Japanese Atomic Bomb Victims Group Dedicated to No Nuclear Weapons Wins Nobel Peace Prize

In 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, marking a pivotal moment in the conclusion of World War II and the fight against Japanese imperialism. The aftermath of the explosion left a devastating impact on the local community, as depicted in the accompanying photograph. Recently, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to the “Japan Confederation of A and H Bomb Sufferers Organizations” for their tireless efforts to promote a world free of nuclear weapons. This recognition marks a significant moment, as it is Japan’s first Nobel Peace Prize since 1974, when it was awarded to former Prime Minister Eisaku Satō.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, attending the ASEAN summit in Laos, expressed his admiration for the decision, noting that awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to an organization dedicated to nuclear disarmament holds profound significance.

The Japan Confederation, formed in 1956 by the survivors of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, along with victims of Pacific nuclear tests, has grown into the largest and most influential organization of its kind in Japan. They have gathered thousands of testimonials from historical witnesses and consistently issue resolutions and public appeals. Every year, they send delegations to various peace conferences, including the United Nations, to remind the world of the urgent need to eliminate nuclear weapons.

The Nobel Committee highlighted that the Confederation’s witness testimonies serve as a powerful plea against the use of nuclear arms. Through personal stories and educational initiatives, they raise awareness about nuclear proliferation, helping to bolster global opposition to such weapons. The Committee hopes to underline that in the 80 years since nuclear weapons were first used in conflict, there has been no further warfare involving them. The Confederation’s contributions to establishing a “nuclear taboo” have been noteworthy, but this taboo currently faces concerning pressures.

The Committee pointed out that nuclear-armed countries are expanding and modernizing their arsenals, while others are preparing to acquire nuclear capabilities amid increasing threats of nuclear conflict. Humanity must remind itself that nuclear weapons are the most destructive tools ever created.

In presenting the Peace Prize to the Confederation, the Committee aims to honor all survivors who, despite their physical suffering and painful memories, have chosen to transform their tragic experiences into a mission of hope and engagement for peace.

This year’s award represents a notable milestone for Japan, as it comes 50 years after Eisaku Satō received the Nobel for signing the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and for promoting the three non-nuclear principles of “not possessing, not producing, and not introducing” nuclear weapons.

Last year, the Peace Prize was awarded to Iranian women’s rights activist Narges Mohammadi, who, despite being imprisoned, has fought against the oppression faced by women in Iran and advocated for human rights and freedom globally. A former journalist, she has spent the last two decades frequently in and out of prison due to her activism against the mandatory hijab and the death penalty.

The Nobel Peace Prize is unique among the six Nobel Prizes as it is awarded in Oslo, Norway. The final award, for economics, will be announced on October 14, with each prize this year valued at 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1.06 million).