The Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, known as Nihon Hidankyo, was established in response to the hydrogen bomb test conducted by the U.S. in Bikini Atoll in March 1954. The incident resulted in the exposure of a Japanese fishing vessel, Fukuryu Maru No. 5, to radiation and the subsequent death of one crew member six months later.
In August 1955, Hiroshima hosted the first World Conference against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs amidst a growing movement against nuclear weapons. The following year saw the establishment of Hidankyo as a national organization for atomic bomb survivors.
With their slogan “No more hibakusha,” Hidankyo tirelessly campaigned for relief for survivors suffering from the aftermath of atomic bombs and discrimination. Their efforts included petition drives and advocacy in the Diet, which ultimately led to the enactment of the Atomic Bomb Survivors’ Assistance Law in 1995.
Hidankyo has actively called for nuclear weapons abolition on an international scale. They regularly send representatives to participate in Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conferences held by the United Nations and organize atomic bomb exhibitions at UN headquarters during these conferences.
In relation to the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons adopted by the UN in 2017, Hidankyo collaborated with international organizations to urge Japan and nuclear-armed nations to ratify it. Their endeavors resulted in petitions that garnered approximately 13.7 million signatures from over 30 countries, contributing significantly towards building a global anti-nuclear consensus. Additionally, representatives from Hidankyo attended the first meeting of state parties under this treaty held in June 2022 where they shared their hibakusha experiences through related events.