The Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyō, a grassroots movement of survivors from the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for its tireless efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons. This prestigious award acknowledges not only their campaign but also their powerful testimonies, which have vividly demonstrated why nuclear weapons must never be used again.
“I Never Dreamed We Would Win the Nobel Prize”
Toshiyuki Mimaki, one of the leaders of Nihon Hidankyō, expressed his surprise upon hearing the news. “I never dreamed we would win the Nobel Prize,” he told AFP, echoing the emotions of many who have worked within the organization.
Hibakusha: Survivors of Atomic Bombings
Nihon Hidankyō, also known as the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, represents the Hibakusha, the survivors of the atomic bombings. These survivors have spent decades sharing their experiences to highlight the devastating human cost of nuclear warfare and to advocate for global disarmament.
The story of Sueichi Kido, Nihon Hidankyō’s secretary-general, is one of many that showcases the unimaginable horror these individuals endured. Born in Nagasaki in 1940, Kido was only five years old when the atomic bomb exploded, just two kilometers from his home. Blown 20 meters by the blast and rendered unconscious, Kido awoke to find his mother’s face severely burned beyond recognition. His story, like those of many Hibakusha, is a powerful reminder of the catastrophic impact nuclear weapons can have on human lives.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Since its founding in 1956, Nihon Hidankyō has been at the forefront of global efforts to promote nuclear disarmament. The organization has been instrumental in raising awareness about the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons and has played a key role in building international opposition to their use.
Nihon Hidankyō’s work, alongside that of other Hibakusha, has contributed significantly to the development of what is now known as the “nuclear taboo”—a global norm that stigmatizes the use of nuclear weapons as morally unacceptable. The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized this in their announcement, highlighting the organization’s exceptional efforts in keeping the taboo alive for nearly 80 years.
Pressing Challenges in a Nuclear-Armed World
However, the Nobel Committee also expressed concern about the current global landscape. As nuclear-armed states modernize their arsenals and some countries pursue nuclear capabilities, the “nuclear taboo” is under threat. With nuclear threats resurfacing in modern conflict, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions, the committee emphasized the urgency of reaffirming global opposition to nuclear weapons.
This year’s Nobel Peace Prize honors the Hibakusha not only for their historical contributions but also for the vital importance of their message in today’s context. As the world inches closer to the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the survivors’ testimonies remain a critical reminder of the horrors that nuclear weapons can unleash.
A Call to Action for the Future
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre both praised the Nobel Committee’s decision. Ishiba noted the long-standing significance of Nihon Hidankyō’s work, while Støre emphasized the importance of continuing efforts toward disarmament and non-proliferation.
With this award, Nihon Hidankyō’s message is clear: the world must recommit to preventing the spread and use of nuclear weapons. Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the fight for a peaceful, nuclear-free world.
The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive power of nuclear weapons and the critical need for global cooperation to ensure they are never used again.