On October 11, 2024, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2024 to anti-nuclear weapon Japanese Organization Nihon Hidankyo, also known as Hibakusha.
The coveted and prestigious Nobel Awards began in the beginning of the 20th century. While the organization awards several honors each year, the Nobel Peace Prize is unique in many ways. The committee for the prize is composed of five members from Norway and awarded there, unlike the other honors which are presented in Sweden. According to the Nobel Prize Organization, the Peace Prize is designed to honor efforts “of the greatest benefit to humankind”. Famous historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Theodore Roosevelt are Nobel Laureates in this category.
This year’s Nobel Laureate, Nihon Hidankyo, is an organization formed by witnesses of the horrific nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It promotes the need for a nuclear-free world.
Next year marks almost 80 years since the horrific and unprecedented nuclear attacks occurring during World War II from the United States on Japan on August 6 and 9, 1945. Eight decades later, this moment stands out in world history and American history. Despite its detrimental damage and effects, countries are still building up arsenals and acquiring new nuclear weapons.
However, no new nuclear attacks have been launched since, which can be attributed to many efforts, such as those of Nihon Hidankyo, who worked to create a “nuclear taboo”, a stigma enforcing that nuclear weapons are morally unacceptable.
This long standing organization has provided accounts to major intergovernmental organizations, such as the United Nations. Their influence is undeniable, and it is important to recognize this and let their voices be heard. As society moves further away from the attacks, their voices are more important to listen to while these activists are still around.
The Nobel organization says, “One day, the Hibakusha will no longer be among us as witnesses to history. But with a strong culture of remembrance and continued commitment, new generations in Japan are carrying forward the experience and the message of the witnesses”.
Despite the fact that Hibakusha will not always be with us, with there being 100,000 living survivors with an average age of 86.5 years, the Nobel organization recognizes their impact that will persist for generations to come.
It is difficult to face pain and acknowledge hardships, whether at school or dealing with world conflicts. However, in any context, the benefit and influence you can amass from your own personal experiences is incomparable and unique for each person, and those opinions and perspectives could be valuable in countless ways.
No one can describe the immensely painful and devastating scenes that occurred in Hiroshima and Nagasaki like the Hibakusha, which gives them a powerful tool and catalyst to make change in our global community like no others can.
Nihon Hidankyo has cultivated their grief and pain and used it to foster hope and create a safer world for the next generations to live in. The award they received comes almost 80 years since their efforts started, and their determination and persistence contributed to this year’s Peace Prize being awarded to their mission. Let the efforts of Nihon Hidankya be a reminder of the importance of voicing your concerns and never giving up.
