Hibakusha’s Message for the Next Generation
Empress Reflects on Nobel Prize Awarded to Hiroshima and Nagasaki Survivors
Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s wife, Empress Masako, expressed her thoughts on the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, an organization of survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
“I felt anew the importance for the people of the world to strive for mutual understanding and work together in order to build a peaceful world,” Empress Masako said in a statement released for her 61st birthday.
Her words came on the eve of 30 atomic bombing survivors attending the Nobel peace prize ceremony in Oslo. The prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo for its decades-long activism against nuclear weapons. The survivors, known as hibakusha, viewed it as a last chance to communicate their message to future generations. Terumi Tanaka, a 91-year-old Nagasaki survivor scheduled to speak at the award ceremony, pledged to reiterate his group’s demand for nuclear disarmament.
“I plan to make an even stronger plea for what hibakusha have sought and convey our hope for the younger generations to take over,” Tanaka said.
He stressed that, despite their individual struggles, hibakusha’s hope is that their suffering resonates with the world author’s note
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### A Legacy of Suffering and Hope
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### A Legacy of Struggle
Japan surrendered, ending nearly a half-century of aggressive pursuits in Asia. The war, fought in the name of Emperor Hirohito, grandfather of Emperor Naruhito,
How can individuals effectively convey the hibakusha’s message to younger generations who may not have direct memories or understanding of the atomic bombings?
## Hibakusha’s Message for the Next Generation: An Interview
**Host:** Today, we’re discussing the profound message of the hibakusha, the survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, particularly in light of the recent Nobel Peace Prize awarded to these courageous individuals. Joining me is Dr. Sato, a historian who has dedicated his career to understanding the experiences of the hibakusha. Dr. Sato, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Sato:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Empress Masako recently spoke about the hibakusha on her 61st birthday, reflecting on the Nobel Prize win and expressing her thoughts on the ongoing impact of their experiences. What do you think she was trying to convey with her message? [[1]](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/12/09/japan/empress-masako-61-birthday/)
**Dr. Sato:** I believe Empress Masako’s message underscores the enduring relevance of the hibakusha’s story. By highlighting the Nobel Prize, she’s emphasizing the global recognition of their suffering and their tireless work for peace. It’s a reminder that their message transcends generations and national borders.
**Host:** What is the key message the hibakusha hope to pass on to future generations?
**Dr. Sato:** The hibakusha, through their testimonies and activism, call for a world free of nuclear weapons. They share their stories not to incite fear but to educate and inspire. They want future generations to understand the devastating consequences of nuclear war and to work towards a future where such horrors are never repeated.
**Host:** How can we, as individuals, contribute to carrying forward the hibakusha’s message?
**Dr. Sato:** We can start by educating ourselves and others about the history of the atomic bombings and the experiences of the hibakusha. Supporting organizations that promote nuclear disarmament and working towards a more peaceful world are also crucial steps. Most importantly, we must listen to the hibakusha, learn from their wisdom, and carry their message of hope and peace forward.
**Host:** Dr. Sato, thank you for sharing your insights. The message of the hibakusha is truly a timeless one, calling for a world where peace and humanity prevail.
