
Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization representing atomic bomb survivors, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. This honor acknowledges the group’s long-standing commitment to nuclear disarmament and the elimination of nuclear weapons worldwide. Established in 1956, Nihon Hidankyo has provided a platform for survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, known as hibakusha, to share their personal stories, illustrating the devastating effects of nuclear warfare. Through their firsthand accounts, the organization has sought to remind the global community of the unimaginable destruction these weapons bring, amplifying calls for a nuclear-free world.
The Nobel Committee’s decision to award Nihon Hidankyo comes at a time when global nuclear tensions are on the rise. Jorgen Watne Frydnes, Chair of the Nobel Committee, emphasized that the group’s contributions have reinforced the “nuclear taboo”—the widely held belief that nuclear weapons should not be used under any circumstances. This taboo, he noted, is being threatened by recent actions from nuclear states, including Russia’s repeated warnings of potential nuclear responses amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict and North Korea’s renewed focus on nuclear development. Nihon Hidankyo’s mission aligns with the committee’s goal of preserving this global norm and preventing further nuclear escalation.
Nihon Hidankyo’s efforts over the decades have drawn attention not only to the destructive power of nuclear weapons but also to the physical and psychological toll on survivors. The hibakusha, many of whom bear scars and suffer from radiation-related illnesses, have faced discrimination in Japanese society. Concerns over the potential genetic effects of radiation exposure led to prejudice against hibakusha in the workplace and social circles, particularly regarding marriage and employment. Despite these challenges, many survivors chose to share their experiences, using their stories as powerful tools to advocate for peace.
The organization’s impact is seen in its members’ worldwide travels, where they recount their experiences to audiences of diplomats, activists, and ordinary citizens. Their stories serve as a somber reminder of the human cost of nuclear warfare and as a warning to leaders and citizens alike. Survivors have long contended that true peace can only be achieved through the total abolition of nuclear weapons, a belief that resonates with the current international climate.
This Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo aligns with previous awards focused on nuclear disarmament, such as the 2017 prize to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). The Nobel Committee has frequently highlighted the nuclear issue over the years, also awarding Japan’s former Prime Minister Eisaku Sato in 1974 for promoting nuclear non-proliferation. Dan Smith, Director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, remarked that the committee’s choice highlights not only the urgent need to eliminate nuclear weapons but also the inspiring resilience of the hibakusha community, who have endured unimaginable suffering and yet continue to fight for a peaceful future.
As the world faces renewed nuclear threats, Nihon Hidankyo’s message carries even greater relevance. By preserving the testimonies of those who survived Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the organization reminds us that the consequences of nuclear war are neither abstract nor distant—they are painfully real. The survivors’ voices are essential to understanding the urgent need for nuclear disarmament, particularly as some countries seek to modernize or expand their arsenals.
The Nobel Committee’s award to Nihon Hidankyo is a call to action. It emphasizes the need for international cooperation in curbing the spread of nuclear weapons and preventing future nuclear conflicts. This recognition not only honors the hibakusha but also reinforces the idea that peace can only be achieved when the world works together to eliminate the threat of nuclear destruction. As Nihon Hidankyo continues its advocacy, its members hope that their stories will inspire a global commitment to creating a safer, nuclear-free future.
Image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license and was created by Jakub Hałun.