Nihon Hidankyo Wins Nobel Peace Prize

On December 10, 2024, public viewings were held in Hiroshima and Nagasaki to celebrate Nihon Hidankyo's receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize, acknowledging their long-standing efforts against nuclear weapons. Approximately 300 attendees in Hiroshima watched Terumi Tanaka, a 92-year-old atomic bomb survivor, deliver a poignant acceptance speech that highlighted the growing threat of nuclear weapons amid ongoing global conflicts. Survivors and youth advocates expressed hope and determination to promote peace, with 95-year-old Chieko Kiriake emphasizing the importance of protecting lives as a pathway to peace. The Nobel Committee's decision to honor Nihon Hidankyo reflects concerns over the weakening taboo against nuclear weapon use, as articulated by Tanaka during the ceremony. In conjunction with the award, an exhibit titled 'A Message to Humanity' featuring art depicting the bombings opened at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, running for nearly a year. The event underscored the survivors' commitment to sharing their experiences and advocating for a world free of nuclear weapons.