Japan commemorated a solemn milestone today as Nihon Hidankyo led a major event in Tokyo to mark 80 years since the atomic bombings. The gathering urged a renewed commitment to abolition now, linking past suffering with present demands. Attended by survivors, younger advocates, and civic groups, the event emphasized that nuclear disarmament remains a pressing cause.
Nihon Hidankyo, formally the Japan Confederation of A‑ and H‑Bomb Sufferers Organizations, organized the event along with some thirty allied groups. They invited about 300 participants to reflect on memories, exchange stories, and push for policy action. They stressed that abolition now is not a distant ideal but a goal for today.
During the program, a recitation play titled “Succession” took center stage. It was co‑created through interactions between hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) and young people. The play sought to pass memory forward and challenge younger generations to carry the burden of peace activism. In addition, a ten‑person debate included voices such as Yuta Takahashi, aged 25, from a group called Katawara. Takahashi said: “We cannot be hibakusha, but we can get their memories shared around the world.”
Outside the auditorium, a booth allowed visitors to converse directly with survivors, including those who witnessed the U.S. bombing of Tokyo in March 1945. One 75‑year‑old attendee said she came “because I felt I had to do something.”
Jiro Hamasumi, 79 and secretary‑general of Nihon Hidankyo, told attendees: “We are halfway toward achieving the abolition of nuclear weapons and winning compensation for damage from the atomic bombings.” He added that no more hibakusha is the core wish of the organization. Co‑chair Terumi Tanaka, 93, said the gathering served as “a gathering of determination for the future movement.” She underlined that the nuclear issue is also a problem for young people who must treat it seriously.
The stakes of this commemoration extend beyond remembrance. One year ago, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, elevating its global visibility. The honor occurred on October 11, 2024. The prize reinforced the group’s platform and strengthened calls for international cooperation on disarmament.
In recent years, Japan has faced pressure diplomatically both for its pacifist constitution and its alliance with nuclear‑armed states. While the national government has not fully endorsed a no‑nukes treaty, civil society actions like this event aim to influence public opinion and policymaking. The anonymity of survivors diminishes as they age, making transfer of memory more urgent. The play “Succession” seeks precisely that legacy.
Experts in arms control warn that global nuclear stockpiles remain dangerously high and that new technologies challenge old arms control mechanisms. Analysts suggest Japan’s civil society mobilization could influence regional norms in East Asia. The event’s timing—on the 80th anniversary—serves symbolic and strategic value.
Looking ahead, Nihon Hidankyo and partner groups plan follow‑up forums, youth workshops, and cross‑national exchanges. They hope to push the Japanese government to adopt stronger disarmament policies and join global treaty efforts. As survivors pass away, the mantle must shift. The call for abolition now will likely resonate in future commemorations and policy debates as Japan—and the world—struggles to reconcile history with a safer future.
