In brief
The organization has tirelessly worked to highlight the physical and emotional toll of nuclear devastation, now recognized by the Nobel Committee for its contributions to peace.
In 1945, Hiroshima and Nagasaki suffered unparalleled devastation when atomic bombs were dropped, resulting in the deaths of approximately 200,000 people. Many survived, scarred both physically and emotionally, known as "hibakusha" or "bomb-affected people." Today, these survivors, once numbering around 650,000, have dwindled to about 114,000 due to the passing decades. To honor their stories and struggles, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, the sole nationwide network representing these survivors. Established eleven years post-World War II, the organization focuses on advocating against nuclear warfare, stressing the imperative lessons from their harrowing experiences. Nihon Hidankyo has sent its members globally to educate others on the lasting impact of radiation exposure and the universal need to prevent the recurrence of such horrors. Recognized previously alongside the International Atomic Energy Agency in 2005, their efforts continue to resonate as a powerful plea for peace.
