23 July 2025, Japan – Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, three organizations calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons, including the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, issued a joint statement on the 23rd, calling for “the most important thing is to raise awareness in Japan and around the world about the inhumanity of nuclear weapons, regardless of differences of position.”
The statement was issued by the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo), the Japan Council Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (Gensuikyo), and the Japan Congress Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (Gensuikin), who held a press conference in Tokyo on the 23rd.
The statement noted that the current international situation “is at a critical juncture, sometimes described as ‘on the brink,’ with the danger of nuclear weapons use and growing reliance on ‘nuclear deterrence.’“
It also criticized the Japanese government’s refusal to join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, despite being the only country to have suffered atomic bombings in war. The statement emphasized: “Today, as the risk of nuclear use increases, the role of the Japanese movement is becoming increasingly important. To fulfill that responsibility, it is of utmost importance that we transcend all differences in position, pass on the reality of the atomic bombings, and speak out—in Japan and around the world—about the inhumanity of nuclear weapons.“
Tanaka Yoshimi, representative of the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, said:
Looking at past situations, we are currently living in a very difficult time. However, I hope this appeal will serve as an opportunity to spread the call for the abolition of nuclear weapons around the world.
Japan Council Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs and Gensuikin Issue Unprecedented Joint Statement
It is unusual for the Japan Council Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (Gensuikyo) and the Japan Congress Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (Gensuikin) to issue a joint statement.
Gensuikyo was formed in 1955 as a nationwide peace organization advocating for the abolition of nuclear weapons, in response to growing public protests over the radiation exposure of the crew of the Japanese tuna fishing boat Daigo Fukuryu Maru in 1954, during a U.S. hydrogen bomb test at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific.
However, internal differences emerged over issues such as nuclear testing by the Soviet Union. As a result, members aligned with the then-Japan Socialist Party withdrew from Gensuikyo and established Gensuikin in 1965.
Since then, the two organizations have continued their activities separately. The latest joint statement, however, was announced by the three groups—including the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo)—after repeated discussions between Gensuikyo and Gensuikin to mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings. At a press conference on the 23rd, Tsuchida Yayoi, Deputy Secretary General of the Japan Council Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs, said:
It is of great significance that the three parties have agreed to issue such an important appeal. What matters is not which organization made the appeal, but that all citizens inherit the true meaning of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Masashi Tani, Secretary General of Gensuikin, also commented:
The world is paying close attention to how we will mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings. There is a historical background to this, but we do not have the luxury of time to dwell on it. I hope this appeal will serve as a tailwind for each organization.
*This article is an automated translation of the original Japanese source. The original article is credited to NHK and can be found at:
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250723/k10014872421000.html