For their years of enduring struggles against nuclear armament, the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese grassroots organization representing thousands of survivors of the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee lauded Nihon Hidankyo “for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating through witness testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again.”
Formed by the hibakusha—survivors of the atomic bombings—the organization has tirelessly advocated for nuclear disarmament, sharing harrowing personal stories to emphasize the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear warfare.
Global Reactions to a Powerful Message
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hailed the award as “extremely meaningful.” Speaking to reporters during a visit to Laos, he stated, “The fact that the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to this organization, which has spent many years working toward the abolition of nuclear weapons, is extremely meaningful.“
“Nuclear weapons have far greater destructive power. A nuclear war could destroy our civilization”
Toshiyuki Mimaki, co-chair of Nihon Hidankyo and a Hiroshima bombing survivor, expressed hope that the prize would amplify their mission. “It would be a great force to appeal to the world that the abolition of nuclear weapons can be achieved,” Mimaki said at a press conference in Hiroshima.
He underscored the fallacy that nuclear weapons ensure peace, warning, “Nuclear weapons can be used by terrorists. If Russia uses them against Ukraine, Israel against Gaza, it won’t end there. Politicians should know these things.“
Mimaki drew poignant parallels between past and present conflicts. “In Gaza, children in blood are being held. It’s like in Japan 80 years ago,” he remarked, highlighting the universal suffering caused by war and the urgent need for disarmament.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the awarding of the prize, noting it sends a “powerful message.”
“The specter of Hiroshima and Nagasaki still looms over humanity. This makes the advocacy of Nihon Hidankyo invaluable. We have the duty to remember and an even greater duty to protect the next generations from the horrors of nuclear war,” she said.
Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui condemned nuclear weapons as “absolute evil,” emphasizing the diminishing number of hibakusha able to share their firsthand experiences. “Hibakusha are fast aging, and there are fewer and fewer people able to testify to the meaninglessness of possessing atomic bombs and their absolute evil,” he told reporters.
Nuclear Taboo Under Threat
Jorgen Watne Frydnes, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, warned that the global taboo against nuclear weapons is under pressure. “The nuclear powers are modernizing and upgrading their arsenals.
“The stories and testimonies of the hibakusha are an important reminder of how unacceptable is the use of nuclear weapons“
New countries appear to be preparing to acquire nuclear weapons, and threats are being made to use nuclear weapons as part of ongoing warfare,” Frydnes stated during the announcement in Oslo.
He reminded the world that next year marks 80 years since the atomic bombings that killed an estimated 120,000 people instantly, with countless more succumbing to radiation in subsequent years.
“Today’s nuclear weapons have far greater destructive power. They can kill millions and would impact the climate catastrophically. A nuclear war could destroy our civilization,” Frydnes cautioned.
About Nihon Hidankyo
Established in 1956, Nihon Hidankyo is the only nationwide organization of A-bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki. With member organizations in all 47 Japanese prefectures, it represents nearly all organized hibakusha.
The group’s primary objectives include the prevention of nuclear war and the elimination of nuclear weapons, securing state compensation for atomic bomb damages, and enhancing policies for the protection and assistance of survivors.
As the hibakusha age, the urgency of their message intensifies. Nihon Hidankyo’s dedication to sharing their stories aims to educate younger generations about the horrors of nuclear warfare and advocate for a future devoid of nuclear threats.
Timely Recognition During Global Conflicts
The Nobel Committee’s decision comes at a time of heightened global tensions, with conflicts in regions such as the Middle East and Eastern Europe raising fears of potential nuclear escalation. The committee noted that while the world faces unprecedented levels of conflict, maintaining the powerful international norm against nuclear weapons is more critical than ever.
“The stories and testimonies of the hibakusha are an important reminder of how unacceptable is the use of nuclear weapons,” Frydnes emphasized. By honoring Nihon Hidankyo, the Nobel Committee reinforces the essential message that nuclear weapons pose an existential threat to humanity and that their abolition is imperative for lasting global peace.
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