Nihon Hidankyo: From Survivors to Nobel Peace Prize Laureates

Nihon Hidankyo, a community of atomic bomb survivors, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for their relentless advocacy against nuclear war and for sharing their harrowing experiences with the world.

In 1945, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki resulted in the deaths of approximately 200,000 individuals, leaving survivors known as "hibakusha," or "bomb-affected people," with lifelong scars. Today, around 114,000 of these survivors remain, most of whom are now in their 80s. Many of these survivors have spent their lives sharing their stories of loss and trauma to emphasize the catastrophic humanitarian impact of nuclear warfare. Nihon Hidankyo, the organization representing these individuals, has been pivotal in this mission. Established 11 years post-World War II, Nihon Hidankyo provides a platform for survivors to connect and communicate their experiences both within Japan and globally. The group, which boasts members from all 47 Japanese prefectures, has facilitated international trips for survivors to increase awareness about the effects of atomic bomb radiations and the associated social stigmas. Their founding statement in 1956 firmly articulates their mission: "Humanity must never again inflict nor suffer the sacrifice and torture we have experienced." The Nobel Peace Prize recognition follows their decades-long involvement in global anti-nuclear advocacy, which had previously been acknowledged by the Nobel committee in 2005, highlighting their ongoing impact on international nuclear discourse.