1 Year On, Nihon Hidankyo Seeks to Continue as Members Age

Tokyo, Dec. 17 (Jiji Press)–One year after receiving the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, or Nihon Hidankyo, is seeking ways to continue its activities amid the aging of hibakusha atomic bomb survivors. The average age of survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 is now over 86. This presents a challenge to the continuation of the group’s activities aimed at nuclear abolition, even as the situation regarding nuclear weapons grows increasingly severe. In June, Jiro Hamasumi, 79, introduced himself as “the youngest hibakusha” at a press conference after being elected as secretary-general of Nihon Hidankyo. The secretary-general sets the direction of the group’s activities and negotiates with the government. It was the first time Nihon Hidankyo has elected a hibakusha who was exposed to radiation from the atomic bombing while in utero as secretary-general since its founding in 1956. In addition to the secretary-general post, Nihon Hidankyo has three co-chairs who represent the group–one each from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and one from the Kanto eastern Japan region, which includes Tokyo. Co-chair Terumi Tanaka, 93, who delivered a speech at the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony in Norway last year, experienced the atomic bombings when he was 13 years old. The other two co-chairs were 3 and 4 years old, respectively. Only a few members have vivid memories of the bombings, and “young” hibakusha who were exposed to radiation in utero or in childhood are now playing central roles in activities, such as giving accounts of the bombings based on what they heard from their families. The presence of so-called second-generation hibakusha, or those whose parents were exposed to radiation, is growing. Some have become leaders or key members of prefectural organizations of Nihon Hidankyo. Yoshinori Omura, 69, head of the group’s committee of second-generation hibakusha, joined the nuclear disarmament movement in his 30s. His father was a member of the now-defunct Imperial Japanese Army and was exposed to radiation in Nagasaki, where he engaged in the disposal of dead bodies. Many hibakusha have wished Omura success in continuing their efforts. Omura’s father kept his experience of radiation exposure hidden for 50 years and died about four years ago. “The damage caused by the atomic bombings is a significant issue in human history, so Nihon Hidankyo’s activities to prevent a recurrence are important,” Omura said. “I will continue the movement even when there are no hibakusha left.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]