defeat in World War II, which led to American responsibility for Japan's defense. Abe was intent this week on demonstrating his fury over the murder, and ensuring that Obama was reminded of the lingering disputes.
Abe's protestations -- unusually blunt for a presidential news conference -- had the effect of making Obama apologize to Japan for the murder, even if that apology wasn't meant as a blanket regret for all of the U.S. military's incursions in the country.
Concerning Hiroshima, Abe said he was looking for Obama to "express the feelings of sorrow" at the Peace Memorial Park, where the President will tour alongside his Japanese counterpart.
But Abe said he had no firm plans to visit Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, where Japanese planes conducted a surprise morning attack on a U.S. naval installation in 1941.
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