Nihon Hidankyō awarded 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for advocating against nuclear weapons

The Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyō, formed by survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to advocate for a world free of nuclear weapons. The Nobel Committee emphasized the organization’s role in testifying that atomic weapons must never be used again.

Toshiyuki Mimaki, a leader within Nihon Hidankyō, expressed his surprise at receiving the prestigious award, stating, “I never dreamed we would receive the Nobel Prize.” He criticized the notion that nuclear weapons bring peace, referencing ongoing global threats, such as the potential use of these weapons in geopolitical conflicts, which could lead to disastrous consequences.

Nihon Hidankyō’s Secretary-General Sueichi Kido, born in Nagasaki just before the bombing, shared his personal experience during the event. He recounted being two kilometers from the blast site when the bomb exploded, recalling the devastating impact it had on his family, including how he did not recognize his mother due to her injuries.

The organization, which has a history of activism since its establishment in 1956, aims to raise awareness of the humanitarian implications of nuclear weapons. The Nobel Committee noted that there has not been a nuclear weapon used in conflict for nearly 80 years—a fact they believe reflects the successful advocacy of groups like Nihon Hidankyō. However, amid modern tensions, there are growing concerns about the current pressures on the nuclear taboo.

The decision to award the Nobel Peace Prize honors the survivors and their relentless fight against nuclear weapons, aiming to cultivate a future rooted in peace and disarmament principles.