Nihon Hidankyo (日本被団協), or the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, is a prominent organization in Japan dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It was founded in 1956 by atomic bomb survivors, known as hibakusha (被爆者), to promote peace, ensure the well-being of survivors, and work towards the abolition of nuclear weapons.

Key Objectives:

  1. Support for Hibakusha: Nihon Hidankyo provides support to atomic bomb survivors, many of whom suffer from long-term health issues such as cancer, radiation sickness, and psychological trauma. The organization advocates for better healthcare, pensions, and other forms of financial assistance for survivors.

  2. Abolition of Nuclear Weapons: One of the primary goals of Nihon Hidankyo is to campaign for the global elimination of nuclear weapons. The organization frequently engages in peace advocacy, including participating in international conferences, lobbying for disarmament, and raising awareness of the horrors of nuclear warfare.

  3. Education and Awareness: Nihon Hidankyo also focuses on educating the public, particularly younger generations, about the devastating effects of nuclear weapons. This includes telling the stories of hibakusha, organizing peace events, and collaborating with other organizations working for global nuclear disarmament.

  4. Legal and Political Action: The organization has lobbied the Japanese government for better support for hibakusha and also pushes for Japan to play a more proactive role in global nuclear disarmament discussions.

Nihon Hidankyo remains a significant voice in Japan and internationally, reminding the world of the human costs of nuclear war while advocating for a future without nuclear weapons. Its members, many of whom are aging, continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the suffering they experienced is never repeated.