Survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are rallying their renewed commitment to nuclear disarmament after being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This recognition has provided them with fresh momentum as they reflect on the 80th anniversary of the devastating 1945 attacks.
At a press conference held on December 24, 2024, Terumi Tanaka, aged 92 and co-chair of Nihon Hidankyo (the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations), expressed his determination to intensify his disarmament efforts. Previously, he had received the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the organization during the ceremony held in Oslo, Norway, on December 10. Tanaka emphasized the significance of the upcoming milestone, stating, “Eighty years is a significant milestone, so we want to make the most of it to strengthen our movement.”
Tanaka, who survived the Nagasaki bombing on August 9, 1945, believes Japan must take the lead on this issue, particularly because it is the only country to have suffered atomic bombings. He has called upon the Japanese government to prioritize the abolition of nuclear weapons and has plans to challenge Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who supports nuclear deterrence, during their scheduled meeting early next year.
The Nobel Peace Prize committee had initially planned to award this honor to Nihon Hidankyo next year, but they moved the date up to amplify calls for the abolition of nuclear weapons amid concerns for accelerating global public opinion on the topic. Tanaka revealed this during the press conference, explaining, “The committee believed waiting until next year would be too late.”
Included among those attending the press conference were Michiko Kodama, who survived the Hiroshima bombing just three days prior to Nagasaki, and Jiro Hamasumi, also assistant secretary-general of Nihon Hidankyo. Kodama expressed her relief and gratitude at the Nobel recognition, highlighting the struggles she and her fellow survivors continue to face, which include discrimination and health issues from radiation exposure. She passionately advocated for educating the next generations on the catastrophic impact of nuclear weapons before it becomes too late for survivors to recount their experiences firsthand.
Kodama stated, “We hibakusha (survivors) who saw the hell... within a decade won't be around to tell the reality of the atomic bombing.” Her heartfelt remarks underscored the urgency of their cause, with the survivors motivated to share their stories broadly to prevent history's tragic lessons from fading away.
Nihon Hidankyo has campaigned for nearly 70 years to stigmatize and ban the use of nuclear weapons, adhering to the belief they should remain taboo. The organization’s efforts have intensified since the atomic bombings, which killed approximately 140,000 people in Hiroshima and around 70,000 others in Nagasaki. This year marks the third meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, scheduled for March 2025, during which Japan’s stance on nuclear disarmament will be closely observed by the international community.
Tanaka and his colleagues expressed their intention to reinvigorate their outreach efforts, emphasizing the importance of appealing to younger generations for support. “I would like to lead a big movement of testimonials,” Tanaka said, encouraging youth to continue their work. He highlighted the hope within the Nobel Committee for young people to inherit and reinforce the campaign against the proliferation of nuclear arms.
Despite the challenges of advocating for disarmament, including Japan’s position under the U.S. nuclear umbrella and its reluctance to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the survivors remain undeterred. Tanaka’s insistence on addressing the responsibility of the Japanese government to compensate victims displays the moral aspect of the disarmament discussion. He made it clear during his speech at the award ceremony by stating, “Let me repeat what I have said one more time. I want you to know the Japanese government has not provided any compensation for those who were killed in the atomic bombings.”
He clarified after the speech, “It is wrong to think citizens must be sacrifices for their country. That mistaken belief is widespread around the world.” Tanaka's comments on democracy serves as both criticism and motivation for nations to reconsider their stances on nuclear weapons.
With the upcoming anniversary of the bombings, Tanaka remains resolutely focused on the future, intending to use the platform provided by the Nobel Peace Prize to invite broader discussions on disarmament. His commitment resonates deeply within the hibakusha community: their stories are not just relics of history; they are powerful reminders of the stakes of nuclear armament.
The 80th anniversary marks not only the past, but also presents significant opportunities for present actions. Nihon Hidankyo plans to leverage this pivotal moment to inspire greater public engagement and commitment to the cause of nuclear disarmament, emphasizing their message: “It is our duty to remind the world of the horrors of nuclear weapons so they will never be used again.”
