Roman Ali
The Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, often referred to as Nihon Hidankyō, represents the survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, known as hibakusha. Established in 1956, Nihon Hidankyō advocates for both the Japanese government to provide enhanced support for victims and for global disarmament of nuclear weapons. The organization has played a significant role in preserving the history of the bombings, gathering thousands of firsthand accounts from survivors. In addition to this, it engages in various public appeals and resolutions, and it regularly sends delegations to international bodies, including the United Nations, to promote the abolition of nuclear weapons. In recognition of its relentless efforts towards a nuclear-free world, Nihon Hidankyō was awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for its advocacy and the powerful testimonies of hibakusha, underscoring the need for nuclear weapons to never be used again.
Historically, Nihon Hidankyō emerged from a broader movement catalyzed by the devastation of nuclear warfare. In the aftermath of the Castle Bravo thermonuclear test in 1954, which resulted in severe radiation poisoning among Japanese fishermen, survivor groups rallied to raise awareness about nuclear threats. This movement laid the foundation for the formation of Nihon Hidankyō on August 10, 1956, during the second annual conference of the Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs in Nagasaki. However, the movement was marred by internal conflict as it became entangled in broader political debates. A major split occurred when the council allied itself with the anti-U.S.-Japan Security Treaty protests in 1959, leading to the departure of many supporters. This divide widened in 1961 when the Soviet Union resumed nuclear tests, with some factions refusing to denounce them. Eventually, the national organization distanced itself from political affiliations in 1965 to focus on its core mission of advocating for nuclear disarmament.
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Nihon Hidankyō’s ongoing activities, as of October 2024, include persistent lobbying for the abolition of nuclear weapons and efforts to secure compensation for hibakusha. It continues to petition governments, including Japan’s, the United Nations, and other international bodies, demanding legal frameworks for nuclear disarmament, the enactment of non-nuclear laws, and increased support for the survivors. The organization also works tirelessly to raise awareness about the horrors of the atomic bombings through research, publications, exhibitions, and public gatherings. These efforts are not just about memorializing the past but also about ensuring that future generations understand the dire consequences of nuclear warfare. Furthermore, Nihon Hidankyō remains deeply committed to offering practical support and counseling for hibakusha, continuing to provide a vital network for those impacted by the bombings.
