Michiji Konuma, professor emeritus of theoretical physics at Keio University in Tokyo and former president of the Physical Society of Japan, is a former member of the Pugwash Council. This international organisation of scientists advocates for evidence-based policy and warns of the dangers of weapons of mass destruction. Through public appearances with Prof Koji Hashimoto, who scientifically edited the Japanese version of the film ‘Oppenheimer’, Michiji Konuma initiated a public debate in Japan on the social responsibility of science after the film's release in 2024. At the same time, he helped initiate the ‘Declaration for the Future’, which has now been signed in Münster. In an interview with Christina Hoppenbrock, he explains the motivation behind his commitment.