Terumi Tanaka, a survivor of the U.S. atomic bombings of Japan and the representative of Nihon Hidankyo, the organization that won this year's Nobel Peace Prize, called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease making nuclear threats. Tanaka, aged 92, expressed his concerns at a news conference in Oslo, Norway, ahead of a ceremony where he is set to deliver a lecture on behalf of the organization.
Tanaka highlighted that Putin's repeated nuclear threats indicate a lack of understanding of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapon usage. He emphasized that the message to Putin from Nihon Hidankyo is clear: nuclear weapons must never be employed. Tanaka, who was in Nagasaki during the atomic bombing, recounted the devastation and loss experienced by his family, stressing the enduring impact of the tragic events.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee, in awarding the prize to Nihon Hidankyo, underscored the increasing pressure on the taboo against nuclear weapons. The committee noted the modernization of nuclear arsenals by existing powers and the potential proliferation of such weapons. The threats of nuclear weapon use in current conflicts, including Russia's actions in Ukraine, were also highlighted.
The elderly members of Nihon Hidankyo advocate for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons, extending their message to all nations, including the United States. Tanaka emphasized the responsibility of survivors to remind the world of the dangers posed by nuclear weapons, asserting that nuclear weapons and humanity cannot coexist.
Empress Masako of Japan echoed the significance of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation for peace. She called for mutual understanding and collaborative efforts towards a peaceful world.
