Hiroshima and Nagasaki Survivors: Hibakusha

The Hibakusha, or survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, are individuals whose lives were irrevocably transformed by the events of August 6 and August 9, 1945. In the immediate aftermath, the bombings resulted in a massive loss of life, with tens of thousands killed instantly and countless more affected by radiation-related illnesses in the years to follow. Here we find out more about these individuals who bore physical and psychological scars, as well as social stigma, as they navigated life in a world that was still grappling with the implications of nuclear warfare.

“Our mission is to ensure that nuclear weapons are never used again.” 

Nihon Hidankyo

A Collective Voice for the Hibakusha

Amid this struggle, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, or Nihon Hidankyo, was founded in 1956 as a collective voice for the Hibakusha. Over the decades, the organization transformed the Hibakusha’s harrowing experiences into a powerful campaign against nuclear arms and a fervent plea for global peace. In 2024, Nihon Hidankyo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its tireless efforts to ensure that the Hibakusha’s stories are remembered, that their suffering is acknowledged, and that nuclear weapons are eradicated.

The work of Nihon Hidankyo is rooted in a philosophy of remembrance and peace. At its core, the organization seeks to ensure that the Hibakusha’s trauma is understood as a warning for humanity. Survivors advocate for peace with a sense of urgency, emphasizing that their experiences reveal the horrific realities of nuclear warfare in a way that transcends political divisions or national boundaries.

The Nihon Hidankyo’s Philosophy

Central to Nihon Hidankyo’s philosophy is the belief that the world has a collective responsibility to prevent the repeat of such devastation. This moral imperative to abolish nuclear arms aligns with a broader humanitarian vision, where the suffering of individuals is recognized as a universal concern rather than a localized tragedy. The Hibakusha’s message, as delivered through Nihon Hidankyo, stresses that the sanctity of human life and the pursuit of peace are inextricably linked to the renunciation of nuclear weapons.

Nihon Hidankyo’s ideological framework draws from both Japanese cultural values and universal ethical principles. In Japanese tradition, the concept of mottainai embodies a deep respect for life and resources, condemning waste and valuing preservation. For Hibakusha and Nihon Hidankyo, the destruction wrought by nuclear weapons is the antithesis of this principle, as it represents the senseless loss of countless lives. Additionally, ahimsa, a principle of non-violence central to both Buddhism and other Eastern philosophies, is foundational to their ideology.

A Moral Obligation to Advocate for Peace

For Nihon Hidankyo, this is not merely a cultural ideal but a moral obligation to advocate for peace. Their activism, therefore, is both grounded in these traditional beliefs and informed by universal human rights frameworks, as they frame the right to live free from nuclear threats as a fundamental human right that transcends national borders and political affiliations.

One of the most significant aspects of Nihon Hidankyo’s influence is its impact on policy, both domestically and internationally. In Japan, the organization has been a powerful advocate for pacifist principles, influencing Japan’s stance on nuclear policy and military engagement. The Japanese constitution’s Article 9, which renounces war and prohibits Japan from maintaining armed forces for combat, reflects a national commitment to peace deeply rooted in the Hibakusha’s legacy.

A Vital Role in the Development of Nuclear Non-Proliferation

Nihon Hidankyo has advocated for Japan to lead by example on the global stage, urging the government to uphold pacifist values and resist any moves toward rearmament. This position is not only symbolic but serves as a political stance, reinforcing Japan’s commitment to peace amid global tensions. Domestically, Nihon Hidankyo’s influence is felt through peace education programs, with Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Nagasaki Peace Park serving as living symbols of the nation’s commitment to peace and as educational centres that continue to engage young people in the Hibakusha’s message.

Internationally, Nihon Hidankyo has played a vital role in the development of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament treaties. The organization was instrumental in shaping the discourse around the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in 1968, a landmark agreement that sought to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and pursue disarmament.

“We must stand together, united, in the fight to eliminate nuclear weapons from the earth.”   

Kenzaburō Ōe

The Human and Environmental Costs of Nuclear Armament

Nihon Hidankyo’s advocacy underscored the human and environmental costs of nuclear armament, bringing moral urgency to the treaty’s objectives. The Hibakusha’s voices were similarly influential in the adoption of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in 1996, which sought to prohibit nuclear tests and mitigate the environmental and humanitarian risks of testing.

One of the most significant achievements associated with Nihon Hidankyo’s activism is the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), the first legally binding agreement to comprehensively ban nuclear weapons. This treaty marked a milestone in global disarmament efforts, as it was born from decades of Hibakusha activism and solidified a global commitment to nuclear abolition. Nihon Hidankyo’s collaboration with the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) helped build momentum for the treaty, using personal testimonies and survivor stories to humanize the call for disarmament. ICAN’s Nobel Peace Prize in 2017 underscored the success of these efforts and symbolized the cumulative impact of Hibakusha activism.

Hibakusha’s Message to New Generations and New Cultures

In the realm of arts and literature, Nihon Hidankyo has inspired works that capture the complex emotions and experiences of the Hibakusha. Renowned Japanese authors like Kenzaburō Ōe and Masuji Ibuse have woven Hibakusha narratives into novels such as Hiroshima Notes and Black Rain, exploring the deep psychological and societal scars left by the atomic bombings. These literary works have provided a platform for the Hibakusha to share their stories in ways that resonate with diverse audiences and preserve their legacy.

Films, paintings, poetry, and music further extend this artistic influence, bringing the Hibakusha’s message to new generations and new cultures. Through art, Nihon Hidankyo has helped ensure that the Hibakusha’s experiences reach a global audience and remain relevant to discussions about war, peace, and humanity’s future.

Preserving the Hibakusha’s Legacy

With the passage of time, the challenge of preserving the Hibakusha’s legacy becomes more pressing as survivors age. Nihon Hidankyo, in collaboration with other peace organizations like the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation, has created initiatives to record Hibakusha testimonies and share them with younger generations. Projects like “Hibakusha Stories” focus on educating youth about the impacts of nuclear warfare, encouraging them to become advocates for peace and nuclear abolition. This intergenerational approach ensures that the Hibakusha’s message endures, empowering young activists to carry on the fight for a nuclear-free world.

The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize

The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Nihon Hidankyo is a significant recognition of its achievements and ongoing mission. By honouring Nihon Hidankyo, the Nobel Committee underscores the profound influence of the Hibakusha’s stories and the importance of Nihon Hidankyo’s commitment to a nuclear-free future. The award validates the decades of activism led by Hibakusha and Nihon Hidankyo, celebrating their endurance and their impact on international disarmament. This recognition serves as both a testament to Japan’s commitment to peace and a reminder of the essential role of Hibakusha voices in shaping global dialogue around nuclear weapons.

“The atomic bombings are a shared tragedy of all humankind.”  

Setsuko Thurlow

Symbols of Resilience

Nihon Hidankyo and the Hibakusha have become symbols of resilience, advocating for a world where nuclear weapons are no longer seen as tools of security but as threats to humanity. Through a philosophy that combines cultural respect for life and universal human rights, Nihon Hidankyo has reframed nuclear disarmament as a humanitarian mission that concerns all of humanity. Their influence on public consciousness, international policy, and the arts demonstrates the enduring relevance of their message.

Nihon Hidankyo’s Nobel Peace Prize is not only a recognition of their achievements but a reminder to the world of the responsibility to prevent future nuclear tragedies. Through their unwavering dedication, the Hibakusha’s message – “never again” – continues to inspire and challenge societies to pursue peace and reject nuclear proliferation for generations to come.

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