On July 27, 2025, the Norwegian Nobel Committee joined forces with Japan’s leading atomic bomb survivor group. Together, they hosted a peace symposium at Sophia University in Tokyo. Their main message urged younger generations to embrace nuclear disarmament.
The panel stressed the importance of listening to hibakusha—atomic bomb survivors—and learning from their stories. As these survivors age, their voices become even more vital. Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Nobel Committee, highlighted the urgent need to preserve the “nuclear taboo.” He explained that this taboo helps prevent nuclear weapons use.
Terumi Tanaka, co-chair of the survivor group Nihon Hidankyo, expressed hope. He wants the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to their organization to motivate more people. Tanaka urged citizens to push Japan towards a stronger nuclear abolition stance.
About 700 people attended the event, which featured keynote speeches and a panel discussion focused on nuclear disarmament. Frydnes had earlier visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki to meet survivors and local activists. This deepened his understanding of the nuclear issue.
This collaboration between the Nobel Committee and survivor groups marks a crucial step. It aims to bridge generations and renew global commitment to nuclear disarmament. The event called for young people to carry the torch and advocate for lasting peace.
