Exhibit traces 70-year history of Japan A-bomb victims group Nihon Hidankyo

The Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, commonly known as Nihon Hidankyo, opened an exhibition in Tokyo to commemorate its 70th year of existence. The display, located in Suginami Ward, features photographs and documents detailing the group's activities, including its recent Nobel Peace Prize win in 2024.

The exhibition, organized jointly by Nihon Hidankyo, the National Federation of University Co-operative Associations, and the nonprofit No More Hibakusha Project, aims to raise awareness about the organization's work and its legacy.

Administrative officer Akira Hirai of the collaborating nonprofit group emphasized the importance of educating people, particularly younger generations, about the group's contributions. He noted that while many associate Nihon Hidankyo with anti-nuclear activism, they may not be aware of its extensive efforts to collect and document anti-nuclear materials, primarily from the survivors of the 1945 Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings, known as hibakusha.

As the hibakusha age, passing on their experiences becomes increasingly vital. Hirai, 72, reflected on the challenge of determining what aspects of the hibakusha stories should be shared. Visitor Miki Ando, a second-generation hibakusha, admitted to lacking extensive knowledge of the bombings during her upbringing. However, after engaging with the exhibition, she recognized the significance of advocating for these issues.

Another visitor, Mitsue Satake, 58, shared her intention to learn more about the subject and acknowledged the importance of conveying the information to others.