Survivors Demand Action Against Nuclear Weapons on Anniversary

On the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, survivors are calling for global action to eliminate nuclear weapons. Terumi Tanaka, co-chair of the Japan Confederation of A- and H-bomb Sufferers Organisations, known as Nihon Hidankyo, emphasizes that weapons of mass destruction must never be used again. The organization received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022 for its advocacy against nuclear arms, underscoring its commitment to a world free of such threats.

Mr. Tanaka, now 93 years old, was only 13 when the United States dropped the Fat Man bomb on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. His home, located just 3.2 kilometers from the hypocenter, was destroyed, and he lost family members, including his grandfather and aunt. Reflecting on that tragic day, he recalls, “I remembered my kind aunt and broke down crying” after cremating her remains on a makeshift pyre.

As commemorative ceremonies take place in Hiroshima and Nagasaki this week, Tanaka expressed deep concern regarding recent political rhetoric surrounding nuclear weapons. He noted that the taboo against discussing their use has diminished, particularly following Russia’s threats against Ukraine. “As representatives of a country that was a victim of these weapons, for a politician to make such a statement is not just deeply regrettable, it’s unacceptable,” he stated.

Tanaka criticized the perception that nations such as North Korea, China, and Russia pose nuclear threats, arguing that this narrative contributes to a culture of fear. He believes that instead of perpetuating this cycle, the focus should be on the inhumanity and immorality of nuclear weapons. “If the weapons are used, or if we even consider using them, we all lose,” he said.

Reflecting on a recent speech by a political leader, Tanaka found the language used to describe the bombing troubling. The speech began with the phrase, “Seventy-one years ago, on a bright cloudless morning, death fell from the sky and the world was changed.” Tanaka objected to this characterization, asserting, “Death did not ‘fall from the sky’. The Americans dropped the bombs. They created the world we are living in.”

He expressed disappointment in the leader’s comments suggesting that a world without nuclear weapons may not be achieved in his lifetime. Instead, Tanaka believes a more appropriate approach would involve a firm commitment to abolition, which he views as a necessary acknowledgment of the suffering experienced in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Tanaka also highlighted the shifting geopolitical landscape, particularly the decision by Finland and Sweden to join NATO, abandoning their long-standing neutrality. He understands the context of Russia’s aggressive actions but cautioned that such membership implies reliance on nuclear arsenals. He advocates for smaller nations like Ireland to play a significant role in the movement against nuclear weapons, leveraging their influence to persuade others.

As the world reflects on the legacy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, survivors like Terumi Tanaka are determined to ensure that the lessons of history inform future policies. Their voices emphasize the urgency of addressing nuclear disarmament, not just as a political goal, but as a moral imperative for humanity.