The survivors of the atomic bombings in Nagasaki Marks 79th A-Bomb Anniversary Amidst Israel Snub”>Hiroshima
and Nagasaki have expressed their commitment to working towards a world without nuclear weapons, following their recent recognition with the Nobel Peace Prize. The Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, also known as Nihon Hidankyo, has been commended for its efforts to document the experiences of those affected by the bombings and pass on this knowledge to future generations.During a press conference at the Hiroshima city office, Toshiyuki Mimaki, Cochairperson of Nihon Hidankyo, described winning the Nobel prize as an incredible dream come true. Mimaki was just 3 years old when an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. He vividly recalls seeing everything flash before him like lightning.
After witnessing people with tattered clothes coming to his house in search of help, Mimaki became frightened and hid inside. Later that day, he ventured into the city center with his mother and younger brother to find his father who worked at Hiroshima Station and had been exposed to the bomb.
Mimaki has dedicated himself to advocating for nuclear disarmament throughout his life. Last year, he traveled to New York where he shared his personal experience at an event. Now that Nihon Hidankyo’s longstanding efforts have been recognized with a Nobel Peace Prize, Mimaki expressed his joy during the press conference by saying it felt like hitting a grand slam.
In light of recent conflicts such as Russian aggression in Ukraine and fighting in Gaza Strip, Mimaki emphasized that Nihon Hidankyo would refine its activities to promote lasting peace. He also called on the government to consider signing and ratifying the Nuclear Weapons Convention as part of their commitment towards disarmament.