Japanese atomic bomb survivor learned that he won the Nobel Peace Prize- It was like a dream
During a press conference held in Hiroshima City on October 11, Tomonori Kimimatsu, the representative of the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (known as the “Hibakusha”), became emotional and shed tears upon learning that his organization had been awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. He expressed, “It feels like a dream.”
Reflecting on the significance of the award, Kimimatsu noted, “It’s like a dream within a dream.” He emphasized that it took 79 years after World War II to achieve such recognition, highlighting that this is a unique honor in the world, something he never imagined would be given to the Hibakusha organization.
Fumio Kishida, who recently stepped down as Japan’s Prime Minister, represents a constituency that includes Hiroshima City. Although born in Tokyo, his roots are in Hiroshima Prefecture. He took to social media platform X to express his ongoing commitment to the goal of a “world without nuclear weapons,” underlining Japan’s unique mission as the only country to have suffered atomic bombings during wartime. Kishida stated that the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the Hibakusha organization serves as a testament to their long-standing efforts.
Both Kishida and Yoshimasa Hayashi, the former Deputy Leader of Kishida’s now-dissolved faction, conveyed their heartfelt congratulations to the Hibakusha organization via X.
Kishida had previously chosen Hiroshima as the venue for the G7 summit during his term as Prime Minister, highlighting the city’s significance in global discussions about peace and nuclear disarmament.
Another Hibakusha representative, Hisashi Tanaka, remarked that the award underscores the escalating dangers associated with nuclear weapons amidst ongoing global conflicts. He emphasized that the increased threats of nuclear engagement are a primary reason for the organization’s recognition.
Speaking to the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK), Tanaka expressed his long-held belief that a nuclear war could happen in the near future. He praised the decision of the Nobel Committee to honor their organization, which has been advocating for nuclear disarmament for the past 70 years, as a truly remarkable acknowledgment.
Kimimatsu reiterated the urgent call for the elimination of nuclear weapons, countering the argument that “nuclear arms make the world safer.” He cautioned that nuclear weapons could become targets for terrorism, putting surrounding nations at risk of nuclear disaster.
“I want to tell the world to abolish nuclear weapons while we are still alive,” Kimimatsu stated. “This is the wish of the 114,000 victims of the atomic bomb.”
Hibakusha staff members expressed their surprise at the recognition, reflecting on the years of tireless advocacy by victims and conveying their desire to share this news with those who have passed away, wishing they could know of this joyous moment.
