Japan-U.S. Cooperation; Enduring Bond Despite Leadership Changes”>U.S. Ambassador
to Japan Rahm Emanuel has extended his congratulations to the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, also known as Nihon Hidankyo, for being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In a post on X, Emanuel expressed his deep admiration for the atomic bomb survivors he has encountered and their unwavering commitment to creating a world free from nuclear weapons. He emphasized that nuclear weapons should never be utilized again.Emanuel, who previously served as Chief of Staff under former President Barack Obama, recalled Obama’s 2009 speech where he expressed his dedication to pursuing a world without nuclear weapons. This commitment ultimately led to Obama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
President Joe Biden, who served as vice president during the Obama administration, has also long advocated for nuclear disarmament. Prior to assuming office, Biden showed keen interest in adopting a “no first use” policy regarding nuclear weapons and declaring deterrence and retaliation as the sole purpose of such arms.
However, once in office, Biden shifted his focus towards maintaining the “nuclear umbrella” for U.S. allies due to increased nuclear threats from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s rapid expansion of its own nuclear arsenal.
In 2023, Biden became only the second sitting U.S. president after Obama to visit Hiroshima’s atomic bomb site when he attended a G7 Summit there. However, during this visit, he did not make any significant appeals for nuclear abolition or disarmament.
The recognition bestowed upon Nihon Hidankyo by winning the Nobel Peace Prize highlights their remarkable efforts in advocating for peace amidst their own experiences as survivors of atomic bombings.