Executive members of 2024 Nobel Peace Prize“>Nihon Hidankyo
, or the A-Bomb Survivors Continue Campaigns; Visitors Discuss Nobel Peace Prize in Hiroshima, Nagasaki”>Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, expressed their joy at winning the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize at a press conference in Tokyo on Saturday. The seven members, who survived the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and some of whom attended online, also voiced hope that the Nobel would create momentum toward ridding the world of nuclear weapons.Terumi Tanaka, cochairperson of Nihon Hidankyo and a 92-year-old survivor, shared his initial reaction to winning the prize. He admitted that he didn’t feel particularly joyous at first but after a night’s sleep, he felt happier. Tanaka received a phone call from Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba earlier on Saturday to congratulate him. During their conversation, Ishiba acknowledged the need to abolish nuclear weapons but mentioned that current international circumstances necessitate realistic measures. He also requested an in-person meeting with Tanaka.
Ishiba has previously hinted at supporting the joint operation or “sharing” of nuclear weapons with the United States. In response to this position, Tanaka expressed his desire for a thorough discussion with Ishiba to persuade him otherwise.
Masako Wada, Assistant Secretary General of Hidankyo and an 80-year-old survivor herself, emphasized that nuclear weapons have not been used since the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki due to their actions as survivors rather than because they act as deterrents.
Nihon Hidankyo was established in 1956 by atomic bomb survivors and others affected by these tragic events. The group aims to raise awareness about their suffering caused by these bombings and has collected signatures both domestically and internationally in support of achieving a world free from nuclear weapons.