Hiroshima, Nagasaki”>Sunao Tsuboi
, the former chairperson of Nihon Hidankyo and a survivor of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima, passed away at the age of 96. Tsuboi, who was just 20 years old when he was injured in the bombing, dedicated his life to sharing the stories of hibakusha and advocating for nuclear disarmament.After being injured in the bombing, Tsuboi became a teacher and earned the nickname “Pika-don sensei” for his efforts to raise awareness about the devastating effects of nuclear weapons. In 2000, he assumed the role of chairperson for Nihon Hidankyo and played a key role in international conferences and campaigns calling for nuclear abolition.
Tsuboi’s dedication to peace was evident when he spoke to former U.S. President Barack Obama during his visit to Hiroshima in 2016. He urged Obama to listen to the stories of hibakusha and emphasized that winning awards meant nothing if nuclear weapons continued to be used.
Masanori Ueda, who worked closely with Tsuboi as vice chairperson of Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-Bomb Sufferers Organization, expressed that Tsuboi would want them to continue their efforts until nuclear disarmament becomes a reality.
In Nakagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture, Masahiro Sasaki celebrated on behalf of his younger sister Sadako. Sadako’s story as an atomic bomb survivor has been widely shared through books and films. She died at age 12 from leukemia caused by radiation exposure but had hoped for peace by making paper cranes while on her sickbed.
The recognition received by Nihon Hidankyo through their persistent efforts has helped raise awareness about hibakusha’s suffering and the horrors of atomic bombings worldwide.
Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui congratulated Nihon Hidankyo on winning the Nobel Peace Prize and acknowledged that their International Signature Campaign played a significant role in enacting the Treaty on Prohibition Nuclear Weapons.
Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki also expressed hope that winning this prestigious award would serve as a catalyst for future generations’ commitment towards eliminating nuclear weapons.