Survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki expressed renewed determination to advocate for nuclear disarmament after being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, ahead of the 80th anniversary of the 1945 attacks.
Terumi Tanaka, a survivor of the atomic bombing on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, shared his thoughts during a press conference in Tokyo following his acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of Nihon Hidankyo, the organization representing Japanese atomic bomb survivors. Tanaka, 92, emphasized the significance of the upcoming 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, stating, “I believe it is important to focus on the next 10 years and strengthen the movement moving forward. I would like to lead a big movement of testimonials.”
As a retired materials engineering professor, Tanaka stressed the importance of Japan taking the lead in nuclear disarmament efforts, highlighting Japan’s unique position as the only country to have experienced atomic attacks. He expressed his intention to discuss this matter with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who has shown support for nuclear deterrence, during their anticipated meeting in January. Despite repeated appeals by survivors, Japan, under the protection of the U.S. nuclear umbrella, has refrained from signing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Michiko Kodama, another survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bombing, shared her perspective on the Nobel recognition, expressing gratitude for the acknowledgment after enduring decades of challenges, discrimination, and health concerns stemming from radiation exposure. Kodama emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the devastating impact of nuclear weapons, stating, “We hibakusha (survivors) who saw the hell… within a decade won’t be around to tell the reality of the atomic bombing. I want to keep telling our stories as long as we live.”
Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots organization comprising Japanese atomic bombing survivors, has been dedicated to advocating against the use of nuclear weapons for nearly 70 years. The group’s efforts have aimed to uphold a taboo surrounding nuclear weapons, which have significantly escalated in power and quantity since their initial deployment in warfare by the United States against Japan.
The first atomic bombing on Hiroshima claimed the lives of 140,000 individuals, while a subsequent attack on Nagasaki resulted in the deaths of another 70,000. Japan’s surrender on August 15 marked the conclusion of a conflict that commenced with Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 as part of its expansionist ambitions in Asia.
The survivors’ unwavering commitment to nuclear disarmament serves as a testament to their enduring resilience and determination to prevent the horrors of atomic warfare from being repeated.
