Image credit: National Archives and Records Administration, August 1945. Presented to Postmaster General Robert E. Hannegan on the occasion of his visit to General Headquarters U. S. Army Forces, Pacific in Tokyo, Japan.
One of Japan’s greatest hits this year is the achievement of the Nobel Peace Prize by Nihon Hidankyo. Representing the Hibakusha, the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki’s nuclear bombs, he has helped to initiate numerous campaigns that work to mend and prevent the detrimental effects of atomic weapons.
The Hibakusha aren’t simply citizens who lived through the bombings; they are the survivors. In August of 1945, two American atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing 120,000 civilians. Due to the extreme radiation of atomic particles, hospitalized patients grew while houses and hospitals were displaced. Still, after such a devastating event, around 650,000 people survived, the Hibakusha.
Rather than hiding their permanent burns and wounds, they took pride in their endurance and showcased it to everyone worldwide, letting them know how such a devastating incident forever changed their well-being.
Additionally, the Hibakusha protested for the world to stop using atomic weapons. From protesting on the streets to attending the United Nations Assembly and cooperating with Obama, Nihon Hidankyo persistently pursued a world of peace, nations without the fear of nuclear threats deterring people’s lives. All these great efforts towards global disarmament by Nihon Hidankyo were possible through great determination and support from the citizens through donations and joining protests.
Image credit: Aya. N (’25)
After receiving the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, the organization expressed its gratitude and its firm future stance by stating, “This makes the advocacy of Nihon Hidankyo invaluable. This Nobel Peace Prize sends a powerful message. We have the duty to remember. And an even greater duty to protect the next generations from the horrors of nuclear war.” Moreover, the organization paid tribute to everyone, including those who are directly and indirectly related to the event, and those who have perished during the tragedy.
Public reactions were also positive, bringing the Japanese community together to celebrate the prize for the country’s greater good. In an NHK interview citizens expressed their gratitude towards the award by stating, “Japan is the only country that had suffered from atomic bombings, and I hope the world will understand the awareness through this [award].” Additionally, the high school peace ambassador in the Nagasaki prefecture also expressed her determination to carry forward this awareness to future generations—to make a better world.
Let us celebrate the Nobel Peace Prize granted to a Japanese organization in half a decade, but also have a moment to reflect on the struggles of our past individuals or family members who have gone through nuclear bombing. Let this be a chance to support the Nihon Hidankyo for better world peace, and for everyone to thrive under no nuclear threats.
