Children of A-bomb survivors pick up push for peaceーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Nihon Hidankyo: Japanese organization of atomic bomb survivors.
• Hibakusha: Japanese term for atomic bomb survivors.
• Second Generation Hibakusha: Children of atomic bomb survivors taking up peace activism.
• Nuclear Disarmament: The act of reducing or eliminating nuclear weapons.
• Peace Education: Efforts to promote understanding and prevent conflict.

The Continuing Legacy: Second Generation Carrying the Torch for Peace

This report details the increased activity within Nihon Hidankyo, the organization of atomic bomb survivors, following their receipt of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, and the crucial role now being played by the children of survivors – the “second generation hibakusha” – in continuing their peace advocacy work. The report highlights the urgency of this transition given the aging and declining health of the original survivors.

The Aging of the First Generation & Revival Efforts

Iikida Setso, 76, chair of an atomic bomb survivors group near Hiroshima, exemplifies the challenges faced by Nihon Hidankyo. His mother was a victim of the 1945 bombing. He states, “Even if we influence just one or two people, I want to expand our activities to those around us and the younger generation.” The group had previously disbanded due to the aging of its members, but Iikida revived it in 2019, collaborating with other children of survivors. Despite battling cancer, Iikida remains actively engaged, recognizing the increasing need for advocacy. The report notes a sobering statistic: over the past six years, 16 atomic bomb survivors and two of their children have passed away, intensifying the pressure on the second generation to take up the mantle.

Direct Engagement with Youth & a Call to Awareness

Iikida actively engages in peace education, visiting junior high schools to share his family’s story. He urges students to “listen to [his] story and take this as an opportunity to think about what we can do,” emphasizing the relevance of the atomic bombing to their current lives and the importance of considering peace as a directly affecting issue. He acknowledges that despite the Nobel Peace Prize, “the world hasn’t changed much,” underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance.

From Detachment to Dedication: Otani’s Journey

The report then focuses on Otani, 67, whose parents were exposed to radiation and grandparents perished in the Nagasaki bombing. Initially, as a teenager, Otani felt disconnected from the experiences of her parents, dismissing peaceful protests as ineffective: “When I lived in Nagasaki and saw the news of people staging a sit-in in front of the peace statue, I thought sitting down doesn't make nuclear weapons disappear.” However, becoming a mother prompted a profound shift in perspective, allowing her to empathize with the suffering of her ancestors. The Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Nihon Hidankyo served as a catalyst, reinforcing the value of their efforts. Otani states, “The sit-in wasn't in vain. I had the feeling that the whole world empathized with the feelings of the atomic bomb survivors.” This realization motivated her to become chair of her local, previously dormant, atomic bomb survivors group.

A Sense of Mission & the Power of Testimony

Otani’s approach emphasizes conveying the horrors of the atomic bomb through testimonies and exhibitions. She articulates a powerful shift in motivation, stating, “It's more like I want to do it. It's not so much you have to do these things as it's a sense of mission.” This highlights a deeply personal and internally driven commitment to the cause.

Rising Nuclear Tensions & the Importance of Momentum

The report concludes by emphasizing the increasing importance of these efforts in the context of rising global nuclear tensions. The momentum generated by Nihon Hidankyo’s Nobel Peace Prize is seen as crucial for sustaining and expanding peace advocacy, particularly through the dedication of the second generation hibakusha.

Technical Terms

• Hibakusha (被爆者): A Japanese term literally meaning "explosion-affected person," referring to people who experienced the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
• Radiation Exposure: The process of being exposed to ionizing radiation, which can cause various health problems, including cancer.
• Nuclear Disarmament: The act of reducing or eliminating nuclear weapons.

Synthesis

The report powerfully illustrates the intergenerational transmission of trauma and responsibility in the aftermath of the atomic bombings. As the original hibakusha age and pass away, their children are stepping forward, driven by a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to preventing future nuclear catastrophes. The Nobel Peace Prize has served as a vital catalyst, validating decades of advocacy and inspiring a new generation to carry on the crucial work of peace education and nuclear disarmament. The shift from initial detachment to a deeply felt sense of mission, as exemplified by Otani’s story, underscores the enduring power of personal connection and the importance of preserving the memories of the atomic bombings for future generations.