Atomic bomb victims group wins peace prize, highlighting differences with Japanese government

Tanaka Hisashi, a representative from the Japan Council Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (referred to as the “Japan Council”), expressed that their recent Nobel Peace Prize win underscores the global urgency surrounding armed conflict and increases the risks associated with the use of nuclear weapons. In an interview in October 2005 at the Tokyo headquarters, he stood before reports from Japanese media detailing the experiences of atomic bomb survivors.

On October 11, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize to the Japan Council, recognizing their dedicated efforts toward achieving a world without nuclear weapons. This marks the second time an individual or organization from Japan has received this prestigious award.

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which aims to ban the development, testing, production, possession, and use of nuclear weapons while also prohibiting their use as a threat, was approved by approximately 60% of United Nations member states, totaling 122 countries, in July 2017. The treaty achieved the necessary 50 ratifications by October 25, 2020, and came into effect on January 22, 2021.

However, nuclear-armed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and France have not expressed any intention to sign the treaty. Additionally, Japan, South Korea, and NATO members, which rely on the U.S. for a “nuclear umbrella,” have also refrained from signing.

Chikamitsu Izumi, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs, stated that the Japan Council’s award “will energize the efforts to advance the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.” He urged the Japanese government to consider participating in the treaty’s state parties’ meetings as an observer since Japan has yet to sign or ratify the treaty.

Hamasu Jiro, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Japan Council, emphasized that their activities will continue as long as the Japanese government has not signed the TPNW. He remarked, “This is not just an issue for atomic bomb survivors; we hope to gain more support from young people to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons as soon as possible.”

Mokumoto Tomoyuki, another representative from the Japan Council, could not hold back his tears during a press conference in Hiroshima upon learning of their Nobel Prize win, calling it surreal.

Leaders of Japan’s opposition parties have called on the government to join the TPNW. Koike Akira, secretary-general of the Japanese Communist Party, stressed that “the Japanese government should participate in the treaty.” Meanwhile, Mizuho Fukushima, chairperson of the Social Democratic Party, highlighted that the award sends a strong message urging Japan to ratify the treaty.

Former Senator Renho also took to social media, stating that how the Japanese government transforms the Nobel Peace Prize into concrete actions, including participating as an observer in the TPNW, will be a topic of discussion in the upcoming general elections.

While the Japanese government and ruling party leaders celebrated the Japan Council’s achievement, the recognition of an organization that opposes nuclear deterrence might negatively impact discussions surrounding the U.S. commitment to maintaining and strengthening its nuclear deterrence capabilities for its allies.

In an interview, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Yoshihisa described the award as “remarkable and very welcome.” Former Prime Minister Kishida Fumio expressed his heartfelt congratulations via social media, and LDP Secretary-General Moriiyama Hiroshi welcomed the news.

However, the genuine reactions were not solely celebratory, as significant divides remain between the Japanese government and the Japan Council regarding the approach to nuclear disarmament and deterrence policies.

Faced with the impasse over nuclear weapons, Japan, the only country to have suffered atomic bombings, seeks to advocate for nuclear disarmament internationally while simultaneously relying on the United States for nuclear deterrence.

The Japanese government’s longstanding stance has been to maintain a strong nuclear deterrent through close cooperation with the U.S., aiming to serve as a “bridge” between nuclear and non-nuclear states, with the goal of eventual disarmament.

The Japan Council, however, opposes the nuclear deterrent policy and has consistently criticized the government’s efforts to sustain that deterrence.

Despite the Council’s calls for Japan to join the TPNW, the government remains cautious, noting the absence of signatures from nuclear-armed states, which hampers any substantial progress on the treaty.

Even Kishida, who has championed nuclear disarmament, has distanced himself from the Japan Council’s positions. Current Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has even suggested exploring “nuclear sharing” with the U.S. in his writings to American think tanks, positioning him as a proponent of strengthening nuclear deterrence.

Yoshihiko Noda, the head of the largest opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party, criticized Ishiba’s statements, labeling him a leader who contradicts the Japan Council’s efforts.