The Nobel Peace Prize 2024 is awarded to the Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on October 11.

It is the second time a Japanese person or organization has received the prize after then-former Prime Minister Eisaku Sato, who, in 1974, was awarded the prize for signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, NPT, and introducing Japan’s three non-nuclear principles of not possessing, producing or allowing nuclear weapons on its territory.

Rev. Yoshiharu Tomatsu, WCRP/RfP Japan Chairperson, issued the following statement to welcome the award.

We congratulate the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, Nihon Hidankyo,  on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

Hibakusha, the survivors of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, have been in the vanguard of the global movement to abolish nuclear weapons. With the belief in “No More Hibakusha,” they, who have suffered deep physical and mental scars, have been appealing for abolition with painstaking effort.

They have worked tirelessly in political and diplomatic arenas such as the United Nations, various disarmament negotiations, governments, parliaments, civil societies, and educational forums for young people. They don’t hesitate to stand on the streets in the scorching heat or cold to appeal.

Their self-sacrificing actions have encouraged many people who aim to make a “world without nuclear weapons” come true.

The Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Hidankyo took a significant step forward in the movement for the abolition of nuclear weapons. It gives excellent courage to those who aim for nuclear abolition.

Since its founding, WCRP/RfP Japan, a multi-faith organization, has been calling for the realization of a “world without nuclear weapons” based on religious beliefs. WCRP/RfP Japan has always learned the importance of a humanitarian peace movement from Hibakusha’s sincerity and actions. Awarding the medal to Hidankyo is a great joy and encouragement for us at WCRP/RfP as well.

Bearing in mind the heartfelt appeals of Hibakusha, WCRP/RfP Japan renews its determination to do all it can to realize a “world without nuclear weapons” as soon as possible.

October 12, 2024
Rev. Yoshiharu Tomatsu, WCRP/RfP Japan Chairperson