The Japanese government's decision to abstain from attending the third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) has been met with fierce criticism from survivors of the atomic bombings and various anti-nuclear organizations. Prominent among the critics is Terumi Tanaka, co-chair of Nihon Hidankyo, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, who labeled the decision "pathetic and disappointing" during recent public hearings.
At the Budget Committee of Japan's Lower House on February 25, Tanaka voiced his outrage over the absence of Japan from this significant international meeting set to occur at the United Nations from March 3-7. "It is the Japanese government who can make the strongest argument on these matters. I want it to fulfill its role. It’s truly pathetic," he asserted, underscoring Japan's unique narrative as the only nation to have endured atomic bombings during wartime.
Tanaka's comments reflect broader frustrations among victims of the bombings. The decision not to participate marks the third consecutive occurrence of Japan opting out of TPNW meetings, where it could share its experiences and advocate for the rights and support of atomic bomb victims. Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, who announced Japan's non-participation, has maintained the necessity of nuclear deterrence as integral to national security. He stated, "The TPNW is incompatible with nuclear deterrence," arguing attendance would misrepresent Japan's defense posture and potentially disrupt peace initiatives.
Japan's failure to engage with the TPNW continues to haunt discussions of its nuclear policies. Tanaka, representing the sentiments of many survivors, claims there has been insufficient discussion within the Diet on addressing the historical injustices faced by citizens during wartime. He remarked, "It is definitely wrong to force citizens to endure destruction for the sake of national defense."
Critics underline the urgency of Japan adopting a more proactive role as the only atomic-bombed country. During visits to the Foreign Ministry, representatives from the Japan NGO Network for Nuclear Weapons Abolition emphasized this expectation, conveying their discontent directly to ministry officials.
Nakamura Kimitake, head of the ministry’s Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Science Department, acknowledged the challenges Japan faces. He emphasized the difficulty of achieving significant nuclear disarmament without the participation of nuclear-armed states, indicating the government will instead focus on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which enjoys participation from both nuclear and non-nuclear states.
Tanaka and other survivors voiced their desire for Japan’s nuclear experience to be recognized and utilized as part of its diplomatic strategy. They argue it is their government’s moral obligation to lead discussions on nuclear disarmament based on their historical contexts. "We want the government to use the conference to publicize Japan's position as the only atomic-bombed country to the international community," Tanaka commented after the meeting.
The Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Nihon Hidankyo last year signifies the recognition of these survivors' efforts. Their campaign to raise awareness about the realities of nuclear weapons continues to inspire protests and calls for action against Japan's abstention from international discussions about nuclear disarmament.
While the government's position emphasizes security threats and deterrence, many continue to question whether this strategy does justice to the memories and experiences of those who survived the atomic bombings. The debate remains heated, and the voices of the hibakusha echo louder as they demand recognition, accountability, and action.